Newly obtained state records reveal that wildlife trappers have removed at least 414 nuisance alligators from Walt Disney World property since the tragic death of 2-year-old Lane Graves in 2016.
According to a report from News 6 – ClickOrlando, state-contracted trappers working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have continued removing potentially dangerous alligators from Disney property as part of Florida’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP).
Lane Graves was killed on June 14, 2016, while playing near the shoreline outside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A state investigation found that Graves was standing “ankle deep or less in the water” along the edge of Seven Seas Lagoon when an alligator pulled him into the water.
Records obtained by News 6 show that prior to the incident, an average of 23 alligators were removed from Walt Disney World property each year between 2008 and 2015. Following the tragedy, alligator removals increased significantly.
In 2016 alone, 83 alligators were captured and removed from Disney property. Another 57 were removed in 2017. From 2018 through 2025, an average of 36 alligators were removed annually, according to the report. State records also indicate that at least 12 nuisance alligators were captured during the first four months of 2026.
Disney has continued working closely with state wildlife officials on monitoring and removal efforts. In a statement previously provided to News 6, a Walt Disney World spokesperson said, “In keeping with our strong commitment to safety, we continue to reinforce procedures related to reporting sightings and interactions with wildlife, and work closely with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to remove or relocate certain wildlife from our property in accordance with state regulations.“
The FWC’s nuisance alligator program is designed to address alligators that pose a threat to people, pets, or property. According to FWC communications coordinator Hailee Seely, “The goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur.”
Following the 2016 incident, Disney’s approach to its waterways and beach-side resorts changed. While guests were once encouraged to enjoy beaches and waterfront areas around resort lakes, Disney installed fences, rock barriers, and expanded warning signage around waterways in the days following Graves’ death. The company also added public warning signs regarding alligators, snakes and wildlife, reinforced employee training regarding wildlife sightings, and further restricted access to natural bodies of water throughout the resort.
Florida’s alligator population is estimated at approximately 1.3 million animals, according to the FWC. While nuisance alligator removals continue across the state, officials say the program has little impact on the overall population.
Source: News 6 / ClickOrlando
