SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Alligator mating season is expected to start soon in Florida, posing a threat to residents in the state.
On Thursday, the city of Oviedo posted a warning on social media about the mating season, cautioning residents to stay safe during this time.
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According to city officials, “courtship” between alligators begins in early April, and mating happens in May or June.
During this time, female alligators build nests and can lay dozens of eggs by late June or early July.
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“Alligators will start being more aggressive as the mating season starts, so we urge our residents to be aware of their surroundings, especially by the water,” city officials wrote. “Kids and pets should not play at the water’s edge.”
While alligator attacks aren’t common, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has recorded over 450 of them stemming back to 1948, with 30 being fatal.
Of the deadly attacks, over half of them occurred during breeding or nesting season.
“We have many bodies of water in the city, including ponds, lakes and rivers, making ideal habitats for the reptiles,” Oviedo officials said.
Several children — including a 3-year-old at Lake Ashby and a 10-year-old at the Loxahatchee River — have been killed by alligators after getting too close to the water.
Just last year, an 85-year-old woman was killed by an alligator after it attacked her dog while she was out for a walk.
To reduce the risk of alligator attacks, Oviedo city officials provided the following tips:
- Never feed alligators — it’s dangerous and illegal
- Keep pets on a leash and never walk them at the edge of a body of water
- Never swim outside of posted swimming areas and swim only during daylight hours
- Closely supervise children when they are playing in and around water
- Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of possible presence
- If you see a baby alligator, know the mother is close by watching. Never handle the babies — they are not pets
If you have concerns about an alligator in your neighborhood, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Nuisance Alligator Hotline at (866) 392-4286.
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