The Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) is still investigating an incident where a 13-foot alligator attacked a man in a river. According to the FWC, bite marks found on the victim's arm were consistent with the front row teeth of the 13-foot alligator found at the river.
The FWC stated that serious injuries caused by alligators are uncommon in Florida, despite the fact that alligators can be found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and other freshwater bodies across all 67 counties. The agency is not speculating about what prompted the attack, but noted that alligators can become more territorial during their mating season, which typically runs from April through June.
FWC officials have issued a few safety recommendations for individuals coming into contact with an alligator. These include keeping a safe distance and keeping pets on a leash and away from the water's edge. The agency warns that pets often resemble alligators' natural prey, and that swimming in designated areas during daylight hours without pets is also recommended.
Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, and feeding them is strictly prohibited. According to the FWC, feeding an alligator can lead to it losing its natural wariness and associating people with the availability of food, making it a nuisance that needs to be removed from the wild. People with concerns about an alligator can call the FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.
