Here is Fl. they are protected too but if they are considered a hazard such as in a development the Game & Fish has a trapper that will relocate them if over 6 or 7 feet. We have them in our canal that runs along our pasture and as long as they leave our cows alone we leave them alone otherwise they would have to shall we say disappear. In 45 years we have never had a cow taken down even tho they often have ther calves right on the canal bank. Only once did I see one come up out of the canal and the cows all ran over to observe dumb cows. He opened his mouth and I thought sure he would get one but he didn't. Guess that one wasn't hungry that day. I'm not a good shot with a high powered rifle at a long distance only with my 22 and I don't think that would have bothered him at all.
Hope no one around you is feeding it. That's the biggest mistake lots of people make and then they loose their fear of humans. BTW they can out run a horse for a number of yards before giving up. Personally I don't go hear them cause I know there a lot faster than I am. My friend that lives on a 900 acre ranch and has cows has lost a few to gators plus gators love to eat dogs. PLEASE don't get close to any unless you are armed and a very good shot.
Bonnie
