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Alligators

Alligators can be dangerous and should be treated with respect, but there have been no fatal encounters in Cape Coral's history.

Throughout its tourist history, Florida has been famous for its alligators. People from all over the world come to visit, and many of them want to see an alligator.  Cape Coral has its fair share of alligators, and for the most part, live their own quite lives in the numerous canals in the City.  But as with other wildlife, as the population grows, so does the problems with alligators. Reports of alligators killing small pets, and being found in swimming pools and back yards have been reported over the years, but fortunately, none of the 24 people killed by alligators in Florida have been in Cape Coral.

Make no mind, ALLIGATORS ARE DANGEROUS!  One should never approach an alligator from any distance.  While they are not particularly fast runners on land, they are quick, and can easily do some serious harm if approached.  They can grow to over 14 feet long and weigh over 1000 pounds, and have very powerful jaws. They are considered an apex predator, with very few enemies.

It is against the law to feed alligators!

Fines and jail time can be imposed if you are caught feeding an alligator.

Once an alligator becomes a nuisance, it is not relocated but euthanized.

Advice to Remember:

“Alligators are fascinating creatures and should by all means be enjoyed as part of the natural beauty of our region. But please remember that they are wild animals and should be respected as such. Once they become too familiar with people, they lose their fear of humans, necessitating their removal from the area for the safety of everyone concerned. A few precautions on our part can help both humans and alligators co-exist safely.”

–Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons, SREL – Director of Outreach

Alligators are just one of the wonderful wildlife species that can be found in the City.  Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, does not actively protect or care for our local alligators, but does offer information on alligator safety and how to report nuisance alligators.

Nuisance Alligator Hotline: 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286)

Watch as a 600 pound alligator is removed from a Cape Coral Canal.

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