ORLANDO, Fla. – You will likely start seeing more alligators around Central Florida as their mating season is officially underway.
Cities like Oviedo are issuing warnings to residents to ensure they are aware of the dangers lurking in local waters. News 6 spoke with experts to learn ways to reduce your risk this alligator mating season.
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“Alligators can become somewhat aggressive, especially towards people and pets,” former president of the Central Florida Herpetological Society James Peters said.
“It’s always a good idea at any time of year to remember that every body of water in Florida can potentially have an alligator in it. Walking your dog or small children immediately next to the water is not a good idea, especially at dawn and dusk or at nighttime.”
While being cautious around water, people should also be aware of the sound male alligators make during this time. The low rumble can be an easy way to recognize they are nearby.
“That’s just them calling to the females and letting all the other males know they’re the biggest ones in town,” said Savannah Boan, Enrichment Coordinator at Gatorland Orlando and International Ambassador Gatorland Global.
The theme park, a leader in alligator safety and education, has hundreds of alligators. Boan explained that many of the animals in their care were once fed by humans, an act that is both illegal and dangerous.
“That’s the biggest, biggest problem in the state of Florida,” she explained. “We have so many tourists come through, they feed wild alligators and then the alligators lose their fear of humans. Once they’ve lost their fear of humans, they’re going to approach every human for food and that puts everybody in a dangerous position, the wildlife and the humans.”
Boan also cautions to keep an eye out for nests of alligator eggs as they begin to lay them.
“So, if you come across something that looks like a big mound, you definitely want to be aware of your surroundings and stay away from that, because alligator moms are very protective of their babies,” she explained.
Also, avoid approaching small alligators, because they are often not far from their mothers.
“Mom is around, and the baby gators make a call, and that call immediately summons mom to come help. Whether you see her or not, she’s there,” Peters said.
As alligators search for mates, they may venture into areas they typically would not. Residents can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Statewide Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
The FWC will investigate and determine if the alligator needs to be removed. Generally, an alligator is deemed a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property.
