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Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Alligators

Steve Johnson, , , , and


Release Date: 3/20/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-uw393-2025

Natural Resources

Abstract

As one of the largest reptiles in North America, alligators are situated at the top of the food chain. In general, alligators do not pose a threat to people. However, alligators can pose potential dangers to people in some situations. In this publication, we present some facts about alligators, describe their potential threats to people and pets, and provide suggestions on how to cope with these risks. Our target audience includes anyone living in or visiting the geographic range of American alligators.

About this Publication

This document is WEC348, one of a series of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 2014. Revised August 2021 and February 2025. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2025 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. 

How to Cite

Johnson, S. A., Dutton, H., Woodward, A., Giuliano, W., & Ober, H. (2025). Managing Conflicts with Wildlife: Living with Alligators. EDIS, 2025(2). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-uw393-2025

Authors

Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson
Specialist
University of Florida

professor and Extension specialist, UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Gainesville, FL

Harry J. Dutton
Harry J. Dutton

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tallahassee, FL

Allan R. Woodward
Allan R. Woodward

Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tallahassee, FL

William Giuliano
William Giuliano

former professor, UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Gainesville, FL

Holly K. Ober
Holly K. Ober

former professor and Extension specialist, wildlife ecology, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy, Florida

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