Used FAQs

What do I do when there is an alligator in my neighborhood?

May 9th, 2008

In many cases, if left unmolested, alligators eventually will retreat to more preferred habitats away from people. However, if you encounter an animal that poses a threat to human safety:

DON’T – swim outside of posted swimming areas or in waters that might contain large alligators.
DO - swim with a partner within all marked swimming areas. These areas are specifically situated and designed to reduce potential alligator/human conflicts.
DON’T – swim at night or dusk when alligators most actively feed.
DO – use ordinary common care. Swim during daylight hours. Avoid areas with thick vegetation along shorelines; these areas provide good natural habitat for larger alligators.
DON’T – feed or entice alligators. Alligators overcome their natural shyness and become accustomed or attracted to humans when fed.
DO - inform others that feeding alligators is a violation of state law and that by feeding alligators, people create problems for others who want to use the water for recreational purposes.
DON’T – throw fish scraps into the water or leave trash on shore. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators, the end result can be the same.
DO – dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans situated at most boat ramps or fish camps. DON’T – allow pets to swim in water known to contain large alligators or in designated swimming areas with humans. Dogs suffer many more attacks than humans, probably because dogs more closely resemble natural prey items of large alligators.
DO – swim your pets in areas not inhabited by large alligators. Keep your pet away from areas of heavy vegetation, and maintain your dog within command distance.

We have a separate page on alligators, and the Commissions document Living with Alligators, has more information.

Source: www.myfwc.com/critters/faq.htm#2

Entry Filed under: Miscellany, wildlife