The American alligator can usually be found in the marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes in all 67 counties in Florida. The growth of the human population in Florida has increased the risk of human-alligator encounters that may not end well.
One of the best examples is when a 34-year-old man in Florida was recently bitten by an alligator on the face. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said to People that the man was immediately brought to the hospital to be treated.
Alligator Attacks Swimming Man in Florida
Juan Carlos La Verde, a resident of Brandon in Hillsborough County, Florida, was taking a dip in Lake Thonotosassa on Wednesday afternoon when the alligator suddenly sunk its teeth into his face. The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue took the man to Tampa General Hospital for treatment.
FWC said a nuisance alligator trapper was sent to the scene after the incident. The commission has not yet released any specific details regarding La Verde's injuries but assured that an investigation is underway.
There are about 1.3 million alligators in Florida. The commission said that this year is by far the deadliest of alligator attacks in the state since 2008. Last year, FWC said there were 442 unprovoked alligator attacks from 1948 to 2021, including 61 fatalities.
FWC is responsible for running a nuisance alligator program that will proactively address alligator threats to humans, especially in developed areas, while also advocating the conservation of alligators where they naturally occur.
Sadly, about 9,500 alligators were killed in Florida in 2021 for threatening the well-being of people. Relocating those nuisance alligators is not an option because of their robust population in the state and because these reptiles tend to return to their capture site after being released.
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Alligator Attacks in Florida
FWC said in its update last year that Florida usually records eight alligator attacks every year, which are serious enough to need help from medical professionals. Experts said that the chances of a Florida resident suffering from an alligator bite are about one in 3.1 million.
The overpopulation of alligators in Florida is a major factor in the increasing number of alligator attacks in the state. Back in the 1980s, the American alligator was listed on the endangered species list. Their population has since recovered and they have become too common in certain areas that there is even a stretch of I-75 called the "Alligator Alley."
Alligator bites in Florida are said to have increased by around 10 per year and authorities are receiving more than 10,000 nuisance complaints because of the sudden appearance of alligators.
Experts always remind the public to never feed alligators as it is illegal and will attract predators. Always keep your distance and pets away from the water and only swim in designated areas. If an alligator suddenly appears, the obvious advice is to run as fast as you can.
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