City provides safety tips for living with alligators
The city of Sanibel reported that the island contains over 2,200 acres of freshwater wetlands that provide habitat for a sizable population of alligators. Since many residential neighborhoods contain lakes or interface with conservation lands containing wetlands, interaction with alligators is likely.
Since alligators are cold-blooded reptiles, their metabolic rate increases and decreases as water and air temperatures fluctuate. During cooler months, alligators are generally lethargic and do not move around much. By the beginning of April, when the weather starts to warm, alligators become active, feeding more, looking for new territories and mating. It is during these times that alligator sightings are most prevalent. If you see an alligator, the best thing to do is leave it alone.
The city asked the public to keep the following safety tips in mind to ensure that the time spent enjoying Sanibel’s natural habitat does not result in a conflict with an alligator:
– Be aware of the possibility of alligator attacks when in or near fresh or brackish bodies of water. Attacks most often occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings when working or recreating near water.
– Do not work with your back to the water.
– Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. Never allow small children to play by themselves near water.
– Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas or in waters that might be inhabited by large alligators.
– Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Therefore, swim only during daylight hours.
– Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, feeding, harassing or possession of alligators.
– Never feed or entice alligators — it is dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators lose their natural fear and learn to associate people with food.
– Inform others that feeding alligators is illegal and creates problems for others who want to use the water for recreational purposes and ultimately results in the need to destroy the animal.
– Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at freshwater boat ramps, docks or fish camps. Do not throw them in the water. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators when you do this, the end result can be the same.
– Do not allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in waters that may contain alligators.
– Observe and photograph alligators only from a distance. Remember they are an important part of the island’s natural history, as well as an integral component of the freshwater ecosystem.
Feeding alligators is a criminal act, punishable with up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.
“Please do your part in protecting the island’s wildlife by not feeding alligators,” the city reported.
If you encounter a nuisance alligator or see someone feeding an alligator, immediately contact the Sanibel Police Department at 239-472-3111.
For more information, contact the city’s Natural Resources Department at 239-472-3700 or sandnr@mysanibel.com.