By Carol Wyatt
Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday to the area of 2207 Sapp Road in Cottondale near the Jackson and Washington county line to the report of an alligator that had been struck by a car.
Witnesses say the alligator was first spotted in the area as early as 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.
FWC states a contracted nuisance alligator trapper was dispatched to the scene to trap the 10-foot. long alligator; however, the animal died of its injuries soon after the trapper arrived.
The agency reminds residents to never feed an alligator and keep their distance if they encounter one.
“Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists,” states FWC through their website. “Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, but if you are concerned about an alligator, call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.”
KINSLEY COOK 
GARRETT VALCOURT