How to Avoid Alligator Attacks

Alligators strike fear into most people. Their reptilian looks and toothy smile are not endearing. If you live or visit an area where there are alligators, here's how to stay safe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Don't walk along areas of water with a small animal on a leash or a small child. These look a lot like food to an alligator. Frail, elderly people should not wander near ponds and waterways. Don't allow pets to wander freely near waterways or go to the lake or stream to drink.

2. Don't drink or take drugs and then pass out near water areas where there are gators. Particularly do not do this at night when alligators are more active.
   A Florida man did this and almost lost his arm. Fortunately the police pulled him free, saving his life.

3. Do not feed alligators. It is against the law in Florida, because it causes them to lose their fear of humans.
   Some alligator attacks occurred when people were feeding fish or ducks.

4. 
    

   The average alligator slithers into the water as soon as a human is near. If one does not retreat, the human must back away. A very large alligator may not fear a human or it may have become accustomed to being fed. Either way, it could be dangerous.

5. 
    

   Never tease or poke at an alligator. Do not throw things at alligators. Leave them alone.

6. Don't splash around in water where an alligator is. Attacks happened when people fell from a dock or a boat or were washing their hands in lake water. Perhaps to the alligator this splashing indicates possible prey. You don't want to be that prey. Don't trail your hand in the water when boating.
   Swimming, snorkeling or wading in water where alligators might be is dangerous. Do not swim at night.

7. 
    

   Do not try to keep an alligator as a pet, even though it may seem cute when it's small.

Tips & Warnings

• Most alligator attacks are not fatal, but can cause severe injury.
• Fatal alligator attacks often involve alligators of 7 1/2 feet and larger. One person was killed by a 5 foot, 7 inch alligator.

Resources

• List of fatal alligator attacks in U.S.
• Read more about alligators (book available from Amazon)

[derbyka]

on 7/1/2009 The drugs/alcohol thing is funny but also true. There are so many stories of people being found in strange situations like that that lead to alligator attacks.

[1InternetSmarty]

on 3/7/2009 Great tips. We are going to Florida next month, so this is helpful for us. Five stars.

[mosscampion]

on 2/25/2009 I used to be a Park Ranger at Everglades NP and these are important tips!

[wordstock]

on 2/23/2009 Never thought about dealing with alligators. Good points to keep in mind if we go places where they live.

[painthorse42]

on 2/21/2009 Interesting! I have family in Fla. 5*