Alligator Safety
Protect Yourself in Florida Waters
Floridians and visitors should know how to protect themselves from these reptiles. Population growth and the tourism industry have increased the frequency of human-alligator interactions in Florida, but you can prevent unpleasant encounters by following our tips.
Facts & Safety Tips
- Leave alligators alone. Alligators are shy animals that usually avoid human contact. It is illegal to kill, harass, or possess alligators. (Florida does have an alligator hunting season.)
- Do not feed alligators. Feeding alligators is illegal. Alligators that are fed by humans lose their natural fear, creating a potential danger.
- Throw fish scraps into trash cans. Do not discard fish scraps in the water at fish camps or boat ramps--you will unintentionally feed alligators.
- Follow directions on signs. Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas.
- Swim during daylight hours only. Alligators are most active at dawn and dusk.
- Pay attention. Keep an eye on your surroundings when swimming in fresh or brackish waters. Avoid vegetation-filled areas of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
- Stay with children. Never allow small children to play unattended near water.
- Keep an eye on your pets. Dogs are in more danger from alligators than humans, because they resemble the reptiles' natural prey. Don't let your dog swim in waters where you know alligators live.
- Remember the odds. You are more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by an alligator in Florida. Since 1948, only about 350 people have been attacked by alligators in Florida, and only nineteen of those attacks were fatal.
