Page 18 - Southern Exposure - September '22

Page 18, Southern Exposure

northern noteS

Alligators – One Of Florida’s

Most Misunderstood Animals

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

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

• Remodels / New Construction / Additions
• New Roofs / Roof Replacements
• Roof Repairs / Roof Leaks
• Gutter Installation / Cleaning
• Damaged / Missing Roof Tiles
• Fascia / Soffit Repair
• Be cautious during warmer months. Alligator • Pressure Cleaning
mating season is between May and September. During
this time male alligators are more aggressive and female • Handyman Services
alligators are protective of nests. Seventy-five percent of • Insurance Estimates / Repairs
alligator attacks occur during May through September. • Insurance Services for Adjusters / Claims
• Never approach an alligator or alligator nest. LEO Roofing & Construction
Alligators approached by humans may become alarmed, Find us on: 3804 Burns Road, Suite D
think that they are being threatened and defend Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
themselves. Alligator mothers are known to be fearless Ask us about the Ygrene Federally P: 561.935.4979 / F: 561.935.9337
when protecting their nest or babies. sponsored finance program that E: info@leorc.com / W: www.leorc.com
• Never feed or entice an alligator to approach you. enables you to re-roof and pay over
Not only is this dangerous, it is also illegal. Alligators time with very low interest rates! Florida State Certified
who have been fed by humans cannot differentiate one Building & Roofing Contractors
human from another and may charge unsuspecting humans CBC 1254723 / CCC 1328402
looking for a free meal. Even worse, if other alligators
see this feeding, they may join the first alligator and copy Florida owner and see whAt our Clients hAve to sAy:
the behavior. Be careful feeding ducks, turtles or fish as local resident for “We love the tiles! They really help this poor old
alligators may be lurking nearby. Dispose of fish scraps house! Thanks for the upgrade and all your hard
leftover from fishing in garbage cans at boat ramps and fish over 20 years work.” - Toni & Jim, WPB
camps. Do not throw them into the water. You may not be
intentionally feeding alligators, but the result is the same. Frank Leo “The #1 roofer in Palm Beach County.”
Report illegal feeding or enticing to local authorities. - Michael, Jupiter

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