American alligators are a permanent part of the Orlando landscape, just as they are throughout the entire state of Florida. The region’s warm climate and abundant freshwater sources create an ideal environment for the reptiles. While their presence is widespread, learning about their natural behavior and following simple safety guidelines ensures safe coexistence in Central Florida. Understanding where they live and how to react during an encounter is key to navigating the area safely.
Alligators Are Native Residents
Florida is home to an estimated population of 1.3 million alligators, and they are found in all 67 counties of the state. This large, stable population is a conservation success story, illustrating the species’ successful recovery since they were once endangered. Alligators inhabit virtually every body of fresh water in the Orlando area and Central Florida.
These natural habitats include major lakes such as Lake Kissimmee and Lake Jesup, as well as slow-moving rivers, swamps, and marshes. Their presence is not limited to large, designated wilderness areas. Alligators frequently occupy smaller, man-made freshwater sources, including canals, ditches, and the suburban retention ponds common in housing developments and commercial parks.
The expansive human development across Central Florida has often been built adjacent to pre-existing wetland habitats. This intersection of urban and natural environments means alligators are widespread, and any body of water should be treated as a potential home. Alligators are most active when ambient temperatures are between 82 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a common range in the Orlando area for much of the year.
Prevention: Rules for Safe Coexistence
The most effective way to avoid negative interactions is to respect the alligator’s natural behavior. Never feed an alligator; this is illegal in Florida and results in a significant fine. Feeding causes alligators to lose their natural wariness and associate people with food, increasing the likelihood of conflict.
It is advised to swim only in designated swimming areas and only during daylight hours. Alligators are naturally more active between dusk and dawn, when they are more likely to be hunting or moving between water bodies. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends maintaining a safe distance from any alligator you see.
Pet owners should keep dogs and cats on a leash and away from the edges of any body of water. Pets, especially small ones, can resemble the natural prey of alligators, making them vulnerable near the water’s edge. Never let pets swim in fresh or brackish water.
By keeping all refuse and pet food secured and away from water sources, you avoid attracting other small animals that alligators might prey upon. This is a subtle yet effective preventative measure that helps keep alligators from approaching human-occupied areas. Simply being aware that alligators can be present in any freshwater source in the area is the first step in prevention.
What to Do During an Encounter
If you see an alligator, keep a safe distance and observe it. The animal will typically move away on its own if it does not feel threatened or provoked. If the alligator is near you and appears aggressive or is not moving away, back up slowly and steadily.
Call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline immediately if you believe an alligator poses a threat to people, pets, or property. The number is 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). The FWC administers the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address these concerns.
An alligator is generally considered a nuisance if it is at least four feet long and the caller believes it is a threat. If a complaint meets the program’s criteria, a contracted nuisance alligator trapper will be dispatched. Never attempt to capture, move, or otherwise handle an alligator yourself, even if it is a smaller one.