DEBARY, Fla. — A DeBary man is facing charges after illegally killing five small alligators for his Super Bowl dinner.
The story unfolded in a mobile home park Sunday, where a resident saw 30-year-old Richard Nixie bringing in the baby gators to butcher.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said Nixie admitted to trapping alligators less than 5 feet in length and cutting off their tails for his Super Bowl dinner. He's accused of possession and taking alligators without a proper tag.
While at least one neighbor called authorities, another said she didn’t see any harm in the incident.
"I mean, the gators used to be endangered and there's tons of them all over the place now," said laura Purcaro. "It's almost like doing a favor. He's just going to eat them."
The American alligator is listed as a threatened species and, like most wild animals, can't be hunted without a proper license.
Nixie was released from Volusia County Jail after posting a $500 bond. He's scheduled to appear in court March 3.
WFTV
