Researchers at the University of North Florida say humans are to blame for the increase in aggressive alligators.
Ecologist Adam Rosenblatt and student Morgan Golden Ebanks found the most reliable predictor of alligator attacks was human population size.
Attacks averaged seven a year between 2000 and 2016, according to researchers.
Those numbers are up from 1988 to 1999 when attacks averaged one every three years.
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The Rumble family has been watching anxiously as more and more alligator sightings are reported across the state.
Elementary school student Piercen Rumble said, “I have a pond at my house and I think there would be gators in there.”
Rumble’s mother said, “For my children, we talk about that there could be an alligator in any body of water in Florida and to stay away.”
Piercen said, “I would run away, and tell my mom and dad and try to go in the house as quick as I can.”
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Alligator expert John Brueggen of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm says to poke an alligator in its eyes or ears if attacked.
Brueggen also says if the alligator already has your arm down its throat, to grab its tongue and throat where the animal is more sensitive.
Warmer temps, mating season and habitat destruction all play a role in more alligator attacks and sightings, according to Brueggen.
If a gator attacks you, gator expert John Brueggen says to poke the reptile in its eyes or ears. He also says if your hand is already down its throat, grab the throat where the creature is more sensitive than other areas. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/aq6vUVi7vm
— Varisa Lall Dass (@vldass) September 3, 2018
He said, “All of us have contributed to making less space for alligators because we’re filling in wetlands and we’re creating new households where forests and woods and ponds used to be.”
He says there are an additional 7 million people in the state, and their proximity to alligators results in more attacks and sightings in places where alligators are not normally seen.
Action News Jax showed you in April when a 7-foot alligator was spotted cruising down I-295.
Another alligator appeared at Valley Ridge Academy in St. Johns County Sunday.
Piercen Rumble said, “It makes me a little bit scared.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission says if you see an alligator, call their hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR as part of their snap program.
This is a link to their most up to date stats on gator attacks.
Cox Media Group
