Warm weather means active alligators and crocodiles
News Release
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Media contact: Tony Young, 850-488-7867
The onset of warm weather in the spring is when
Florida's native crocodilians start getting active, and the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging
Floridians and visitors to be cautious when having fun in and
around water.
Florida is home to two native crocodilians
- the American alligator, which is found in all 67 counties,
and the American crocodile, which may be found in coastal areas of
the Keys, Southeast and Southwest Florida. Both species have shared
Florida's waters with people for centuries.
The FWC recommends keeping pets away from the
water. There are other precautionary measures people should
take to reduce potential conflicts with alligators and crocodiles,
and they are available in the " Living with Alligators" brochure at
MyFWC.com/Alligator and the " Living with Crocodiles" brochure at
MyFWC.com/Crocodile.
The FWC advises, if you have concerns with an
alligator or crocodile that poses a threat to you, your pets or
property, call the FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at
866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286).
Alligators and crocodiles are an important part of
Florida's heritage and play a valuable role in the ecosystems where
they live. For more information on alligators and crocodiles,
visit MyFWC.com/Alligator.
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