99TravelSafe.com
Safety From Crocodiles and Alligators!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water. never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one. Alligators are large predators. Humans are not a natural prey source for alligators, but they can occasionally confuse people for other animals. As with any wild animal, do not approach or try to interact. We all know to "keep your distance" from an alligator.
What is a safe distance between a person and an alligator?
There is no perfect distance, it will always depend on the situation. However, staying at least 10 feet from the water's edge, whether you see an alligator or not, is a good starting point. If you see an alligator, stay alert and aware and do not approach it.
Do alligators typically hunt on land or do they mostly attack while in water? Is it typical for an alligator to come up on land and approach its prey?
Alligators do not hunt on land. They are ambush predators and use camouflage to stay hidden and submerged in water to quietly approach prey. An alligator on land is generally laying in the sun to warm their body temperature (‘basking’). When on land they feel exposed and at risk and may be more likely to act defensively if approached.
How do alligators typically attack/hunt? Do they always drown their prey?
Alligators eat everything from small frogs and snakes to turtles, birds, fish, and mammals like raccoons, opossums, and even occasionally deer. They generally hold their prey in their very strong jaws and swim to deeper water. If the prey struggles, they may roll in order to immobilize the prey.
Are alligators more aggressive during mating season?
What do residents/visitors need to know about alligators during mating season? Alligators are more mobile during mating season, which can increase the likelihood of encountering one on land or in a new area. Again, remain aware of your surroundings, and if you encounter an alligator remain calm, do not approach the alligator, do not move between the alligator and the nearest body of water, and if the alligator seems disturbed by your presence, move away from the alligator.
What should you do if you encounter an alligator while on a run?
Remain aware of your surroundings, stay away from the water's edge, and if you encounter an alligator, keep a respectful distance.
Do alligators chase humans? People always say "run in zig zags"
Generally, alligators do not chase people. Since alligators feel more vulnerable on land, the two most likely scenarios for an alligator moving toward you are: you are either between the alligator and the water (where it feels safest) or you are too close and the alligator is trying to scare you away. Alligators will open their mouth, hiss, and move forward about a foot or two if they feel particularly threatened (this is called a ‘bluff lunge’). Move away from the alligator and the water and the alligator will calm down and move away from you and towards the water.
Never provoke or attack crocodiles and do not feed them or leave food out for them. Camp at least 50m from the edge of the water and 2m above the high-water mark. Don't leave any food scraps at your campsite and don't prepare food or wash dishes at the water's edge.
Crocodiles are potentially dangerous to humans!
People should never take unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat.
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit both saltwater and freshwater habitats.
Some of the ways to stay safe in areas that may have saltwater crocodiles include: Never swim in water where crocodiles may live even if there is no warning sign.
Only swim in designated safe swimming areas.
Obey all crocodile warning signs — they are there for your safety and protection. • Always keep a watch for crocodiles. They will see you before you see them.
Never provoke, harass or interfere with crocodiles, even small ones.
Never feed crocodiles — it is illegal and dangerous.
Be extra vigilant around water at night and during the breeding season which is mid-winter in the northern hemisphere and mid-summer in the southern hemisphere.
Avoid approaching the edge of the water and don’t paddle or wade at the edge of the water.
Stay well back from any crocodile slide marks. Crocodiles may be close by and may approach people and boats. The smaller the boat, the greater the risk!
Always stand a minimum of five metres from the water’s edge when fishing!
Be especially vigilant when launching or retrieving your boat in saltwater crocodile habitat.
Do not lean over the edge of a boat or stand on logs overhanging water.
Never dangle your arms or legs over the side of a boat.
If you fall out of a boat, get out of the water as quickly as possible.
Camp at least 2 metres above the high water mark and at least 50 metres from the water's edge.
Avoid places where native animals and domestic stock drink.
Avoid returning regularly to the same spot at the water’s edge to fill your bucket.
Dispose of food scraps, fish offal and other waste properly and away from your campsite.
Never leave food scraps, fish frames or bait at your campsite.
Always check that previous campers have not left these behind.
Never prepare food, wash dishes or pursue any other activities near the water's edge or adjacent sloping banks. Instead, fill up your bucket and move away from the edge of the water before you start any tasks.
What should I do if I see a saltwater crocodile in the wild?
If you see a crocodile in an area that is clearly marked as a safe location for entering the water, or an area that is managed to remove all crocodiles, you should contact the authorities.
Are there certain times of year that it is safe for me to enter the water?
No, it is never 100% safe. While crocodiles may be more active during the warmer months (wet season), when the air and water temperatures are higher, it should never be assumed that it is safe to enter the water at any time of the year.
Is it safe for my pets to swim, even if I can’t?
No. Crocodiles will also prey on other animals, including pets.