FWC’s tips for co-existing with alligators

With the warmer Central Florida spring weather now here, alligators will be becoming more active and visible.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the American alligator is a conservation success story in Florida. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. Alligators are found in all 67 counties, inhabiting all wetlands where there’s adequate food and shelter.

The FWC works to keep Floridians and visitors informed and recommends the following precautionary measures near alligators, including in or near the water, to reduce the chances of conflict: Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator. If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWC’s tollfree Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866392-4286. FWC will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.

Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. Pets often resemble alligators’ natural prey.

Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.

Never feed an alligator. It’s illegal and dangerous. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This can lead to dangerous circumstances for yourself and other people who could encounter the alligator in the future.