Spring is when Florida’s alligators start getting active, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging Floridians and visitors to be cautious when having fun in and around water.
Alligators abound in all 67 counties and have shared marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes with people for centuries. But because more individuals are seeking waterfront property and water-related activities increase during the warm months, people should be alert when they are in areas where alligators could be present.
Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. State law prohibits contact with alligators, and it is against the law to feed them.
There are other precautionary measures people should take to reduce potential conflicts with alligators, and they are available in the “Living with Alligators” brochure at MyFWC.com/gators.
The FWC annually receives more than 18,000 alligator-related complaints. The agency removes more than 7,000 alligators each year when the reptiles present danger to people or property.
If you encounter an alligator that poses a threat to you, your pets or your property, and the alligator is more than 4 feet long, call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286). The telephone number is the primary contact for all alligator complaints and is available to customers 24 hours a day.
Alligators are an important part of Florida’s heritage and play a valuable role in the ecosystems where they live. Visit MyFWC.com/gators for more information on alligator behavior.