Drone use is illegal in Everglades National Park

Video of gator eating drone goes viral

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News

Posted 9/5/21

Everglades National Park asks visitors to leave their drones at home.

In a recent post on social media, park officials explained: "Drones and alligators don't mix. You may have seen a …

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Drone use is illegal in Everglades National Park

Video of gator eating drone goes viral

National Park Service

Posted Sunday, September 5, 2021 9:46 am

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News

Everglades National Park asks visitors to leave their drones at home.

In a recent post on social media, park officials explained: "Drones and alligators don't mix. You may have seen a recent viral video of an alligator catching and chomping on a drone. We've seen it too. Thanks to all who have expressed concern.

"While we don't know for sure where that was taken, here's a few reminders for when you visit Everglades National Park:

"1. Harassing wildlife is prohibited in the park. The maximum fine for wildlife harassment is $5,000.

"2. Drones are prohibited in the park for many reasons. Most importantly, they disturb wildlife, wilderness, and the visitor experience.

"3. The safest way to view wildlife is to keep yourself AND your equipment at least 15 feet away. When you visit national parks, you are entering animals’ habitats and should behave like a polite guest. In general, if animals react to your presence, you are too close. If you’re close enough for a selfie, you’re definitely too close. Use binoculars or a zoom lens and move back if wildlife approaches you.

"Let wildlife be wild."

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