Page 18 - The Islander - April '19

Page 18, The Islander DOUBLE SPACE

northern noteS

Alligators – One Of Florida’s Most

Misunderstood Animals

By O’Neal Bardin Jr., Executive Director, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Did you know that your chance of being attacked by role in the food chain and fences, a metal overhang of at least 20 inches in depth
an alligator is about 1 in 24 million, while your chance help keep other animal with a minimum angle of 45 degrees should be installed
of winning the Florida Lottery is about 1 in 23 million – populations in balance. at the top to prevent a climbing alligator from scaling
one million times better?* Alligators are an integral part They are some of Florida’s over the fence.
of Florida’s ecosystem and play a significant part in the m ost m i sunde rst ood • If charged by an alligator run in a straight line
ecology of our wetlands. Alligators have an important animals and learning a rather than in a zigzag motion. While most of us
little more about them may remember being taught to run in a zigzag motion, it is
help humans and alligators actually better to run straight ahead. Alligators as you
continue to coexist. Here can imagine are not ideal runners. Their short legs are
are some important facts good for quick sprints but not effective for long distances.
and tips to consider while When an alligator charges it is either trying to scare the
living with alligators: human away or seize it unexpectedly. If an alligator does
• Be aware in or near charge, run away in as straight of a line as possible, even
water. Never let pets or children near water unsupervised. through brush and around trees, as this may serve to slow
Avoid swimming in water that is known to be inhabited by the alligator down. Most humans can outrun even a fast
alligators. Never go into the water at night when alligators alligator. Alligators’ maximum speed is about 10 mph
are most active. 90 percent of attacks occur on persons while humans run about 15 to 17 mph. Running in a zigzag
wading or swimming at the water’s edge where alligators pattern can increase your risk of tripping and falling
can lunge at prey approaching the water. over rocks, plants and roots. In addition, alligators have
• Be cautious during warmer months. Alligator limited binocular vision, meaning a relatively narrow
mating season is between May and September. During functional blind spot directly in front of it at close range.
this time male alligators are more aggressive and female By zigzagging back and forth, the alligator may see you
alligators are protective of nests. 75 percent of alligator better than if you ran in a straight line. Finally, an alligator
attacks occur during May through September. bites very effectively in a side-swiping motion. Running
• Never approach an alligator or alligator nest. from side to side may make it easier for an alligator to
Alligators that are accustomed to being fed become catch a hold of your leg.
used to humans and lose their natural wariness of • If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
humans. Alligators approached by humans may become An alligator’s mouth is teeming with bacteria and fungi
alarmed, think that they are being threatened and defend which can cause serious infections. American alligators
themselves. Alligator mothers are known to be fearless have the greatest known bite forces on earth. A large
when protecting their nest or babies. Finally, be careful alligator’s jaw pressure can be at least five times that of
around heavy vegetation at the water’s edge where a large lion – nearly 3,000 psi!
alligators are known to lie in the daytime. Remember, your chances of being attacked by an alligator
• Never feed or entice an alligator to approach you. are very small and using your common sense and tips from
Not only is this dangerous, it is also illegal. Alligators this article, alligators and humans can live together safely.
that have been fed by humans cannot differentiate one Alligators are an important part of Florida’s natural history
human from another and may charge unsuspecting as well as an integral component of aquatic ecosystems.
humans looking for a free meal. Even worse, if other For more information go to www.myfwc.com or www.
alligators see this feeding, they may join the first alligator crocodopolis.net.
and copy the behavior. Be careful feeding ducks, turtles *Source: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
or fish as alligators may be lurking nearby. Dispose of Commission and Florida Lottery
fish scraps leftover from fishing in garbage cans at boat NPDES tip: Planting a rain garden with native plants
ramps and fish camps. Do not throw them into the water. somewhere around your home helps lock rainwater in
You may not be intentionally feeding alligators, but the the ground, reducing the flow of pollutants and poisons
result is the same. Report illegal feeding or enticing to into the drains. Using organic fertilizers and pesticides
local authorities. in your garden further protects and brings health to your
• Contact authorities if you suspect that an alligator yard and all the species living there.
may pose danger. Contact
Florida Fish & Wildlife
Conservation Commission
(FWC) at (866) FWC-
GATOR – (392-4286).
Usually alligators under
4 feet in length pose
little to no danger, but if
an alligator of any size
shows signs of potential
conflict with humans, then
contact the authorities.
FWC agents investigate
an average of 16,000
complaints annually. Not
all of these complaints
DiscoveryVillages.com turn out to be aggressive
alligators.
• Create a barrier
100 Discovery Way on your property if you
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 live near the water’s
edge. The most effective
Supervised Independent Living measure is installation of

Assisted Living | Memory Care a wall, fence or vegetation
buffer. Any construction
Ask About Our or planting like these
discourages a larger, more
3-Year Rent Lock! dangerous, alligator from
entering the area. These
Call 561.623.8580 are not foolproof means
since alligators have been
known to climb chain-link
Based on annual lease. Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Owned and operated by Discovery
Senior Living. Void where prohibited by law. Assisted Living Facility License #12883. ©2019, Discovery Senior Living, DVPBG-0055 1/19. fences. For these types of