Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, spread across all 67 counties.

While fatal attacks on humans are rare – averaging fewer than one per year – alligators are powerful ambush predators and can be extremely dangerous if provoked or surprised.

Most incidents occur near water bodies during warmer months when alligators are more active.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends staying at least 20 feet away from alligators and never feeding them, as this leads to dangerous habituation.