Florida officials urge caution as alligator mating season begins

It’s April, a time when flowers bloom and love is in the air, especially for alligators, marking the official start of gator mating season.According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, alligator mating season begins with courtship in early April, with the real mating occurring in May and June. After an attack at Lake Kissimmee last year left one woman dead, FWC wants to remind the public of the importance of staying safe.Their first tip is to only swim in designated areas during daylight hours and never approach or feed the gators. They say it not only endangers your life, it also teaches gators to associate people with food, and that can lead to more aggressive behavior.”One of the biggest tips to stay safe is to really keep your distance from these alligators. Here in the city of Oveido at Shane Kelly Park, they spotted this little gator tucked nicely away from the public. But still they want to remind people to stay safe,” said Luana Munoz.And keeping a safe distance is exactly what park-goers like Amy Notaro are doing.”You just have to be smart about it. You have to respect this is their home. This is where they belong and just don’t go near it. I saw it on the bank and we’re staying here on the nice paved track. We’re not going to go near it. We’re not going to feed it and we just go on our way,” said Notaro.Other reminders include keeping pets away from the water. When paddling or canoeing, keep your hands and feet inside the boat or away. And remember, inflatable kayaks can also deflate. Just be aware and for the most part, if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you.

FLORIDA, USA —

It’s April, a time when flowers bloom and love is in the air, especially for alligators, marking the official start of gator mating season.

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, alligator mating season begins with courtship in early April, with the real mating occurring in May and June. After an attack at Lake Kissimmee last year left one woman dead, FWC wants to remind the public of the importance of staying safe.

Their first tip is to only swim in designated areas during daylight hours and never approach or feed the gators. They say it not only endangers your life, it also teaches gators to associate people with food, and that can lead to more aggressive behavior.

“One of the biggest tips to stay safe is to really keep your distance from these alligators. Here in the city of Oveido at Shane Kelly Park, they spotted this little gator tucked nicely away from the public. But still they want to remind people to stay safe,” said Luana Munoz.

And keeping a safe distance is exactly what park-goers like Amy Notaro are doing.

“You just have to be smart about it. You have to respect this is their home. This is where they belong and just don’t go near it. I saw it on the bank and we’re staying here on the nice paved track. We’re not going to go near it. We’re not going to feed it and we just go on our way,” said Notaro.

Other reminders include keeping pets away from the water.

When paddling or canoeing, keep your hands and feet inside the boat or away. And remember, inflatable kayaks can also deflate. Just be aware and for the most part, if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you.