Contributed
The City of Oviedo wants all residents to be aware that the alligator mating season has started. We have many bodies of water in the City, including ponds, lakes, and rivers, which make for ideal habitats for reptiles. Please be aware of alligator habits and how you can keep yourself, your kids and your pets safe during this time.
Courtship begins in early April, and mating occurs in May or June. Females build a mound nest of soil, vegetation, or debris and deposit approximately 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. Incubation requires approximately 60-65 days, and hatching occurs in late August or early September.Alligators are opportunistic feeders. Their diets include prey species that are abundant and easily accessible. Juvenile alligators eat primarily insects, amphibians, small fish, and other invertebrates. Adult alligators eat rough fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds.Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
Do not feed alligators. It is dangerous and illegal
Keep your 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 the water and keep them away from the water's edge, especially at dawn and dusk
Pay attention to your surroundings and know that they occupy natural bodies of water
If you see a baby alligator, know the mother is close by
If you want to report a nuisance alligator, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
Herald photo by Tommy Vincent
