Residents of Viera are fighting to keep Pete, a 6-foot alligator, in a local retention pond after a nuisance complaint prompted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to issue a 45-day permit for his removal. The permit was granted to a contracted trapper following a complaint filed with the Pangea Park HOA, though the HOA has stated it does not handle alligator complaints or make removal decisions. Pete and his 6-foot companion, Buddy, have lived in the pond for years, with residents describing Pete as non-aggressive and wary of humans. A Change.org petition to save Pete has garnered over 320 signatures since the permit was issued on Sept. 10, 2026.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s permit specifically targets Pete, while Buddy is not included. The trapper is legally responsible if they mistakenly remove Buddy instead. Despite the permit, Pete has not been caught, and residents continue to monitor the pond. Kate Mitchell, a local resident and petition organizer, said removing Pete would disrupt the community’s understanding of the area’s wildlife. “We lose predictability if Pete is removed,” she said. “We’re asking for an objective look at whether this is the best long-term outcome.”
The Pangea Park HOA clarified in a Facebook post that it does not manage alligator complaints, emphasizing it would face liability if it did. The HOA’s statement comes as residents debate the balance between wildlife management and community safety. Pete has not shown aggressive behavior toward people, according to advocates, who argue his presence is a known factor in the pond’s ecosystem.
Residents say they have no intention of harming Pete but want to ensure his removal is not rushed. The 45-day permit allows time for further discussion, though no timeline for a decision has been announced. Buddy remains in the pond, and residents are hoping the FWC will reconsider Pete’s fate based on community input and his non-threatening history.