Page 9 - The Heights of Jupiter - April '19

North Palm Beach Heights, Page 9
Northern Notes

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

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