The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding Floridians and visitors to be GatorWise as alligators become more active and visible throughout the state.

GatorWise is a new public awareness campaign that aims to promote realistic public perceptions about alligators and assist the public in taking appropriate actions to minimize conflict. The initiative includes information from 11 state wildlife agencies within the American alligator’s range.

“Florida has seen tremendous population growth in recent years, with many people living or recreating near water,” said Matthew Nichols, FWC Alligator Management Program Coordinator, in a press release. “Because alligators can be found in nearly any water body in Florida, it’s safest to always assume they’re present. GatorWise provides consistent, science-based information from across the Southeast to help people safely share the landscape with these important animals.”

Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, which play a vital role in Florida’s freshwater wetlands by keeping aquatic animal populations in balance. According to the FWC, Alligators occur in all 67 counties, inhabiting all wetlands where they can be supported. They prefer freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands, but they also can be found in brackish water habitats. Anywhere there is standing water, an alligator might be found. Alligators are an important part of Florida’s ecosystem. They help keep aquatic animal populations in balance and keep water holes open for other fish and wildlife.

People can reduce the chances of conflict with alligators by never feeding or approaching them, properly disposing of fish scraps, keeping pets away from the water’s edge, supervising small children near water, and maintaining a safe distance if an alligator is spotted.

According to the GatorWise website (www.gatorwise.org), basic tips include:

Assume alligators are present

• Alligators can live in any water body within their range.
• Alligators are very good at hiding. They will see you before you see them.  
• There could be alligators in places you have never seen them before, especially after storms or floods.  
• The best way to stay safe around alligators is to keep your distance.

Never feed alligators

• Feeding alligators on purpose or by accident may cause alligators to associate people with food. 
• Intentionally feeding alligators is irresponsible, illegal in most states, and dangerous for you and others.
• Feeding other wildlife near water can attract alligators and cause them to lose their natural fear of people. 

Don’t dispose of fish or food scraps in water

• Throwing fish scraps in the water is one of the most common ways that people unintentionally feed alligators.
• Properly dispose of bait, fish scraps, and food items away from alligators and other wildlife. 

Never harass, capture or handle and alligator

• Attempting to approach, capture, or handle alligators increases your risk of injury or death. 
• These behaviors are irresponsible, illegal, and dangerous, regardless of the alligator’s size. 
• View and photograph alligators from a distance.

Be responsible for people and pets in your care

• Alligators do not know the difference between pets and their natural prey.
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. 
• Supervise small children near water.

Maintain awareness anytime you are in or near water

• Always observe alligator warning signs.
• Stay away from the water if you see an alligator.
• Avoid swimming in areas with dense vegetation. Alligators hide in vegetation in and around the water.
• Only swim during daylight hours. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. 
• During summer months, female alligators may protect nests and hatchlings from perceived threats, including people getting too close.
• If an alligator approaches you, immediately move a safe distance away. Report the situation to the appropriate authority in your state.