SARASOTA (WSNN) – Living on the Suncoast means good weather, beautiful beaches, and living among alligators. Now that mating season is underway in Florida, wildlife experts have a reminder for you.
Nearly two million alligators live among us in the state. So, if you’re walking or swimming in fresh or brackish water, beware, because they’re mating.
“Last year, I had to move like three of them out of the road, this time of year,” Suncoast Wildlife Rescuer, Justin Matthews said.
Warm weather attracts people and our reptile friends.
“Warmer weather tends to bring the alligators out,” Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s PIO, Adam Brown said. “And they will start looking for mates. People like to enjoy the weather and it’s very important to make sure we are keeping our distance.”
Brown says April is the start of courtship. May and June, they officially start mating.
“They’ll be in wetlands, rivers, lakes, ponds,” Brown said. “They will sometimes go into saltwater.”
So, around any body of water, you’ll want to keep your guard up.
“You can swim in fresh water and brackish waters, you just need to make sure you’re swimming in a designated area; always swim during daylight hours,” Brown said. “And if you see an alligator, don’t approach it, keep your distance.”
And keep your pets close.
“Pets oftentimes will resemble the common prey of an alligator, so we don’t any conflict to arise because of that,” Brown said.
They tend to eat small mammals, birds, snakes, fish. And never feed an alligator.
“If you feed an alligator one time, he’s ruined,” Matthews said. “He’ll associate people with food for the rest of his life.”
“It loses its natural fear of being around people and now it associates people with a source of food and it will approach you, which is not a common thing for an alligator to do, and that’s when conflict arise,” Brown said.
It’s illegal and very dangerous. Brown says it’s best to leave them alone.
“He’s not going to mess with you, if you don’t mess with him,” Matthew said.
If you feel threatened at any point, the FWC has a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. You can call 1-866-392-4286
