6 Safety Tips When You Face Alligators in the United States

Alligators are a fascinating part of Florida wildlife due to their ecological importance. The Sunshine State’s warm climate makes it the ideal habitat for these reptiles. They help maintain Florida’s ecosystem in return.

There are many interesting facts about alligators. Being a cultural icon of Florida is one of these compelling alligator facts. The reptile symbolizes the state’s beautiful, untamed side. It’s what makes them perfect symbols for organizations like the Florida Gators.

The alligator is also a testament to Florida’s smart conservation strategy. The state’s strict regulations are why there are 1.3 million gators in Florida today. The sheer number of alligators in the South means people will encounter them.

Alligators in the United States are shy by nature and avoid human interaction. You must know what to do when faced with an alligator. Here are some safety tips to follow when you encounter alligators in the United States.

Keep Your Distance

This is the most important rule when dealing with alligators in the United States. Gators can move fast on land for short bursts. It’s best if you stay at least 60 feet away from them.

You’ll know if you’re too close if you can hear the alligator hissing. Make sure you move away when this happens.

Don’t Feed the Gators

It’s never a good idea to feed wildlife. For one, our food is not healthy for animals. You might love your granola bars but they can cause deformity in birds. Feeding wildlife can also spread parasites and other diseases among animals.

Animals can also lose their fear of humans when they’re fed. That’s why feeding alligators is dangerous. They could start associating people with food, which can lead to aggressive behavior. Those are all verified American alligator facts. It’s why you should never attempt to feed an alligator, whether you’re on land or in a boat.

Florida also has a law on its books that prohibits the feeding of alligators. Anyone caught doing so can face jail time and a $500 fine.

Don’t Swim in Areas with Alligators

Visitors to Florida are always cautioned against swimming in areas rife with alligators. This is challenging as these reptiles live in both fresh and brackish water. There’s as much a chance you’ll encounter an alligator in a river as in a swamp.

Your best option is to stick to swimming pools. You should also swim only in designated swimming areas where the risk of gators is low. Many residents avoid going in water with heavy vegetation as gators can use this for cover. You should also avoid swimming at dusk or early morning. Alligators are most active during these times.

Keep Children and Pets Away from the Water

Here are some not-so–fun facts about alligators. Pets and small children are vulnerable to gator attacks. It’s why parents and pet owners should keep them away from water edges. They should also never allow children and pets to swim in areas where alligators may be present. A small splash is enough to attract a gator’s attention.

Run Away from Alligators

Now for some alligator fun facts. You can outrun a gator. This reptile can indeed move fast but they also tire fast. So if an alligator starts to charge at you, you should run as fast as you can. You also don’t need to run in a zig-zag pattern to outpace them.

Fight Back If You’re Attacked

Alligator attacks are rare. The FWC reported an average of 8 unprovoked gator attacks in Florida per year. It doesn’t mean you should become complacent though as attacks do happen.

If the worst happens and an alligator bites you, you should fight back with everything you have. Aim for its eyes, snout, or the inside of the mouth. These are the alligator’s most sensitive areas. You should also make as much noise as possible. This will deter other gators from attacking. You’ll also be alerting others to your predicament.

Final Thoughts

Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures is one of the best ways to explore Florida. Satisfied clients have voted us as Florida’s best airboat ride. We offer exciting tours of Florida’s swamps and marshes. You can experience memorable wildlife with the help of our expert guides. We’ll even guarantee close-up views of American alligators. Call 352-643-0708 to book a tour today. You can also message us here for ticket sales and special events.