UF Study Shows Most Alligator Attacks On Humans Result From ‘Risky Behavior’

A recent study by the University of Florida and Centre College in Kentucky found that in 96% of recorded incidents of alligators attacking humans, some form of human inattention or risk-taking preceded the attack. This drives home the old saying that “if you leave them alone they will leave you alone.” Well, except for 4% of the time.

Alligators Are Everywhere In The Sunshine State

Florida’s subtropical climate and extensive wetlands provide an ideal habitat for the American alligator, a species so prevalent that it can be found in all 67 counties across the state. With an estimated population of 1.3 million, the alligator has become both a symbol of Florida’s natural heritage and a regular presence in its backyards, golf courses, and waterways. As urban development continues to encroach on these reptiles’ natural environments, it is more important than ever for residents and visitors to understand how to safely coexist with them.

…But Attacks Are Rare

Alligator attacks on humans are rare, but the potential for conflict increases during certain seasons and in specific settings. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasizes that the chance of a Florida resident being seriously injured by an unprovoked alligator attack is about one in 3.1 million. Nonetheless, alligator-related incidents do occur, often due to human behaviors that inadvertently attract or provoke the animals.

“I wondered if crocodilians had an unwarranted reputation for attacks the same way snakes do,” said Mark Teshera, lead author of the study and a biology professor at Center College. “It was important to create a ranking system for risky human behaviors because it showed that the overwhelming majority of bites stemmed from some level of humans engaging in risky behavior in places where alligators live. Therefore, we should not call these encounters ‘attacks.’”

Avoiding Attacks Is Not Difficult

Understanding alligator behavior is the first step toward prevention. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, particularly in the spring and early summer when mating season heightens their movements and territorial instincts. They inhabit lakes, rivers, ponds, canals, and swamps, and can adapt to brackish water. Despite their often still appearance, alligators are ambush predators capable of sudden bursts of speed both in water and on land. This ability underscores the danger of getting too close, even when they appear sluggish or uninterested.

In recent years, incidents have highlighted the need for stronger public education about these reptiles. Many confrontations stem from people unknowingly venturing too close to nesting areas or bodies of water at times when alligators are more likely to be active. The FWC stresses that swimming should be limited to designated areas during daylight hours. Dusk and dawn, while scenic, are the most dangerous times for being in or near freshwater bodies, as that is when alligators hunt most actively.

Pets and small children are especially vulnerable. Pet owners are advised to keep their animals on a leash and well away from the water’s edge, even in residential areas. Alligators may mistake small pets for natural prey, particularly in areas where they’ve been fed by humans before. Children, due to their size and unpredictability, should always be supervised near any body of water in Florida. The FWC notes that a significant number of alligator-related incidents involve pets, not people, but that these interactions can still escalate to dangerous encounters.

Human feeding of alligators remains one of the most problematic behaviors. Once fed, an alligator may begin associating people with food. This leads to a loss of their natural wariness and a greater chance of approaching humans, especially in populated areas. Florida law prohibits feeding alligators, but violations persist, often unintentional—such as discarding fish scraps near shorelines. These seemingly harmless actions can condition alligators to seek out human activity.

Territoriality during mating season adds another layer of risk. From April through June, alligators become more aggressive and may travel longer distances in search of mates or nesting sites. Nesting females are particularly defensive and may attack if they perceive a threat. Spotting a nest or hatchlings should be a cue to back away immediately and report the sighting if it occurs in a public area.

Give A Gator A Good Amount Of Space

Despite best efforts, encounters with alligators do occasionally escalate. Experts recommend avoiding panic if you see an alligator on land or in the water. The safest course of action is to retreat slowly and calmly, avoiding any sudden movements. Splashing or running may provoke a chase, particularly in the case of smaller alligators that are more likely to perceive a threat or opportunity. In the rare event of an attack, wildlife experts advise fighting back, targeting the animal’s eyes and snout—two of its most sensitive areas. Loud noises and resistance may persuade the alligator to release its grip.

Public awareness efforts include the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Program, which allows concerned residents to report alligators that may pose a threat to people, pets, or property. Calls to the hotline—866-FWC-GATOR—are evaluated by licensed trappers, who determine whether removal is warranted. It’s important to note that relocating nuisance alligators is not always an option. Adult alligators often try to return to their home range, and relocation can lead to increased territorial conflict or mortality. As a result, nuisance alligators are often humanely euthanized.

Educational campaigns also focus on tourists and new residents unfamiliar with Florida’s unique ecosystem. Informational signage at parks and waterfronts warns visitors of alligator activity and reminds them of safe behaviors. Local governments in high-traffic recreation areas have also increased surveillance and maintenance to reduce the likelihood of encounters.

In a state so deeply intertwined with its wetlands, learning to live with alligators is a practical necessity. These creatures, which have survived since the age of the dinosaurs, play a vital role in controlling prey populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. The challenge lies in maintaining a respectful distance—acknowledging their presence without inviting conflict.

As development continues to transform the Florida landscape, encounters with wildlife will remain a part of daily life. Through education, responsible behavior, and respectful coexistence, Floridians and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of the state without unnecessary risk.

For More Florida News, Click Here