A vehicle accident involving human/wildlife interaction leaves both dead.
The collision involved a Florida man, John Hopkins (59), and an 11-foot alligator. The wreck happened just after midnight when Hopkins veered off the road and flipped into a ditch due to the alligator being in the roadway.
Hopkins was pronounced deceased at the scene. The alligator also died.
It is estimated that there are 1.3 million alligators in the 67 counties in Florida.
This is another example of why conservation is vital for wildlife survival. According to State Farm, it is estimated there are over 2 million animal collision insurance claims a year in the US.
When animals become overpopulated in an area, you see an increase in human/wildlife interaction. This causes issues within communities and is also a threat to wildlife.
