Deerfield-News. com-Deerfield Beach, Fl-A dog that was not leashed went for a swim and was killed by an alligator near Deerfield Beach’s Arboretum and Constitution Park. As with any body of water in Florida just assume they have alligators living in them because they probably do. Authorities urge pet owners to keep pets on a leash and away from lakes and lagoons and canals. Below is a YouTube video from WPLG channel 10 and facts about alligators and attacks on humans in Florida from the FWC. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission reported eleven attacks on humans in Florida in 2022 with nine of them considered major attacks.
Video WPLG Channel 10
Source-Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Human-Alligator Incidents Fact Sheet
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Last Updated: December, 2022
General Information
Alligators are considered fully recovered in all of their native‐range states but are still included on the
federal endangered species list within the category of “Threatened Due to Similarity of Appearance.”
Alligators are listed this way because they closely resemble the American crocodile, which is threatened.
Alligators occur in all 67 counties in Florida and can be found in practically all fresh and brackish water
bodies and occasionally in salt water. Although exact population figures are not known, Florida has a
healthy and stable population of about 1.3 million alligators of every size. This population estimate is
based on an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat.
Alligators are opportunistic feeders and will eat animals that are readily available to them. They prefer to
go after prey they can overpower easily. Opportunity is the primary factor that causes an alligator to
pursue prey. Most alligators are naturally afraid of humans but may lose that fear when people feed them.
Feeding alligators teaches them to associate people with food. For that reason, it is illegal to feed wild
alligators.
Alligators seldom bite people for reasons other than food. Female alligators may protect their nests by
hissing and opening their mouths to frighten intruders but rarely bite people. Alligator bites are most likely
to occur in or around water. Bites on humans have occurred in a variety of water bodies, many of which
are small and not regularly used by alligators. Although alligators can move quickly on land, they are not
well adapted for capturing prey out of the water. However, they can lunge at prey within a few feet of the
shoreline. Alligator bites can result in serious infection. Victims should seek immediate medical attention if
bitten.
The FWC allows an annual alligator harvest, and this carefully regulated opportunity has been nationally
and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a renewable natural
resource. Florida’s statewide alligator harvest program provides commercial and recreational hunting
opportunities and helps achieve population management objectives. Alligator hides, meat and their parts
can be sold from legally harvested and tagged alligators.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Alligator Bites on People in Florida
NOTE: These statistics are the latest figures available and may not include
recent incidents that are still undergoing investigation
1
Last Updated: December, 2022
Year Major Fatal 2 Minor Total 3
2022 9 (0) 2 11
2021 7 (0) 2 9
2020 8 (0) 4 12
2019 5 (1) 5 10
2018 9 (1) 1 10
2017 10 (0) 2 12
2016 8 (1) 0 8
2015 9 (1) 0 9
2014 9 (0) 1 10
2013 8 (0) 7 15
2012 3 (0) 7 10
2011 5 (0) 1 6
2010 6 (0) 0 6
2009 6 (0) 2 8
2008 5 (0) 1 6
2007 6 (1) 8 14
2006 8 (3) 4 12
2005 8 (2) 1 9
2004 9 (2) 3 12
2003 9 (1) 1 10
2002 8 (0) 5 13
2001 11 (3) 5 16
2000 8 (0) 5 13
