The American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, is a natural and long-standing inhabitant of Florida’s diverse aquatic ecosystems. These reptiles have been present in the state for centuries. Florida’s unique environment means that humans and alligators often share the same landscapes. Alligators are found in all 67 counties, inhabiting nearly all freshwater and brackish water bodies.
Analyzing Alligator Attack Data
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the primary source for data concerning alligator incidents in the state. Since 1948, the FWC has recorded over 450 alligator bites on people in Florida. Of these documented incidents, approximately 30 to 31 have resulted in human fatalities. Annually, Florida averages roughly 7 to 8 unprovoked alligator attacks. For example, 2023 marked a notable year with 23 recorded attacks, the highest in three decades, though only one was fatal. The probability of being injured in an unprovoked alligator incident is estimated to be approximately one in 3.1 million.
Circumstances of Alligator Encounters
Human actions significantly contribute to most alligator encounters, often involving inattention or risk-taking. These scenarios often involve individuals swimming or wading in areas known to be inhabited by alligators, particularly in undesignated swimming locations. Splashing or entering an alligator’s habitat can trigger the animal’s natural defensive or predatory responses.
Feeding wild alligators is illegal and can habituate them to humans, causing them to lose their natural fear and associate people with food. Alligators may also react to pets, especially dogs, as they can resemble natural prey, making it important to keep animals on a leash and away from the water’s edge. Alligators are most active during dusk and dawn, and increased activity and territorial behavior are observed during their mating season, which typically runs from April through June.
Living Alongside Alligators in Florida
Florida is home to a robust and healthy alligator population, estimated at about 1.3 million individuals. These reptiles are widespread, inhabiting wetlands, lakes, and rivers across all of Florida’s counties.
The increasing human population in Florida, coupled with residential development expanding into traditional alligator habitats, means that people and alligators frequently share the same spaces. Alligators are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will prey on animals that are readily available and easily overpowered. The recovery of the alligator population from near extinction, thanks to conservation efforts, stands as a notable wildlife success story.