Florida Gators on the Move As Temperatures Rise

As warmer weather takes hold, people aren’t the only ones eager to soak up Florida’s sunshine.

It seems the state’s cold-blooded population is also taking advantage of the nice weather to get out and explore. That includes alligators, which tend to increase their activity levels by a fair amount from the beginning of spring until about the end of October, said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Gary Morse.

“All reptiles are more active in the warmer months,” Morse said. “That’s just the cold-blooded creatures’ (way). Their metabolism increases and they do become active.”

That increase in activity can lead to an increase in encounters with humans as gators take advantage of this time of year to stretch their legs and see if the grass is greener on the other side of the pond.

See Also:

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• Florida’s Giant Toads More Active in Spring, Experts Warn
• Poisonous Snakes Do Not Make Good Bedfellows, Man Discovers

Earlier this month, a 9-foot alligator created quite a stir when it was spotted strolling past a McDonald’s in Brevard County. Reports about gators on residential streets, in backyards and even on front porches also tend to begin flooding in this time of year.

The calls are so many, the state has set up its own hotline to accept nuisance alligator calls. That number is 1-866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). In 2013 alone, the state fielded 15,036 nuisance alligator calls, which resulted in the removal of 6,605 creatures.

So, what should folks do if they encounter a gator and how can they avoid running into one in the first place?

“If you see an alligator, appreciate it from a distance,” Morse recommended.

For those who like swimming in Florida’s freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers, Morse suggested avoiding heavily vegetated areas. He also warned: “No swimming between dusk and dawn when alligators tend to be active.”

For residents who encounter nuisance alligators, such as those that show up on front door steps, Morse said it’s a good idea to call the state’s hotline.

He also recommends people who live in or visit Florida brush up on their alligator knowledge.

“It’s imperative that people do their homework, go to our website and learn how to handle (sightings),” he said.

To help out, the state offers a downloadable brochure with the ABCs of cohabitating with these reptiles. “A Guide to Living with Alligators” can be accessed from the state’s website.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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