Gators belong here. They are native to this habitat, and essential to its maintenance and health. The exotics that have been infiltrating the 'glades are capable of actually causing extreme damage to the environment, like this plague of Burmese Pythons which is trashing the birdlife (wih the possible exception of these purple swamphens).This is not just an academic consideration. This damage is changing the land, and when coupled with habitat destruction, destroys it's economic as well as its esthetic resources. This is why we live in a swamp but we're running out of water. Right now, there is a crisis with all the different critters (and exotic flora, too) out there that don't belong here.

Besides, what's wrong with 'gators? I enjoy living in a state where prehistoric reptiles are a threat to children, the elderly and pets. And, they're very good for tourism.