ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Parks & Recreation has announced that the swim area at Kelly Park is closed until further notice due to gator activity.
The swimming area and waterfront trails are closed, but the park itself remains open, the county’s website still said as of Saturday morning.
According to an Orange County Parks & Recreation spokesperson, an alligator larger than four feet was seen Thursday at Kelly Park, prompting the closure.
“Bait was placed (Thursday) afternoon by a licensed trapper to attempt catching it. Per Orange County Parks’ policy: if the alligator is caught or seen moving downstream beyond the swim area, the area would be re-opened. If bait is placed but remains untouched for three evenings and the alligator (is) not seen, the swim area would (be) re-opened, which would be Sunday, May 11,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
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Alligators begin courting each other in early April, while mating happens in May or June, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Nesting season comes in late June or early July, with hatching set from mid-August to early September.
News 6 has spoken with Gatorland experts when alligator breeding season rolled around in years past. According to them, alligators will be more prone to move among Florida’s many bodies of water, some of which have since been turned into attractions.
Here are some quick tips from Gatorland to stay aware and safe in this context:
- Alligators can be very territorial, and many are on the move looking for mates.
- When water levels are low, this also puts alligators on the move.
- Use extra caution in the morning or evening hours in shallow water, as alligators may think the splashing is an animal at the water’s edge.
- Stay away from alligators you see in the wild and do not feed them.
- Remember, it is against the law in Florida to feed or harass an alligator in the wild.
- Report any alligator concerns by contacting FWC.