Gator Country

Deception, Danger, and Alligators in the Everglades

By: Rebecca Renner

Narrated by: John Pirhalla

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

This program features a bonus conversation between the author and Officer Jeff Babauta (who led the undercover investigation known as Operation Alligator Thief) and an introduction read by the author.

"John Pirhalla offers a first-rate narration. His facility with accents gives atmosphere to this true-crime work. He varies his tone, pitch, and cadence to good effect, and effectively handles both its hard-boiled police procedural aspects and the author's loving passages about the ecosystem at the center of the story."—AudioFile

David Grann meets Susan Orlean in this compelling true story of an underground operation into the mysterious world of alligator poaching and its larger than life Floridian characters

To catch a Florida Man, you have to become one, and that’s what Officer Jeff Babauta did. As his ponytailed, whiskey-soaked alter ego, he established Sunshine Alligator Farm. His goal? Infiltrate the shady world of illegal poachers in the Florida Everglades in order to protect the natural world.

A head-spinning adventure soon unfolds. Jeff deals with glow-in-the-dark alligators and high-speed airboat rides, but quickly learns that not all poachers are villains. They’re simply people trying to survive, fighting against the poverty and greed holding them down. Jeff wants to solve the mystery of alligator poachers, and in doing so he must venture deeper into a strange ecosystem where right is wrong, and justice comes at the cost of those who’ve welcomed him into their world.

Gator Country is the twisting true story of the impossible choices individuals must make to stay afloat in this world. Through its wholly unique blend of reporting, nature writing, and personal narrative, this book transports listeners to vibrant and dangerous Florida landscapes and offers intimate portraits of those who call the region home. Broad in scope and vivid in detail, Gator Country is a fast paced tale of the risks people will take to survive in one of the world's most beautiful yet formidable landscapes and the undercover investigation that threatens to topple the whole scheme.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Rebecca Renner (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Fascinating...Renner teases out the moral ambiguities with a grace and rigor reminiscent of Susan Orlean’s The Orchid Thief. Beautifully evoking the 'sawgrass plains and wild strands of jungle' of its author’s home state, this tale of power, politics, and tradition is a triumph."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Combining her skills for investigative reporting, nature writing, and personal anecdotes, Renner explores local folklore and legends, shares her personal experiences and observations... Renner’s passion for her home state, compassion for those less fortunate, and gift of storytelling make this book difficult to put down. Enlightening and full of suspense."—Kirkus, starred review

"In this fascinating blend of true crime and science reporting, Rebecca Renner’s Gator Country tracks Jeff Babauta, an unassuming undercover conservation agent who risks it all to infiltrate an alligator poaching operation in the treacherous Florida wetlands. Told with fierce loyalty to nature and compassion for humans, Renner’s Gator Country delivers all the suspense and subterfuge of a le Carré novel. It’ll even make you love alligators."—Erika Krouse, award-winning author of Tell Me Everything: The Story of a Private Investigation

Nice In-Depth Investigation

Renner does a great job of getting into the Everglades to explore this tale of alligator poachers. She is a good writer and exposes the atrocities destroying the flora and fauna in the unique region of the Everglades. We learn a lot about alligators and poaching in general. I would say she far exceeds the highly-honored Susan Orleans who does the same type of story. I was puzzled as to why the narration was done by a man.

Awe Inspiring Appreciation of Nature

The depth of the author’s knowledge about nature and the Everglades was impressive.
Knowing the dangers the wildlife officer faced and the fact he still took the assignment was a testament to his own love of wildlife. His personal conflict and self dialogue over his choices in turning in poachers made this a story of ethics and humanity, as well.

A Vivid Journey Through Florida's Wild Heart

In "Gator Country: Deception, Danger, and Alligators in the Everglades," author Rebecca Renner expertly captures the essence of Florida's untamed spirit. The narrative blends history, culture, and the natural world, offering an engaging and educational read. As a Floridian, I found Renner's skill in interweaving the state's lore, the tireless efforts of a lone FWC officer, and the resilient fish camp communities particularly moving.

The book left me thinking about my understanding of gators from the perspective of growing up in the Big Bend of Florida and learning in elementary school that someone shot "Old Joe," the legendary alligator of Wakulla Springs, for no reason. Renner's story gave me a better understanding of my local legend. I now imagine Old Joe as more than just a massive creature of 650 pounds and 11 feet long. Through her vivid storytelling, she elevates the alligator to a symbol of respect and discretion, integral to Florida's mythos.

Renner goes beyond mere alligator stories. She delves into the alligator's role in Florida's ecosystem, adeptly highlighting the contrasts and connections between the policymakers in the panhandle and the enigmatic Everglades of South Florida. Her exploration of how decisions made in Tallahassee affect the diverse regions of South Florida was reassuring as she wove the interconnected woof and warp of history, politics, and nature.

Moreover, Renner challenges the stereotypical view of the Everglades as merely a haven for mosquitoes and yellow flies. Her vivid writing reveals the region's true beauty and wonder, a place where the bellows of bull-gators and the cries of panthers resonate, urging us to cherish and understand this unique land.

In conclusion, "Gator Country" transcends being merely a book about alligators, much like Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings's works transcend being just about deer. It is a profound exploration of Florida's soul. Renner has created a book that is as enlightening as it is captivating, a must-read for anyone interested in Florida's natural and cultural heritage. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the creatures, people, and landscapes that define the state, deepening my appreciation for the place I once called home.

Great real life story!

The story was told just like mystery!
I loved true life stories and this taught me alot about a subject I had no knowledge of being that I'm from the midwest. I think it would make a great movie!

Dedication of Florida Wildlife Conservation officers.

Learn a lot about alligator egg poaching I didn’t know. Also, the danger of being an undercover agent.

Everything I never knew I needed to know about alligators

This was such a well written story on alligators and an undercover poaching operation. Loved every minute.

Gators and Game Wardens

An unbiased and fair exposition of the necessary responsibilities to preserve Florida’s wildlife. This book was so fun to listen to and I highly recommend it.

The love of nature

It made me rethink Florida and what the Everglades mean to us. I understand the Alligator so much more