FAWC Animal Treatment Statement
The FAWC is fully committed to ensuring the much deserved respect, safety, and health of each alligator that enters any and all FAWC Events. The FAWC is a self regulated association that strictly adheres to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations for the treatment and transportation of alligators. With that said, alligator “wrestling” is a centuries old tradition of Native Americans, in which the animals are caught and subdued in a manner more humane than what is allowed by the government. Competitors demonstrate a barehanded capture technique derived from Native Americans that in no way puts the alligator’s life in danger nor causes pain. The alligators used in the competitions are rescued animals saved from trappers that were scheduled for destruction. FAWC alligators are also used for educational purposes while they are in captivity which are FWC inspected facilities. Thank You.