Beware the Quiet Waters

Often time’s situations occur simply because we have not received adequate education.  According to the Defenders of Wildlife, an estimated 5 million American alligators are spread across the southeastern United States. Roughly 1.25 million alligators live in the state of Florida alone. Here are a few tips of safety when there is possibility of an encounter with alligators in your area:

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1.     Be aware of the possibility of alligator attacks when in or near fresh or brackish bodies of water. Many attacks occur when people do not pay close attention to their surroundings when working near water.
2.     Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Therefore, swim only during daylight hours.
3.     Do not work with your back towards the water.
4.     Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. Never allow small children to play by themselves near water.
5.     Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, feeding, harassing or possession of alligators.
6.     Do not allow pets to swim, exercise, or drink in waters that may contain alligators or in designated swimming areas with humans. Dogs are more susceptible to being attacked than humans because dogs resemble the natural prey of alligators.

For more information check out: http://www.mysanibel.com/Departments/Natural-Resources/Wildlife-Information/Alligators/Alligator-Safety-Tips