Living With Wildlife: Alligators

QUICK INFO:
• Alligators may occur in any waterbody. Be alligator aware.
• Never feed an alligator. It’s dangerous and illegal.
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge
• Concerned about an alligator? Call 866-FWC-Gator (866-392-4286)

DETAILS:
Alligators are a conservation success story in Florida. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million and consists of alligators of every size. Alligators occur in all 67 counties, inhabiting all wetlands where they can be supported. They prefer fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands, but they also can be found in brackish water habitats. Anywhere there is standing water, an alligator might be found. Alligators are an important part of Florida’s ecosystem. They help keep aquatic animal populations in balance and keep water holes open for other fish and wildlife.

Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida. The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, we will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation. FWC also works diligently to keep Floridians and visitors informed, including providing tips for co-existing with alligators. Visit MyFWC.com/Alligator and click on “Living with Alligators.”

[Nurse_Diesel]

Why aren't you using your nail gun and muted body cams?

[edwanat]

Could use a couple very hungry for whitehouse pool🐊🐊

[warangel]

An alligator got my dog. North Port Fl Canal. The state came caught 3. All over 8 feet long. One was 10 feet. There are huge Alligators in North Port.

[starshiptrooper]

I never tire of watching them. Ernie who live in my pond is king of his domain

[theoriginalfuzzlemutt]

Hey FWC, Don't you think it would be a good idea to replace the "cartoonish " looking alligator images on Florida's "caution alligators" signs with a more threatening looking image? It portrays them as being more approachable than wild.

[mnp]

Unfortunately may people do feed them. They are so sneaky. They will sit in one spot for hours sometimes with an open mouth ready to catch a flying bird and the
( I believe) they can run 30 mph? Plus, they can eat a large objects.
So keep your distance.

[richardcrowell]

You teach people how to bolt them in the head or is that only for people's pets?

[fastone]

We see people in Florida from up north let their dog play in the lakes and ponds and I tell him if you love your dog don’t do that to a gators A dog is just a fast snack to them

[janetpattison]

The downside of gators everywhere is you can’t swim in lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, or as far as I’m concerned, having seen how gigantic they get, I wouldn’t stand-up paddle board either. The ocean is ok. But there’s stinging jelly fish, sharks and some areas have the flesh eating disease. (Perhaps crap from cruise ships allowed to dump toxic waste not far from Florida’s beaches.)

[jeffreybabino]

Hay fwc glad you are happy it scares the hell out of some people

[stephaniereichert]

I already fed one and I already been the one

[rbnjr]

Alligator in our lake tonight, 10 ft from our dock. really dont want it to kill the ducks with so many babies.

[davidsimmons]

Wenatchee Washington his son Ian Fenner king Hector

[markanderson]

You guys bolt gun these to the head to

[davidsimmons]

Frank Sherman German king mole behind neck and mole left side of spine gold Beach Oregon

[davidsimmons]

Im Jesus grandson we only live 55 10 months after birth

[davidsimmons]

Turkish king Mr Fenner mole left side of spine mole right side of spine Turkish king

[donaldmetts]

Fwc tyrant officer shouldn't harass citizens exercising God given rights. Do better or just quit be a tyrant.

[davidsimmons]

Im David Austin Simmons gold Beach Oregon i clapping people hearts explode in Florida im in charge i don't like people who covet other people family playing mind games tricked people i thought demon no hearts explode

[edwardwerthner]

So in St Lucie county I’ve seen pictures of alligators, wild bore, panthers, coyotes and pythons. Sounds like we live in a zoo . Exciting .
No wonder we can carry guns.