Mar 30, 2009 12:49 pm US/Eastern
FAST FACTS: Tips For Avoiding Alligator Attacks
Florida (CBS) ―
Here are some tips to avoid dangerous confrontations with alligators, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Alligators over four feet in length that may pose a threat to people or property can be reported to 1-866-FWC-GATOR (or 392-4286) to seek a licensed trapper.
- Pay close attention to surroundings in any water body in Florida.
- Don't swim outside posted swimming areas and don't swim between dusk and dawn, when alligators are most active.
- Never allow small children or pets to play alone near water.
- Dogs are particularly susceptible to attack because they resemble
- alligators' natural prey.
- Don't harass or feed alligators. Fed alligators lose natural wariness of humans and learn to associate people with food.
- Don't throw fish scraps into water.
- Never remove an alligator from natural habitat or keep one as a pet. Both are illegal and alligators will never become tame.
- Watch and photograph alligators from a safe distance.
- If an alligator does attack, fight back and create as much noise and confusion as possible. Usually the alligator will realize it has attacked something it can't easily subdue and let go.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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