Penalties and fines for feeding alligators are being enforced.

State officials say they hope the penalties and fines leveled against a Charlotte County couple for feeding an alligator will serve as a warning to others.

Thirty-six-year-old James Jones and 35-year-old Jackie O'Neil were arrested last month. They have received six months probation and must pay court costs of 220 dollars and a fine of 200 dollars.

Wildlife officials say people shouldn't feed alligators because they'll associate humans with food, increasing the risk of an attack.

Since 1948, some 340 people have been attacked by alligators and 17 have died in Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it continually has to educate the public about why they shouldn't feed alligators and the penalties for doing so.

In July, a Charlotte County man became the latest victim.