As Florida’s weather warms and alligator mating season approaches, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid conflicts with the state’s iconic reptile.
Florida boasts a thriving alligator population, estimated at 1.3 million, inhabiting wetlands across all 67 counties. While alligator encounters are common, serious injuries are rare, thanks to FWC’s efforts to educate the public.
READ: Florida Kayaker Rushed To Hospital After Alligator Bites Her Elbow
However, as alligators become more active during mating season, it’s crucial to remember these safety tips:
- Maintain a Safe Distance: If you spot an alligator, keep your distance. If you have concerns about an alligator’s presence, call the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
- Keep Pets Leashed and Away from Water: Pets can resemble an alligator’s natural prey. Keep them on a leash and away from the water’s edge.
- Swim Only in Designated Areas and During Daylight: Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours, and without your pets.
- Never Feed Alligators: Feeding alligators is illegal and dangerous. It causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food, leading to nuisance behavior and potential removal from the wild.
The FWC emphasizes that understanding and respecting alligator behavior is crucial for safe coexistence. By following these tips, Floridians and visitors can enjoy the state’s natural beauty while minimizing the risk of alligator encounters.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
