The Gator Boys, Paul Bedard and Jimmy Riffle, were two extraordinary alligator trappers who were fearless go-to-guys to catch deadly 1,000-pound reptiles in South Florida. Capturing alligators from shocking locations like swimming pools, master bedrooms, backyards, golf courses, or outdoor cafés was a walk in the park for the duo.
The Gator Boys used to operate an animal facility in the Everglades, and their goal was to capture nuisance gators and other wildlife and move them safely to their natural habitat before trappers could kill the animals for their skin and meat.
With 30 years of experience between them, Paul Bedard and Jimmy Riffle successfully rescued and wrangled gators with their bare hands and saved locals from many perilous situations. Their heroic acts were even captured on camera.
The Gator Boys adventure aired its first season in 2012 on Animal Planet. The show lasted for six seasons, with the final episode airing in February 2015 on the network. But the end of the show marked the beginning of a new mission. The Gator Boys are now advocating and pressing on policy reform for the safe habitation of these vulnerable beings.
Where are The Gator Boys now?
The Gator Boys show revolved around Paul Bedard and Jimmy Riffle, showcasing their extraordinary talent for hand wrangling and wrestling the alligators found in gator-infested Florida and leaving them in their natural habitat. The small team, led by seasoned trapper and handler Bedard, held the gators without the help of ropes, hooks, and cages.
The show gave its audience a new perspective on the reptile and its ecological significance, along with debunking myths and misconceptions surrounding the creature. But despite striking a chord with the audience, the show came to an end.
The duo, however, continued working towards a better habitat for the alligators. They participated actively in research endeavors, reached out to wildlife organizations, and delivered educational initiatives in schools.
They understood that the gators needed a safe haven due to rapid climate change, erosion, and climate change. In recent years, the Gator Boys have turned to advocacy and policy reform.
They are voicing out against stringent regulations governing alligator hunting and the preservation of habitats. Their goal is to give alligators a natural habitat, saving them from the verge of extinction. Today, the Gator Boys are collaborating with policy architects, scientists, and conservationists to find the solution.
What are The Gator Boys Team Today?
Jimmy Riffle started working with native and exotic wildlife under the supervision of Mike “Skeet” Johns at the Native Village in Hollywood, Florida, at the age of eleven. He met his partner and good friend Paul Bedard at the Native Village when Jimmy was a young volunteer there. The duo worked side by side, wrangling gators and catching venomous snakes.
According to Croc Encounters, Jimmy says, “The learning experience I get everyday working with wildlife and meeting new people is a blessing from God. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
And Riffle did continue catching alligators till he left the team in 2017, citing exhaustion and burnout. But even today, he is doing his bit for alligator conservation through his company, Gator Boys Inc.
Even Paul Bedard is working towards conserving the gators along with managing his restaurant, Gator Boys Grill.
Meanwhile, third member Ashley, who too played a significant role in the team, has now made her career as a real estate agent.
Have you ever watched The Gator Boys? Who was the favorite among the duo?
Do answer us know in the comment section below.
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