'Gator Whisperer' Denies Harassing Reptiles

A self-proclaimed "alligator whisperer" who is accused in Florida of harassing the reptiles says he has done nothing wrong.

Hal Kreitman, of Miami Beach, is facing multiple charges over his up-close interactions with the creatures.

The 51-year-old has posted videos online of himself petting the alligators and even giving one a kiss on the nose.

The former chiropractor, who calls himself "The Haligator", was arrested in the Florida Keys on 29 October.

Undercover wildlife officials reported seeing him lead guests into the Everglades for encounters with the reptiles.

Police also said he began charging tourists $250 (£157) to come and see him in the water with the creatures.

Kreitman faces a felony charge of enticing and capturing an alligator, which he denies.

He told Sky News: "As an intuitive and spiritual person, I've always had a natural affinity with animals.

"We have this impression that alligators are vicious, aggressive, rip-you-apart kind of animals, but that's a big misconception.

"Alligators are more apt to flee than attack. When I'm in the water, I'm thinking what he's thinking; he's thinking what I'm thinking. I think the alligator feels peace.

"It's always the dominant male that approaches me and there's no attempt to bite."

The childless divorcee was released on $2,500 bail following a hearing on Friday.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says Kreitman's actions are dangerous.

It said in a statement: "Interacting with them in this manner in the wild is considered harassment of a protected species, and it is illegal under Florida Statute."

Authorities also say some of the alligators Kreitman interacted with may have to be killed because they have lost their natural fear of humans.

Kreitman acknowledged his pastime is risky.

"I'm not going to say I'm never going to get bit," he told Sky News, "but if I do get bit it's my fault, not the alligator's."

He faces an arraignment hearing on 18 November.