As temperatures rise and alligator mating season nears, Florida residents may notice increased activity among the state’s American alligator population. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued guidance to help ensure safety during this time.
The American alligator is considered a conservation success in Florida, with a stable population of approximately 1.3 million individuals across all 67 counties. They inhabit wetlands where there is sufficient food and shelter.
Although serious injuries from alligators are rare, the FWC emphasizes the importance of taking precautionary measures to minimize potential conflicts. “Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator,” advises the FWC. For concerns about an alligator, residents are encouraged to contact FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). The commission will then send a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to address the situation.
Other recommended precautions include keeping pets on leashes and away from water edges, as pets can resemble natural prey for alligators. Swimming should be limited to designated areas during daylight hours without pets present since “alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.”
Feeding alligators is both illegal and dangerous because it causes them to associate humans with food availability, potentially turning them into nuisances that require removal from their natural habitats.
Safety information resources are available in both English and Spanish on MyFWC.com/Alligator under “Living with Alligators.”
