As spring warms Florida’s waters drawing locals and tourists alike, it also marks the beginning of alligator mating season. While courtship rituals began in April, mating occurs during May and June, a time when these iconic reptiles become more active and territorial.
The tragedy at Lake Kissimmee State Park highlights the importance of remaining vigilant this time of year. Alligators can be found in nearly every freshwater body in the state. Encounters are rare, but they can happen—particularly during times of heightened activity like mating season.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds Floridians and visitors to only swim in designated areas during daylight hours and never approach or feed an alligator. Doing so not only endangers your life, it also teaches alligators to associate people with food, which can lead to more aggressive behavior.
Pets are especially vulnerable, as they resemble natural prey. Always keep dogs on a leash and well away from shorelines. And if you see an alligator that seems unusually bold or is posing a threat to people, call FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
Florida’s wild places are safest when we share them with care. Understanding alligator behavior, especially during breeding season, can help prevent tragedy and allow us to coexist with the powerful predators that have called Florida home for millions of years.
