American alligators are a native and widespread species across Florida, inhabiting all 67 counties, including Melbourne. Their presence in Melbourne, which sits along the central east coast, is a natural part of the local ecosystem. While they are not inherently aggressive toward humans, living alongside these reptiles requires awareness and adherence to established safety guidelines. Understanding their habitats and behaviors is key to safe coexistence.
Confirmation and Typical Habitats
Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that require a water source to regulate their body temperature, making virtually any body of water in and around Melbourne a potential habitat. They are commonly found in freshwater environments like lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers, including the extensive St. Johns River watershed west of the city limits. They are also regularly sighted in the brackish waters of the Indian River Lagoon system and its associated canals, demonstrating a tolerance for some salinity.
Human development has created numerous habitats that alligators utilize, such as residential retention ponds, drainage ditches, and water hazards on local golf courses. Any surface water area, even those that seem small or isolated, can host an alligator because they often move between water bodies. Alligators utilize these habitats for hunting, basking, and shelter.
They bask on shorelines and banks to absorb heat and then retreat to the water to cool down. Because of the number of suitable water sources, residents should assume an alligator may be present in or near any body of water.
Understanding Alligator Behavior
The behavior of the American alligator is linked to ambient temperature, as they are ectothermic animals relying on external heat sources. Alligators are most active when temperatures range between 82 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit, which is common during the warmer spring and summer months. They become significantly less active and stop feeding when the temperature drops below about 70 degrees.
Increased visibility and movement often occur during the spring, as courtship begins around early April, followed by mating in May and June. During this time, male alligators may move greater distances in search of mates or to establish territory. Females construct mound nests of vegetation and mud in late June or early July. They typically lay between 32 and 46 eggs.
Alligators are opportunistic carnivores whose diet changes as they grow. Juvenile alligators primarily consume smaller prey like insects, amphibians, and small fish. Adult alligators expand their diet to include rough fish, turtles, snakes, birds, and small mammals, though they are most likely to hunt at night.
Essential Safety Measures
Coexisting with alligators requires maintaining a respectful distance and modifying human behavior around water sources. Never feed alligators, as this is illegal in Florida and causes them to lose their natural fear of humans. Swimming should be avoided in all natural fresh or brackish water bodies, especially during dusk and nighttime hours when alligators are most active.
Pet owners must exercise caution, keeping dogs and cats away from the edges of canals, ponds, and lakes, as pets resemble natural prey. Always be aware of your surroundings when walking near water. Maintain a distance of at least 30 feet from any sighted alligator. If an alligator hisses or makes defensive noises, immediately back away.
An alligator is classified as a “nuisance alligator” when it is believed to pose a threat, generally defined as one at least four feet in length. Residents concerned about a nuisance alligator should contact the state wildlife management agency’s specialized program. A contracted trapper is then dispatched to remove the animal, which is typically euthanized rather than relocated to prevent future issues.