Living in Florida also means living with over a million alligators. Now during their mating season, they have become active once again as some of them are even spotted in neighborhoods like the 10-foot alligator strolling in the city of Venice in Sarasota County, Florida.
Authorities noted that the warming weather signals the mating season of alligators and that the public should be aware of the reptiles. They emphasized not feeding these predators and, most especially, not getting near them to avoid any incidents. Here's what you need to know about their mating season.
Massive Alligator Spotted Walking in Florida During Easter Sunday
In a video shared on Twitter by Sarasota County Sheriff's Office via local news outlet WFLA, it can be seen that a huge alligator estimated to be 10 feet in length is making its way through a neighborhood in Venice City during the Easter Sunday.
A man was following the alligator as it walked slowly, passing home and into a nearby body of water. "Just walking our pet alligator this morning," the man said while filming.
GATOR CROSSING: A 10-foot alligator was spotted walking through a Venice neighborhood early Sunday morning, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. Read more about this big guy here: https://t.co/XalESvbQAD pic.twitter.com/LgfX7X2cNh
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) April 17, 2022
According to WFLA, residents who saw the alligator strolling in their neighborhood immediately notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) of the predator's presence but have yet to receive a response.
The sheriff's office said in a tweet that they are unsure whether this unusual Easter bunny has stayed for long in the Venice neighborhood after they encountered it. But its size is really an eye-catcher, with some calling it "an absolute unit."
ALSO READ: 8Ft Alligator Found in Family Swimming Pool! Here's How to Live With These Reptiles in Florida
Here's What You Need to Know About Alligator Mating Season
American alligators mostly live in the southeastern part of the US, particularly in Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia. As per Key West Aquarium, around 5 million alligators live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes of these states, but a quarter of them are concentrated in Florida.
As the temperature rises, warm spring also means that they are more active and visible. FWC said that courtship among alligators begins in April, then mating happens between May and June.
The warm weather causes the metabolism of alligators to increase, which means they also start seeking prey and bask in the sun as they regulate their body temperature. Due to this, FWC warns the public to keep their distance from alligators as going near them could result in a bite incident.
Moreover, ABC Action News reported that the commission also advises residents and visitors to never feed an alligator because it is not only dangerous but illegal. Feeding them will teach them to associate food with humans and decrease the natural wariness of people.
FWC also reminds pet owners to keep their animals on a leash and away from water because they are prone to be eaten by an alligator. These predators are most active between dusk and dawn, so planning will reduce the chances of encountering them.
Many people in Florida have learned to coexist with alligators, but there will always be a potential for conflict to exist that may cause severe injuries, although they are rare. FWC encourages the public to immediately contact their toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286 for any sightings of alligators in the neighborhood so they can dispatch their alligator trappers to resolve the situation.
Check out more news and information on Alligators in Science Times.
