FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Two Broward County airboat captains are charged with illegally feeding alligators and a third with molesting an alligator following an undercover investigation.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers posed as tourists and went on airboat tours offered by Everglades Holiday Park.

They saw tourists, including children, leaning over boats with cameras as alligators approached seeking food. One large alligator bumped a boat.

All charges are second degree misdemeanors, which carry a penalty of up to 60 days and a $500 fine.

Everglades Holiday Park owner Clint Bridges said he doesn't condone the behavior, and he makes all captains sign a list of rules that clearly states they should not feed alligators. He said the captains will be punished.


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