The 11-foot alligator, who tipped over the canoe on May 6th and killed a Central Florida woman, reminded us that while crocodile attacks on humans are “very rare,” as state wildlife officials said, sometimes with fatal consequences.
“This serves as a reminder of the powerful wildlife that shares our natural spaces,” said Roger Young, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee.
According to the committee, Florida had an average of eight unprovoked crocodile bites per year in the decade ended in 2022. Many of them were so severe that they needed to see a doctor.
The committee urges people to take note in or near the water during the crocodile mating season, which takes place from early April to June. He said the risk of attacks is increasing. This is because crocodiles tend to be more aggressive, active and visible during this period.
Agents and other wildlife committees provided these tips to avoid and stay safe around reptiles.
Where are they?
Crocodiles can be found from central Texas to North Carolina, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Louisiana and Florida each have the largest population of over 1 million people. Georgia has 200,000-250,000 crocodiles and South Carolina has around 100,000 people.
Morgan Hart, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, believes that crocodile attacks have been on the rise over the years due to “a massive growth in the population of the South Carolina Coastal Plains.”
When new residential developments are built, artificial lakes are often created with them, and after that, crocodiles soon live.
Be careful of alligators.
If you encounter a crocodile on land, “you can simply leave it,” Hart said.
“Crocodiles also hiss if someone feels too close to you to get away,” she said.
People should be wary of approaching alligators, she said, as it could be a sign that they are being fed and associated with humans with food.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Committee, humans should always maintain at least 30 feet from the crocodile.
“They rarely chase people, but they can overtake or make the fastest person in the first 30 feet,” said the alligators can sprint up to 35 miles on shorter distances on land.
Look closely at your children and dogs.
Crocodiles prefer to pursue prey that can easily be overwhelming.
“Pets often resemble the natural prey of crocodiles,” said Lauren Clareabout, a spokesman for the Florida Wildlife Commission.
People should keep their pets on leash and under control, and do not allow them to swim or exercise in canals, ponds or lakes where crocodiles may be present.
“The sounds of dogs barking and playing may attract crocodiles to the area,” the Florida Wildlife Commission said.
Be careful where you swim.
Wildlife agencies suggest that people only swim in designated areas without pets during daytime hours.
“The crocodiles are the most active during dusk and dawn,” Clareabout said.
According to the Florida Wildlife Commission, if you encounter a crocodile underwater, don't approach it calmly.
Don't give them.
Farming alligators in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas is illegal and dangerous (except for the hunting season in that state).
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries said people should not throw scraps of fish from areas where crocodile gathers into the water or feed other wildlife.
“Unless people feed them,” said Donald Hauser, general manager at Gator Park just south of Miami and featured the crocodile show. He added that the crocodile loses fear of humans after three days of feeding it.
“Basically, just leave from that,” he said.
How to fight back.
Officials said you should only fight the crocodile if it catches you.
According to Everglades National Park in South Florida, “in that case, aim for its most sensitive area, the eyes, nose, or throat,” people added “we should attack, kick or jab at the strength you can call to force the gator to release the grip.”
Still, if you are grasped by the crocodile's jaw, there is a small chance that you can get away, Hauser said.
“It would be better if there were people who know what they were doing,” he said.
“Crocodiles don't eat people,” he said, but they might bite someone and then spit them out. By then, it might have held the person too long, he said, “And it might be too late.”
