Recently, a video from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department has been making the rounds on the Internet. The video shows a 10 foot alligator walking through a neighborhood on its way to Harrington Lake in Venice. While the sheriff’s department was kind enough to escort the gator to its destination, not all gators get such a special treatment. It’s important to be aware of these large reptiles during the next few months as it is alligator mating season.
Alligator mating season
Alligator courting begins as early as April. During this time, you are more likely to see alligators on the move or in unexpected places, like in a suburban neighborhood. Gators are moving outside of their regular places of residence on the look for a mate. You may hear the sounds of alligator flirting during this time, which includes a low bellowing, hissing, popping their jaws and slapping their tails on the water.
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Mating occurs in May and June. Females build a mound nest of soil, vegetation, or debris and deposit an average of 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. Incubation requires approximately 63-68 days, and hatching occurs from mid-August through early September.
Obviously, during this time, both male and female alligators are more active and protective of their space. Here are some tips for avoiding alligators during the mating season:
- Be cautious in the early morning and evening hours, especially near shallow water
- Remember, when water levels are low, alligators are on the move more than usual
- Don’t feed alligators
- Report any unusual alligator activity, like walking through the suburbs, to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.