Alligators are a common presence in Cape Coral, Florida, thriving in its extensive freshwater systems. The city’s unique landscape, characterized by its vast network of canals, provides an ideal environment for these reptiles. Their presence is a natural and expected aspect of the local ecosystem.
Cape Coral’s Alligator Habitat
Cape Coral’s distinctive environment is a suitable habitat for alligators. The city boasts over 400 miles of freshwater canals, among the longest in the world. These waterways, along with lakes and retention ponds, offer living space. The canals provide diverse food sources, including fish, turtles, and other small animals, supporting a healthy alligator population.
The city’s development transformed former swampland into this canal system, inadvertently creating an expanded habitat. These aquatic environments serve as locations for alligators to hunt, bask, and breed. The warm Florida climate allows them to remain active year-round, though they may become less active during cooler periods. The canals allow alligators to move freely throughout the city, often leading to sightings in residential areas.
Coexisting Safely with Alligators
Never feed alligators, as this practice is illegal and causes them to lose their natural fear of humans, associating people with food sources. Maintain a safe distance from any alligator you encounter, whether on land or in the water.
Supervise children and pets near any body of water, as pets, particularly dogs, can resemble an alligator’s natural prey. Swim only in designated areas and during daylight hours, as alligators are most active during dusk, dawn, and nighttime. Avoid handling alligators, as this can lead to bites and is against the law. Properly dispose of fish scraps away from waterways to prevent attracting alligators to populated areas.
When to Contact Wildlife Officials
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) operates a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address situations where alligators pose a threat. Contact the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) if you believe an alligator is a threat.
An alligator is considered a nuisance if it is at least four feet long and poses a threat to people, pets, or property. This includes alligators approaching people or pets, displaying aggressive behavior, or found in unusual locations like swimming pools or garages. Simply seeing an alligator is not a cause for concern, as they are a natural part of the Florida landscape. Nuisance alligators are removed and humanely euthanized, not relocated.