Page 10 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - September '22

Page 10, Jupiter Ocean Mile
Northern Notes

Alligators – One Of Florida’s
Most Misunderstood Animals

By Katie Roundtree,
Director of Finance and
Administration, Northern
Palm Beach County
Improvement District protective of nests. Seventy-five percent of alligator attacks
Did you know that your occur during May through September.
chance of being attacked by • Never approach an alligator or alligator nest.
an alligator is about 1 in 24 Alligators approached by humans may become alarmed,
million, while your chance of think that they are being threatened and defend themselves.
winning the Florida Lottery Alligator mothers are known to be fearless when protecting
is about 1 in 23 million – one their nest or babies. it is illegal and alligator bites can result in serious infection.
million times better?* The • Never feed or entice an alligator to approach you. Not If there’s an alligator under 4 feet in your swimming pool,
American alligator, Florida’s state reptile, is a conservation only is this dangerous, it is also illegal. Alligators who have on your porch or in a similar situation, call the Nuisance
success story. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator been fed by humans cannot differentiate one human from Alligator Hotline at (866) FWC-GATOR, (866) 392-4286.
population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators another and may charge unsuspecting humans looking for • Create a barrier on your property if you live
of every size. They are found in freshwater lakes, ponds, a free meal. Even worse, if other alligators see this feeding, near the water’s edge. The most effective measure is
swamps and slow-moving rivers in all 67 counties in Florida. they may join the first alligator and copy the behavior. Be installation of a wall, fence or vegetation buffer. Any
Alligators are an integral part of Florida’s ecosystem careful feeding ducks, turtles or fish as alligators may be construction or planting like these discourages a larger,
and play a significant part in the ecology of our wetlands. lurking nearby. Dispose of fish scraps leftover from fishing more dangerous, alligator from entering the area. These
Alligators have an important role in the food chain and help in garbage cans at boat ramps and fish camps. Do not throw are not foolproof by any means since alligators have been
keep other animal populations in balance. They are one of them into the water. You may not be intentionally feeding known to climb chain-link fences. For these types of fences, a
Florida’s most misunderstood animals and learning a little alligators, but the result is the same. Report illegal feeding metal overhang of at least 20 inches in depth with a minimum
more about them may help humans and alligators continue or enticing to local authorities. angle of 45 degrees should be installed at the top to prevent
to coexist. Here are some important facts and tips to consider • Contact authorities if you suspect that an alligator a climbing alligator from scaling over the fence.
while living with alligators: may pose danger. Contact Florida Fish & Wildlife Remember, your chances of being attacked by an alligator
• Be aware in or near water. Never let pets or children Conservation Commission (FWC) at (866) FWC-GATOR, are very small and using your common sense and tips from
near water unsupervised. Swim in designated swimming (866) 392-4286. Usually alligators under 4 feet in length this article, alligators and humans can live together safely.
areas only. Never go into the water between dusk and dawn pose little to no danger, but if an alligator of any size shows Alligators are an important part of Florida’s natural history
when alligators are most active. Ninety percent of attacks signs of potential conflict with humans, then contact the as well as an integral component of aquatic ecosystems.
occur on persons wading or swimming at the water’s edge authorities. FWC agents investigate an average of 16,000 For more information go to www.myfwc.com or www.
where alligators can lunge at prey approaching the water. Be complaints annually. Not all of these complaints turn out to be crocodopolis.net.
careful around heavy vegetation at the water’s edge where aggressive alligators. The FWC places the highest priority on NPDES tip: Planting a rain garden with native plants
alligators are known to lie in the daytime. public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator somewhere around your home helps lock rainwater in the
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. Program (SNAP). The goal of SNAP is to proactively ground, reducing the flow of pollutants and poisons into the
Never let pets swim in undesignated areas, even for a short address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving drains. Using organic fertilizers and pesticides in your garden
time, since they often resemble alligators’ natural prey. alligators in areas where they naturally occur. further protects and brings health to your yard and all the
• Be cautious during warmer months. Alligator mating Alligators less than 4 feet in length are not large enough species living there.
season is between May and September. During this time to be dangerous to people or pets, unless handled. You *Sources: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
male alligators are more aggressive and female alligators are should never handle an alligator, even a small one, because Commission and Florida Lottery.
Professional Firefighters Of Palm Beach County

Sept. 11 marks 21 years since the attack on the World graduates, were born since Sept. 11, 2001. That is a day Please stay vigilant and have a plan in place, so that
Trade Center in New York City. that adults of a certain age will remember forever, and will you and your family are prepared should a hurricane
It was the largest loss of civilian life in a single event remember precisely where they were and what they were impact our area.
on U.S. soil, and it was the largest loss of life for the fire doing when news broke of the planes flying into the World Steen Eriksson,
and police services from a single incident. Trade Center. Professional Firefighters and Paramedics
There were 343 firefighters and 60 police officers We have been very fortunate so far this hurricane season, of Palm Beach County,
killed while trying to save thousands of people from the but remember that the peak of hurricane season is September, IAFF Local 2928,
towers. You may often notice “343” incorporated into with most hurricanes forming in September and October. HOAN@iaff2928.com
fire department insignias and logos, and that is where the
significance of that number comes from.
Whether you go to a Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony,
or just take time to reflect, remember the nearly 3,000
civilians lost, and the sacrifices made by the first responders
who were trying to save as many as they could before losing
their own lives.
We also need to show our gratitude to those first responders
who did survive, and remember their contributions to the
rescue and recovery efforts.
Something to think about also: All children in
elementary, middle and high schools, and many college

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