Tips for Avoiding an Alligator Attack

With the recent alligator attacks and fatalities in Florida, many people residing in warm climate regions have become increasingly concerned about protecting themselves and their family members from potential attacks. Even though alligator attacks are rare, the number of attacks is predicted to increase due to more and more humans moving to areas heavily populated by alligators.

In the state of Florida, several housing communities and resorts are developed near lakes and other bodies of waters. Hence, interaction between people and alligators is more frequent. For the most part, alligators present little threat to humans. They mostly feed on other wildlife. However, if an alligator feels threatened or is looking for food, an encounter with a human can become deadly. Here are a few tips to protecting yourself from alligator attacks.

Recognize Areas Likely to Inhabit Alligators – Most Floridians are aware of the presence of alligators. However, alligators also inhabit other states and regions. If you live in a warm climate area – perhaps the southern states – it is important to acknowledge the presence of alligators. Even if an alligator attack is unheard of, alligators thrive in hot weather. Thus, they are more likely to dwell near swampy or fresh waters. Other possible locations include isolated ponds, gutters, and so forth.

Keep Children Supervise – Even though many people feel comfortable allowing their children to play in the backyard with minimum supervision, if you live in alligator habitat areas, always keep a close eye on the children. Encourage children to stay away from lakes, ponds, and swampy regions. Furthermore, closely monitor family pets to ensure they stay away from alligator infested waters.

Avoid Swimming in Unsupervised Bodies of Water

Avoid Swimming after Dusk – During the daylight hours, the presence of alligators is low. However, once the sun begins to set, alligators tend to begin their nightly roam. Hence, if you live on waterfront property, avoid venturing near the water at night.

Never Feed an Alligator – Getting too close to an alligator is dangerous. These animals have amazing strength and can attack without warning. Besides, if alligators are fed, they will begin to connect humans with food. This will encourage alligators to trail humans and possibly lead to increased alligator attacks.

Avoid Contact with Alligators – If you encounter an alligator, avoid harassing the animal. Alligators tend to attack humans when provoked. Thus, avoid getting a closer look or taunting the gator. When baby alligators are discovered, some people attempt to capture one as a family pet. However, capturing alligators of any size is dangerous and illegal.