Q&A for How to Avoid an Alligator Attack

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We have lots of gators in the woods surrounding our home in Kissimmee, FL. We can hear them all night long mating. Should we be worried?

Community Answer

As long as you know where they are located, and don't decide to go trudging off in their direction, you should be fine. But depending on how close they are to your home, you might want to call out an expert to see about fences and gates to protect you and your family from unwanted visitors.

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Question

Is it safe to swim in the designated areas of Florida natural spring parks?

PreuxFox

Top Answerer

It is possible to find an alligator in or around any body of water in Florida, including natural springs. However, most of the time, an alligator will leave you alone as long as you leave it alone. You will be less likely to encounter an alligator if you attend parks that are busier with more other people around, and if you do encounter a gator, you can talk to a park attendant about how to safely avoid the animal. Remember, in spring they tend to be more aggressive and you should give them even more space.

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Question

What should I do if I don't know whether or not a lake in Florida has alligators?

Community Answer

Always assume a lake in Florida has alligators if you're not sure - most of them do, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

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Question

How do I get rid of a baby alligator in front of my house?

Community Answer

If there's a baby, there's a mom. Call animal control. You don't want an angry mom alligator.

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Question

How do I protect a small dog from alligators in the area ponds? Do they walk on land at night and attack on land as well?

Community Answer

Alligators have poor eyesight, so they can’t see at night. But you should keep your dog away from alligator territories because they get startled easily and will view your dog as prey.

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Question

How safe is it to kayak in waters with alligators?

Community Answer

As long as you stay as far as possible from them and don't disturb them, you should be fine.

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Question

Are alligators attracted to lights at night?

Community Answer

Possibly, if they are smart enough to correlate that with humans. Just stay away from the water at night, because they are nocturnal.

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Question

How fast can they run?

Ashwarrea B

Community Answer

Alligators can run up to 20 mph, thought the Nile crocodile can run up to 19-22 miles per hour.

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Question

Can alligators see?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

Alligators have excellent eyesight. They also sense vibration, especially in the water. Alligators do have a narrow blind spot between their eyes, but they see extremely well for peripheral vision.

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Question

How can I see an alligator in brackish water?

237marshmello237

Community Answer

Alligators come to the surface every 20 minutes to get oxygen and even if they are not up at the surface, the person would see bubbles in the water.

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