Trapper Kills 9-Foot Gator He Says Killed Port Orange Dog

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Alligator gator

Update: The trapper who caught and killed a 9-foot 1-inch alligator on Wednesday says he got the right gator. The trapper said he found bones and hair in the animals stomach, evidence that the reptile killed a Port Orange family's dog.

A second alligator has been caught in the same Port Orange lake, and this one is over 11 feet long.

Port Orange, FL - A trapper has caught and killed a 9-foot alligator that is believed to have killed a 100-pound bulldog in Port Orange.

The dog vanished from its owner's yard on Thursday and a witness claimed to have seen it in a large gators mouth. The incident took place in a lake in Port Orange's Skylake subdivision. There are signs around the lake that warn residents of dangerous wildlife.

The owner contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and a licensed trapper was sent to capture the animal. A 9-foot alligator was captured around 1 PM on Wednesday in the same area that the dog was killed. FWC believes this is the gator that killed the dog.

According to Greg Workman, Public Information Coordinator for the FWC, they may be able to determine whether or not this alligator is the one that ate the dog by "examining the contents" of the animals stomach.

"This is an isolated incident," said Workman. "Please don't be discouraged to go out and recreate in our Florida waters." He went on to say "if you're going to have your dog in the water or if you're going to be swimming just make sure it's in an approved area." Workman recommends that people stick to areas where people frequently swim and be cautious at night when alligators are more active.

The photo with this article is a stock image only.

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