Why Are Alligator Attacks on the Rise in Florida? New Study Sheds Light on Common Causes

A recent study conducted by the University of Florida has unveiled that nearly all alligator attacks in the state are triggered by human actions. This research, published in April, reveals that 96% of the attacks documented since 1948 occurred in situations where individuals engaged in risky behaviors, such as swimming or wading in areas known to be inhabited by these reptiles, as reported by ClickOrlando.

While alligator attacks in Florida are relatively rare, with about 500 incidents reported since 1948 and approximately 30 fatalities, the study offers a clear understanding of the factors leading to such encounters. The primary finding indicates that alligators typically do not seek conflict but may react defensively or predatively when humans enter their natural habitat.

“Bites can be avoided if people are more aware of their surroundings and refrain from risky behaviors,” stated Professor Frank Mazzotti, one of the study's authors, as cited by ClickOrlando. Risky behaviors include walking pets near water, swimming in unauthorized areas, or making sudden movements in waters where alligators reside. Conversely, merely being near the water, such as walking along the shore, posed a significantly lower risk, according to the researchers.

The study gains further significance considering that the alligator mating season in Florida extends until June, increasing their activity and potential encounters with people. Additionally, the research included a list of all fatal alligator attacks in the state, confirming that most victims were swimming or very close to the water at the time of the attack.

The University of Florida has also provided several crucial recommendations to minimize the risk of alligator attacks: do not feed these wild animals, as it is both dangerous and illegal; always adhere to signage that marks swimming zones; only swim during daylight hours, when alligators are less active; and closely supervise children and pets near water.

These recommendations have become even more pertinent following a recent incident in Florida where a 61-year-old woman was killed by an alligator while canoeing with her husband on Lake Kissimmee, south of Orlando. As reported by CBS News, the incident occurred when their canoe passed over a large alligator, causing it to thrash and overturn the vessel. Both fell into the water, and the woman was fatally bitten after landing on the animal. Her husband attempted to save her but was unable to prevent the attack, and authorities recovered her body shortly thereafter.

Furthermore, the Florida government has recently opened applications for its annual alligator hunting program, a regulated activity since 1988 that encompasses recreation, population control, and ethical debate. This program takes place in the state’s swamps and freshwater bodies, allowing participants to hunt up to two alligators between August 15 and December 31. Applications can be submitted until June 2, as noted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), according to an article by EFE.

This year also marks the return of the Alligator Super Hunt option, which allows multiple applications to increase the chances of selection. A total of 7,356 standard permits and 100 additional permits for this special option will be issued, with permit fees set at $272 for residents and $1,022 for non-residents.