Page 4 - PGA Community News - September '22

Page 4, PGA C.A.N.! September 2022 September 2022
Northern Notes

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

Summer Is Here!

Summer is here!
Along with summer
comes the increased
temptation to utilize
the golf courses as
a park/playground,
but we must ask
you to refrain from any non-golf related access.
Summer is a time when tremendous maintenance
is performed on all the courses, so there is a great
deal of equipment and work being done. In addition
it is a time when golfers play early to beat the heat
and also play late to do the same.
For your safety, please do not access the courses
unless you are registered to play golf.
Thank you

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