Late afternoon on Lake Ola
Planning to swim, go tubing or simply play in the lake? Watch for gators. This guy was maybe 4 feet long but could cause damage if he bit you. This photo was taken in the late afternoon and he was probably drawn in by fish near the shore. He is timid around people [a very good thing] and sought to hide as I walked in the yard to get his picture.
DON’T feed or entice alligators. Inform others that feeding alligators is against the law. Alligators generally lose their natural fear of people when they associate food with people. By feeding alligators, people create problems for themselves and others.
For more information on Florida Gators go to Coming Back Alive: Florida Alligators
DON’T feed other wildlife near the water, throw fish scraps into the water or leave them along the shoreline. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators, the alligator doesn’t understand that. Dispose of fish scraps or other potential alligator foodstuffs properly.
DON’T let pets swim or run along the shoreline of waters known to contain large alligators. Alligators are attracted to dogs probably because they are about the same size as an alligator’s natural prey.
DON’T swim or allow pets to swim in areas with emergent vegetation (plants growing up out of the water). Alligators favor this type of habitat. Swim in designated areas only.
DON’T swim, walk dogs or small children, at night or at dusk, along the shoreline of waters that are known to contain large alligators. Large alligators feed most actively during the evening hours. Note that it is illegal to water-ski after dark in Florida.
DON’T try to remove alligators from their natural habitat or try to keep one as a pet. It is strictly against the law to do so. Alligators do not become tame in captivity and handling even small ones may result in bites. Instead, enjoy watching and photographing alligators at a distance.
Tangerine, Florida 