Disney Knew Park Was Infested With Alligators Before Boy's Death, Pulled 'Hundreds' From Waters

Walt Disney World (WDW) in Orlando, Florida, was reportedly aware of its park's alligator problem before a boy's death in 2016, according to Friday reports. The number of alligators found at the famed park rose after 2-year-old Lane Graves died in 2016 from an alligator attack in the Seven Seas Lagoon.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) removed 24 alligators from Disney properties shortly after Graves' death, with removals more than doubling to 83. Over 220 of the reptilian animals have reportedly been captured and taken out of the theme park between May 2006 and August 2015.

"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 & Wildlife Conservation Commission to remove or relocate certain wildlife from our property in accordance with state regulations," WDW spokesperson Jacquee Wahler said in a statement, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The animals were caught and removed as a part of the FWC's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). An alligator may qualify as a nuisance if it measures out to be at least four feet long and poses a potential threat. If a complaint made about the alligator meets SNAP's requirements, a permit will be issued to permit the animal's removal.

"Complainants must be able to grant legal access to the property on which the alligator is located," FWC's website reads. "SNAP does not permit the removal of nuisance alligators from private or publicly managed property without first obtaining permission from the property owner or management authority."

SNAP captured 8,118 alligators in 2016 after receiving 12,772 complaints.

There are approximately 1.3 million alligators that inhabit all wild regions in Flordia. Alligators attacks do occur, but they are rare. The reptilian creature is likely to strike at night, which biologist Allan Woodward explained is "generally the time that alligators increase their feeding rate," according to Reuters.

Alligators can be spotted in eastern Florida city's freshwater lakes, slow-moving rivers and wetlands. They can also be found in brackish water habitats, which is water that possesses slightly more salt.

Representatives for Walt Disney World and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation did not immediately return International Business Times' request for comment.