Florida Study Finds Nearly All State Alligator Attacks Have the Same Cause, and it's Not the Gators

A new study reveals why nearly all Florida alligator attacks occur.

The University of Florida and Centre College in Kentucky released a study on Wednesday, April 16, that found humans cause the vast majority of alligator attacks across the state. Although rare, there have been nearly 500 attacks since 1948, and of those, 27 people were killed and 339 were major incidents, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

However, the attacks typically derive from “risky human behavior, not aggression by alligators,” per the study. Usually, those bites occur when humans are swimming in the alligators’ known habitat.

“In contrast, low and no-risk behaviors, like walking near water or simply being present on land, rarely resulted in attacks,” the study said.

Researchers also report that the alligators “aren’t seeking conflict.” Instead, they react to “attractive stimulus,” which is when humans are splashing, swimming or entering alligator habitats.

“The takeaway from this study is that many bites can be prevented if humans are aware of their surroundings and minimize risky behaviors, such as walking small pets near bodies of water or swimming where alligators are known to be present,” UF professor of wildlife ecology Frank Mazzotti said.

Mazzotti also explained that typically, when the alligator that was responsible for the bite is identified, it is euthanized, “losing its life because of risky human behavior.” An increase in awareness will keep humans safe and save alligator lives, too.

“Ultimately, the study underscores that situational awareness and informed choices, especially during recreational activities in alligator country, can help protect both people and wildlife,” said Mazzotti.

Moving forward, the study advises wildlife managers to embrace diverse and targeted communication strategies to facilitate safe behavior around alligators. 

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Mating season in Florida begins in June, and experts advise people to stay safe from alligator attacks by avoiding them altogether. 

To keep safe from alligator attacks, people are advised to follow directions on signs, swim during daylight hours, don’t swim in areas of high vegetation, beware of baby alligators, maintain a safe distance, do not feed wild alligators and keep an eye on children and pets.