NEWSZAP (USA) 26 May 05 FWC warns about alligators (Lorna Jablonski, Okeechobee News)
It is estimated that alligators and people in Florida are 10 times more likely to come into contact with each other now than they were 35 years ago. This figure is based on population estimates that indicate both the number of alligators and the number of humans have more than tripled since 1970. The staff at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) state that these statistics indicate a need for increased public awareness about alligator safety and behavior.
Statewide, in 2004, there were 18,048 alligator complaints received by the FWC. Since 1948, there have been 15 recorded fatal attacks on humans, including two last year in Lee County. Of the 15, five took place late in the day or into the evening; nine involved people swimming, wading or snorkeling and two involved children 3-years old or younger wandering away from adult supervision. There have been 327 non-fatal alligator attacks documented by the FWC, many as a result of people who tried to capture or handle an alligator.
The FWC has launched a toll-free telephone number to report nuisance alligators. The number is 1-866-FWC-GATOR (1-866-392-4286) and should be the primary telephone number for alligator complaints.
People should not report an alligator that is simply sunning itself on a bank or swimming in a lake, just doing what alligators do. If there is an immediate danger from an alligator, the best thing to do is leave it alone.
An important part of learning to live with alligators is recognizing that over time, these timid reptiles can become a serious threat to public safety with the wrong kind of encouragement from its human neighbors. Alligators are attracted to splashing at the water's edge and noises made by lawn mowers, weed trimmers and airboat engines.
Trained biologists and staff at the FWC are experts at recognizing the signs that indicate an alligator has become a danger to humans, and not just a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Living in close proximity to a creature that is exhibiting signs of nuisance behavior is not an option. The situation needs to be dealt with by professionals from the FWC before someone gets hurt. If you have any questions as to whether an alligator's behavior indicates aggression, call the experts at the FWC to have them make a determination.
Alligators that are actively causing problems or threatening public safety should be reported as nuisances immediately. Call the FWC's alligator hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (1-866-392-4286) and file a nuisance complaint. Keep in mind that this telephone number is for alligator complaints only, not raccoons, armadillos or possums.
Also keep in mind that if the alligator is longer than 4 feet and meets the FWC's criteria as a nuisance animal, it is harvested for its meat and hide by a permitted FWC trapper. Nuisance alligators larger than 6 feet present the greatest hazard to humans and pets. Smaller gators, 4 feet or less in length pose little threat to people but they can deliver a nasty bite that should be seen by a physician. The bacteria in an alligator's mouth causes bite wounds to become infected easily.
Here are some basic guidelines from FWC experts.
Do not feed or entice alligators. Inform others that feeding alligators is against state law. When alligators lose their natural fear of people they become dangerous.
Do not feed any wildlife in or near the water. Dispose of fish scraps or other potential alligator foodstuffs properly.
Do no let pets swim or run along the shoreline of waters known to contain large alligators. Alligators are attracted to dogs probably because they are about the same size as an alligator's natural prey.
Do not swim or allow pets to swim in areas with emergent vegetation (plants growing up out of the water). Alligators favor this type of habitat. Swim in designated areas only.
Do not swim, walk dogs or allow small children, at night or at dusk, along the shoreline of waters that are known to contain large alligators. Large alligators feed most actively during the evening hours. It is illegal to water-ski after dark in Florida.
Do not attempt to remove alligators from their natural habitat or try to keep one as a pet. It is strictly against the law to do so.
Do fence your waterfront property. Appropriate fencing helps protect family and pets against incursions by alligators.
Alligators play a vital role in the ecology of the state's wetlands and are an important part of Florida's heritage. They were, after all, here first. It is against the law to feed, harass, molest, and attempt to move or kill them. Violators should be reported by calling the FWC's 24-hour, Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
For information on Florida's alligators, visit www.wildflorida.org/gators/Default.htm, the alligator section of the FWC website or call the Southwest Region office at (863) 648-3203 during normal working hours.
FWC warns about alligators