As the weather gets warmer, and mating season approaches, Florida’s staple of nature, the alligator, can become more active and visible before they again retreat from the fiercest heat in the dog-days of summer.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) calls the American alligator 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 said.
While serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, 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.
So, the FWC recommends to: Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator. If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-3924286), and we 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 an alligator becoming a nuisance and needing to be removed from the wild.
Access safety information resources (in both English and Spanish) by visiting MyFWC. com/Alligator and clicking on “Living with Alligators.”
