Guide to Florida’s Alligators Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists. Because of their predatory nature and large size (up to 14 feet in length and weighing as much as 1,000 pounds), alligators sometimes attack pets and livestock. Unfortunately, humans are occasionally attacked, and in rare instances, killed by large alligators. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) annually receives more than 18,000 alligator-related complaints. Most of these complaints deal with alligators occurring in places such as backyard ponds, canals, ditches and streams, but other conflicts occur in garages, pools and in golf course ponds. In many cases, if left alone, alligators will eventually retreat to more-preferred, isolated areas away from people. There have been several occassions within our own community where we have seen alligators on our property, especially when the water tables are low and with being so close to South Lake. In one instance, Mr. Thomas came out one morning to go to work and found an alligator resting underneath his vehicle. In another instance, Mr. Stiles went around the side of his house and found a 5 foot alligater laying next to his fence. either of these incidents could have resulted in harm to children or pets. Gator Encounters If you should encounter an alligator over four feet in length and you believe it poses a threat to humans or property, please call 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286). The FWC will evaluate your complaint, and if necessary send a registered trapper to remove the alligator. Safety Tips The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission suggests these safety tips concerning alligators: Don't bother them and usually they won't bother you Don't swim outside posted swimming areas or in waters that might contain large alligators and swim with a partner. Don't swim at night. Don't feed alligators. It's against the law and causes gators to lose their natural fear of humans. Don't throw fish scraps into the water or along the shore. Don't allow dogs to swim in areas used by gators. Every year, many dogs are attacked and killed by alligators. Don't kill, harass or attempt to move an alligator. It is protected by law. Don't try to make a pet of a gator. Don't play with baby alligators. The mother probable is nearby. Be aware of the possibility of alligator attacks when in or near fresh or brackish waterbodies. Attacks may occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings when working or recreating near water. Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. Never allow small children to play unsupervised near water. Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas or in waters that might be inhabited by large alligators. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Therefore, swim only during daylight hours. Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possession of alligators. Never feed or entice alligators - it’s dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. Inform others that feeding alligators is illegal and creates problems for others who want to use the water for recreational purposes. Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at boat ramps and fish camps - do not throw them in the water. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators when you do this, the end result can be the same. Don’t allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators or in designated swimming areas with humans. Dogs are more susceptible to being attacked than humans, because dogs resemble the natural prey of alligators. Never remove an alligator from its natural habitat or accept one as a pet. It is illegal and dangerous to do so. Handling even small alligators can result in injury. Observe and photograph alligators only from a distance. Remember, they’re an important part of Florida’s natural history as well as an integral component of freshwater ecosystems. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an alligator. Alligator bites often result in serious infection.