Q: My husband and I are going to look at a home on Lake Apopka in Winter Park. Many Florida homes seem to be located on or near water. Are there ways to deter alligators from entering home property adjacent to a lake such as building a stone wall or using sonic fences? My Realtor said that moving to a home not on the water is not a guarantee because alligators travel, particulary during mating season. I've also heard that crocodiles are very intelligent and will track a victim for months before attacking. I am really terrified about moving to Florida and having a child attacked by an alligator or crocodile. Reading that only 9 fatal attacks have been reported have relieved my fears somewhat, but I would like more information on the subject. I'm also concerned about teenagers pulling stupid stunts like teasing alligators. Are there any cases of anything like that happening? Sincerely -- Michelle Geraci

A: Thanks for your question, Michelle. Lately it seems I have gotten a few e-mails about homeowner protection from alligators and other creatures, so hopefully others will benefit from this page.

First of all, you don't have to worry about crocodiles in central Florida. Crocs live mainly in saltwater areas. You'll find them around the southern coasts of Florida -- but even so, the American crocodile is an endangered species, so there aren't too many of them.

It's probable that a fence or wall will keep alligators out of your yard. But you should check with local zoning laws that may prohibit homeowners from erecting certain types of barriers.

American alligators do wander as most wildlife do, but alligators are never far from fresh water. That's their home. I myself have never heard of land-locked homeowners calling wildlife officials to get an alligator out of their backyards.

Most animals, including alligators, have a natural fear of people and tend to stay on their own. However, it's known that many kinds of predators sometimes go after smaller people (like children) because they are perceived to be easy prey. You are right; alligator attacks are rare, with 15 to 20 reported non-fatal attacks per year and 16 total reported attacks since 1948 in Florida. Alligators are mainly nocturnal.

As far as people teasing alligators, there will probably always be that kind of people -- regardless of their age. But the real danger is not in teasing alligators, but in feeding them. Any time people feed wildlife, they are creating an association between people and food. This leads to dangerous consequences where predators are concerned.

Michelle, it won't do for you to live in fear of your possible new home. The best way to deal with fear, of course, is to learn about what you're afraid of. Find out all you can about alligators. Talk to your real estate agent about any history of attacks at the lake. Has the agent told you that Lake Apopka is considered "Florida's most polluted lake" and that alligators there have a low survival rate and reproductive problems as a result? The more you learn, the better you'll be able to deal with the anxiety of a chance alligator attack.

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