It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone. Always be careful around water. Splashing can attract alligators that think a prey animal is injured. They may act on instinct and attack. Or, a protective female may believe her young or eggs are threatened and take defensive action.
Be cautious when fishing in waters with alligators, as some will not hesitate to grab a hooked fish or eat the fish on a stringer. Do not corner alligators if participating in recreational activities, such as skiing, canoeing, kayaking, or even taking photographs. These behaviors can make them feel threatened, causing them to react defensively. Do not panic if an alligator slips off the bank into the water. It is highly unlikely that it is coming to attack you; it is simply trying to move to another location where it feels safer.
But please remember that they are wild animals and should be respected as such. Once they become too familiar with people, they lose their fear of humans, necessitating their removal from the area for the safety of everyone concerned.
A few precautions on our part can help both humans and alligators co-exist safely. Hatchling reared at SREL. Herp Home. SREL Home. You are most likely to encounter alligators: 1 when they are basking beside water bodies 2 if you approach a female alligator or her babies 3 while conducting recreational activities e. Those remote areas already have healthy alligator populations with established social structures.
FWC says the introduction of a new alligator would likely cause fighting, and possibly result in the death of a resident alligator or the introduced alligator. According to FWC, the odds of being seriously injured during an unprovoked alligator incident in Florida is about one in 3. In , statistics show 9 people were bitten by alligators. Of those, 8 were considered major and one was fatal. However unlikely serious injury may be, you should still take steps and precautions to avoid coming into contact with alligators.
If you come across an alligator you believe poses a threat, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at For more information on living with alligators, click here. You can also print this brochure from FWC to keep these tips handy in your home.
News Local News. Actions Facebook Tweet Email. Your guide to living with alligators in Florida. Alligators overcome their natural shyness and become accustomed or attracted to humans when fed. Do - inform others that feeding alligators creates problems for others who want to use the water for recreational purposes. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators, the end result can be the same.
Do - dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at most boat ramps or fish camps. It is a violation of state law to do so. Alligators do not become tame in captivity and handling even small ones may result in bites. In particular, never go near baby alligators or pick them up.
They may seem cute and harmless, but mama alligator will be nearby, and will protect her clutch for at least two years. Do - enjoy viewing and photographing wild alligators from a safe distance of at least 30 feet or more. Remember that they're an important part of Texas's natural history, as well as an integral component of many wetland ecosystems.
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