Many Northerners decry Florida’s lack of seasons. What? We have more seasons than we know what to do with! True, they do no coincide with your four seasons, but we have them and we know when the seasons change even if y’all can’t tell.
Right now, for instance we are in alligator mating season. It starts in April once the courtships begin. Males have a ritual, a dance you might say, to impress the girls. Say what you will, but those ugly beasts attract mates, so they must be doing something right.
Alligators have no vocal cords so they cannot sing or holler. They do grunt and hiss, but they have a way to make their presence known to the ladies. They “bellow” by arching their back and tail to create vibrations under the water that can he heard and sensed for some distance.
Once a female lets him know she is interested the mating begins. This is usually in May and includes a myriad of activities including snout rubs, head slaps and even some bubble blowing. Mating is usually done in private under the water.
Sounds romantic, right? Yes, for the gators. For us two-legged land dwellers not so much. Mating season causes gators to be more aggressive and they often begin to wander looking for mates. This time of year sees more backyard (or front door) visits and folks need to be a bit more mindful of gator behavior.
Remember gator mating season is April through June. All the usual gator rules are in effect year-round, but people need to be even more careful this time of year. Swim only in designated swimming areas and never at night. DO NOT FEED ALLIGATORS. This gets them comfortable around people and is illegal. Keep your pets away from the water. They are tempting little snacks. Just leave the beasts alone. Do not try to get them to perform for you. Sounds crazy but my dog and I have had to yell at more than one gator baiter.
If you are worried and want to know if there are alligators in the water here is a little tests you can perform. Approach the water (daylight only), stand close to the edge and place your palm on the surface of the water. You do not have to dip your whole hand in. Is the water wet? Then there are most likely alligators present. In other words, if it is fresh water in the state of Florida look out for gators. They have lived here longer than us and deserve our respect.
