The American alligator is a native reptile in Florida, and they are present in Sarasota County. Alligators inhabit all 67 counties across the state, making them a natural part of the local ecosystem. With an estimated population of 1.3 million statewide, their presence in Sarasota’s waterways is expected.
Sarasota’s Alligator Habitats
Alligators are present in almost any body of fresh or brackish water they can access in Sarasota. This includes natural environments like the Myakka River and its tributaries, where they are frequently observed.
The expansion of human development has created numerous new habitats that alligators readily utilize. Man-made water features such as stormwater retention ponds, drainage canals, and golf course water hazards are suitable environments. These areas provide water and vegetation, allowing the animals to thrive even within densely populated residential and commercial zones.
The Myakka River State Park is a well-known local area where alligators congregate. Deep Hole, a feature within the park, has been observed holding over a hundred alligators at one time. Alligators can also tolerate the brackish water found where creeks and rivers meet the coast.
Understanding Alligator Behavior
Alligator activity levels fluctuate depending on the time of day and the season. As cold-blooded reptiles, their metabolism and movement are directly influenced by external temperature. During cooler months, when water temperatures fall below 70 degrees, they become less active, sometimes entering a state of reduced activity called brumation.
Alligators are most active during the warmer months, typically from spring through early fall. They concentrate their movement between dusk and dawn, which is when they are most likely to be seen traveling or hunting. They will bask in the sun during the day to regulate their body temperature.
The period from April through June is the alligator mating season, which increases their visibility and movement. Males will bellow loudly and move greater distances in search of mates. Following mating, females construct nests and guard their eggs for several months.
A primary concern is when an alligator loses its natural fear of humans, a process known as habituation. This loss of wariness occurs when people illegally feed the animals, causing them to associate humans with an easy source of food. Habituated alligators may approach people and pets, which elevates the risk of conflict.
Living Safely Around Alligators
Maintaining a safe distance from any wild alligator is the most effective way to avoid conflict; experts recommend staying at least 50 to 60 feet away. Never attempt to feed, harass, or provoke an alligator, as this behavior is illegal and contributes to animals becoming a threat. Disposing of fish scraps or garbage near water can inadvertently attract them.
Pet owners should exercise caution, as pets often resemble the alligator’s natural prey. Keep dogs on a leash and away from the water’s edge of any pond, lake, or canal. Avoid swimming in natural, non-designated bodies of water, especially between dusk and dawn when alligators are most active.
If an alligator is causing concern, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) operates the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). Concerns should be reported to the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline. This program dispatches contracted trappers to resolve situations that pose a threat to people, pets, or property.
An alligator is considered a nuisance if it is at least four feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat. Alligators under four feet are not large enough to be dangerous to people or pets. Their presence alone does not qualify them for removal unless they are found in an unacceptable location like a swimming pool or garage.