It's Alligator Mating Season

And wildlife experts are reminding people to take caution.

Alligator mating season typically begins in April, with courtship rituals kicking off as male alligators start seeking mates. During this period, males produce low bellowing sounds to attract females and warn off rivals. The actual mating usually occurs in May or June. Mating rituals include rubbing against each other’s snouts and backs, with the process lasting hours. 

Gators will also submerge their potential mate underwater, testing for strength and readiness. 

Alligators are more active and aggressive during this time, so it's essential to always be aware, especially near freshwater bodies like lakes, ponds, and canals, basically everywhere in Florida. Keep pets on a leash, do not swim in non-designated areas, and never feed alligators—it’s both dangerous and illegal.

Alligators should be left alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing, or possessing alligators, except under a permit. You should never remove one from its natural habitat. 

If an alligator bites you, the FWC advises that the best course of action is to fight back by making as much noise as possible and resisting. Hitting, kicking or poking the alligator in its eye may make it let go and retreat. You should then seek immediate medical attention for your bite. 

In Florida, alligators over 4 feet in length are considered "nuisance alligators" if they pose a threat to people, pets, or property. By law, these alligators cannot be relocated or released back into the wild. Instead, they are either euthanized or sent to licensed facilities for other purposes.

Always know where your kids are.

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