Q: Will alligators attack when they see a human?
A: Alligators don't usually attack people when they see them because they have a natural fear of humans. Alligators are a common sight in many parts of Florida, and they are important members of our environment in many ways.
However, alligators do occasionally attack people. There have been 16 reported fatal alligator attacks on people in Florida since the 1950s, and 15 to 20 non-fatal alligator attacks occur in Florida each year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Most alligator attacks on people seem to take place while people are in the water. Click here for an alligator attack fact sheet by the FWC.
I can't tell you that you will or won't be attacked by an alligator. No one can. But you can decrease your chances of an attack by:
- keeping a good distance from any alligators that you see
- never throwing things at alligators or harassing them in any way
- never feeding alligators, which can cause them to lose their fear of people
- keeping your arms, legs, hands and feet inside the boat while you are on the water
- being aware of the possible presence of alligators while you are swimming or are near a body of water
Learning about alligators will help you understand them. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides a mini Web site called Alligator Net that offers information about Florida alligators.
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