ORLANDO, Fla. – Alligator mating season is now underway in Florida, posing a threat to residents in the state.
Earlier this week, the Pine Meadows Conservation Area issued a warning about the mating season after one such gator attacked a cow, resulting in the bovine being euthanized.
According to local officials, “courtship” between alligators begins in early April, and the actual mating typically happens in May or June.
During this time, female alligators build nests and can lay dozens of eggs by late June or early July.
[RELATED: New details after woman mauled to death by alligator at Lake Kissimmee]
“During this time, alligators are more active, making it especially important for residents and visitors to remain alert near water,” the statement reads.
While alligator attacks aren’t common, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has recorded over 450 of them stemming back to 1948, with around 30 being fatal.
Of the deadly attacks, over half of them occurred during breeding or nesting season.
“We have many bodies of water in the city, including ponds, lakes and rivers, making ideal habitats for the reptiles,” Oviedo officials added.
[RELATED: Lake County conservation area closed off after alligator mauls cow]
Several children — including a 3-year-old at Lake Ashby and a 10-year-old at the Loxahatchee River — have been killed by alligators after getting too close to the water.
Just a few years ago, an 85-year-old woman was killed by an alligator after it attacked her dog while she was out for a walk.
To reduce the risk of alligator attacks, local officials have provided the following tips:
- Never feed alligators — it’s dangerous and illegal
- Keep pets on a leash and never walk them at the edge of a body of water
- Never swim outside of posted swimming areas and swim only during daylight hours
- Closely supervise children when they are playing in and around water
- Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of possible presence
- If you see a baby alligator, know the mother is close by watching. Never handle the babies — they are not pets
If you have concerns about an alligator in your neighborhood, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Nuisance Alligator Hotline at (866) 392-4286.