ORLANDO -- The chances of dying from lightning strikes or drowning are much greater than becoming the victim of a fatal alligator attack, but caution is still advised.

"There is a threat, although statistically small," said Lt. Jim Huffstodt, public information coordinator with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. "However, when you deal with a large predator, it pays to stay wary."

Huffstodt said that there have been more than 250 confirmed alligator attacks on humans in Florida since the GFC began documenting them in 1948. Ten incidents were fatal. Half of the fatal attacks involved children.

"We average from 15 to 20 non-fatal alligator attacks each year," he said. "In 1998, we recorded only nine non-fatal attacks. That's a pretty small percentage when you consider that we probably have more than a million alligators in Florida."

Huffstodt said that there are a number of important safety tips to remember when around alligators, including:

Don't feed alligators. Many attacks involve gators who have been fed, and lost their natural fear of man. And it's against the law, punishable by up to a $500 fine.
Be particularly cautious around large alligators. Most attacks involved animals over six feet long.
Never swim in areas containing large alligators.
Never swim at twilight or at night. These are prime times for alligator attacks. Don't approach an alligator nest. Female gators can be very aggressive in defending their nests.
Don't dump fish scraps into the water near boat landings. This refuse will attract gators.
Report large and aggressive alligators living near people to the GFC. Don't try to handle the situation yourself.
Don't allow your dog to swim in areas containing gators.
Swim in posted areas only. Be sure to check the water for the presence of gators before swimming.
Keep your distance. Don't approach big gators. Stay at least 25 yards away.
Don't swim near heavy vegetation because it may conceal a large alligator. Be aware of your surroundings, and use caution and common sense. Remember, even a small pond may contain a large alligator which can be difficult to spot because of its natural camouflage.

The GFC is committed to keeping the number of alligator attacks down to a minimum," he said. "We do this through our alligator nuisance control program.

"Last year, GFC trappers removed approximately 5,100 large and aggressive alligators statewide from populated areas where they posed a threat to people and pets," he said. "This has undoubtedly prevented many attacks from occurring."

Huffstodt said that the GFC Everglades Regional Office in West Palm Beach handles anywhere from 10 to 50 nuisance alligator complaints daily from the 10 counties of south Florida. Almost 4,000 nuisance gator reports were recorded in 1998.

The peak month is usually May when alligator mating season is in full swing. The females will nest in June and July, and the eggs hatch in late August and September.

"Alligators are a fact of life in Florida, part of our natural heritage," he said. "People can learn to enjoy observing alligators while still exercising the proper caution due a large, potentially dangerous predator."