n

Never feed alligators its dangerous and

illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their
natural wariness and learn to associate people with
A Guide to
food. When this happens, some of these alligators
have to be removed and killed.
Living with
Alligators

n Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at boat
ramps and fish camps. Do not throw them into the
water. Although you are not intentionally feeding
alligators when you do this, the result can be the
same.

n Seek immediate medical attention if you are
bitten by an alligator. Alligator bites can result in
serious infections.

Janice Plain
n Observe and photograph alligators only from
a distance. Remember, theyre an important part
of Floridas natural history as well as an integral To report nuisance alligators call
component of aquatic ecosystems. 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

MyFWC.com/Alligator

Jamie Feddersen
Tim Donovan, FWC

Call 866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286) to report nuisance

alligators. Printed on recycled content. 02/2012
 call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-
GATOR (866-392-4286). Please be aware, nuisance
alligators are killed, not relocated.

n Be aware of the possibility of alligators when

you are in or near fresh or brackish water. Bites
may occur when people do not pay close enough
attention to their surroundings when working or
Tim Donovan, FWC
recreating near water.

Lizabeth West, FWC

n Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas
or in waters that might be inhabited by large
Alligators and People alligators.
Alligators are a fundamental part of Floridas wetlands,
swamps, rivers and lakes, and they are found in n Alligators are most active between dusk and
Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas or in all 67 counties. Florida continues to experience dawn. Therefore, avoid swimming at night.
waters that may be inhabited by alligators. human population growth. Many new residents seek
waterfront homes, resulting in increased interactions n Dogs and cats are similar in size to the natural
between people and alligators. prey of alligators. Dont allow pets to swim, exercise
Living with Alligators or drink in or near waters that may contain
In Florida, the growing number of people living Although most Floridians understand that we have alligators. Dogs often attract an alligators interest,
and recreating near water has led to a steady rise alligators living in our state, the potential for conflict so do not swim with your dog.
in the number of alligator-related complaints. exists. Because of their predatory nature, alligators
The majority of these complaints relate to may target pets and livestock as prey. Unfortunately, n Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits
alligators being where they simply arent wanted. people also are occasionally bitten. Since 1948, Florida killing, harassing or possessing alligators. Handling
Because of these complaints, the Florida Fish and has averaged about five unprovoked bites per year. even small alligators can result in injury.
Wildlife Conservation Commissions Statewide During that period, a little more than 300 unprovoked
Nuisance Alligator Program permits the killing of bites to people have been documented in Florida, with
approximately 7,000 nuisance alligators each year. 22 resulting in deaths.
Using this approach, and through increased public
awareness, the rate of alligator bites on people has In the past 10 years, the Florida Fish and Wildlife
remained constant despite the increased potential Conservation Commission has received an average of
for alligator-human interactions as Floridas human nearly 16,000 alligator-related complaints per year.
population has grown. Most of these complaints deal with alligators occurring
in places such as backyard ponds, canals, ditches and
Alligators are an important part of Floridas streams, but other conflicts occur when alligators
landscape and play a valuable role in the ecology wander into garages, swimming pools and golf course
of our states wetlands. Alligators are predators ponds. Sometimes, alligators come out of the water to
and help keep other aquatic animal populations in bask in the sun or move between wetlands. In many
balance. A better understanding of the facts and cases, if left alone, these alligators will eventually move
information presented in this brochure will help on to areas away from people.

Tim Donovan, FWC

ensure that people and alligators can continue to
coexist. Safety Tips
n Generally, alligators less than four feet in length
Visit MyFWC.com/Gators for more information are not large enough to be dangerous unless handled.
about alligators and the latest nuisance alligator However, if you encounter any alligator that you A young alligator wanders onto a porch in a residential
program statistics. believe poses a threat to people, pets or property, neighborhood.