Alligator mating season underway in Florida
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the courtship process for the state’s more than one million alligators begins in April. Mating then happens in May or June before females build a nest and deposit about 32 to 46 eggs. After 63 to 68 days of incubation, the eggs will hatch from mid-August through early September.
The increased alligator activity over the next few months can lead to more frequent run-ins with humans. And while alligator bites are uncommon, the FWC has tips to make sure you and your family stay safe.
If an alligator does bite you, the FWC says the best thing you can do is fight back by making as much noise as possible and resisting. Hitting, kicking, or poking the alligator in its eye may make it let go and retreat. You should then seek immediate medical attention for your bite.
The FWC has a Nuisance Alligator Hotline you can call if you see a gator that appears to be a threat to people, pets, or property. The number is 1-866-FWC-GATOR. Nuisance alligators are killed, not relocated.
Nuisance Alligator Hotline: 866-FWC-GATOR
Learn more at https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/
