Images by the author unless
REVISED FEBRUARY 2015
Your chance of being attacked
by an alligator
attacks occur, is about
one in 24 million.
Your chance of winning Florida's Lotto Jackpot
is one million better.*
(Image: Erin & Lance Willett/ Creative Commons
So, if you learn more about alligators and apply the information, you
improve your safety factor (and by comparison, better your statistical
odds at winning millions).
This isn't a promotion for the Florida lottery,
but an effort to shed the lights of accurate knowledge and perspective on the subject of
the human-alligator relationship. Folks who live in alligator territory are
rightly concerned about their safety in the presence of these powerful
(Image above: © istockphoto/Kydroon)
Consider this: A resident of, or visitor to,
United States is more likely to die (let alone be injured) as the result
of an automobile or airplane crash, lightning strike, drowning,
fireworks discharge, smoke inhalation, fire, tornado impact, electrocution,
dog attack, legal execution or even the impact of an asteroid, than from
an alligator attack.
(Image at left: © istockphoto/stockhlm)
So, chances are you'll never need to use the
information on this page, but knowing it may give you some peace of mind and aid you in
enjoying our shared environment safely. This information also offers a
glimpse of the alligator's fascinating physiology and behavior that have
enabled it to outlive the dinosaurs. Our ultimate goal should be to
avoid conflict, but this can only be done if the self-aware, more intelligent species takes the initiative.
It's not difficult. Below are twelve tips to aid you
in doing so.**
* Data sources:
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission:
** See the important legal disclaimer at the
bottom of this page.
SUGGESTED ARTICLE CITATION: Dupont,
Israel. 2008. An Alligator Safety Guide. LivingAmongAlligators.com.
Israel Dupont. May 2008; Rev. February 2015 [Insert date accessed].