Do Alligators Attack People
Alligators can and do attack people, though fatal incidents are rare. Most bites occur in or near freshwater habitats in the southeastern United States. Attacks often happen when humans enter the water or approach too closely, especially during mating and nesting seasons.
Why Alligator Attacks Happen
Alligators usually avoid people, but they may bite if they feel threatened, are defending a nest, or mistake a person for prey. Feeding alligators or getting too close increases risk. In some areas, habituated alligators lose their fear of humans and become more likely to approach.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Stay out of the water in known alligator habitat, avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night, and keep pets on a leash near shorelines. Do not feed alligators or leave food scraps near the water. For more safety guidance, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at Alligator Safety.
