Alligator killed after eating cat

PALM BAY -- An alligator that ate a cat in a Palm Bay neighborhood has been captured and killed.

Robert Geraci, the resident who initially reported the alligator, says a nuisance trapper caught the 8-foot-long alligator Wednesday evening. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had issued a permit for the trapper after receiving calls from residents in the retirement community.

Geraci says he heard loud splashing in the canal behind his mobile home park Tuesday morning. Geraci looked out and saw the cat in the gator’s mouth.

FWC spokeswoman Joy Hill says it’s common for alligators to go after cats and dogs. She also warned that it’s mating season for alligators, making them even more aggressive.

This story was originally published May 13, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Alligator killed after eating cat."