Tips For Keeping Away Alligators

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Can you really keep away alligators? Alligators are a part of the crocodilian family of reptiles but they should not be mistaken for crocodiles. The only place that crocodiles live is in Florida and the rest of the states are populated by alligators. Alligators are a semi aquatic animal that can hunt and live in both water and on land which is what makes them so terrifying; they can turn up unexpectedly anywhere at any time if you live in an area that has them. Alligators are more secure in the water than they are on land, but they also need to sunbathe themselves because they are cold-blooded animals like all other reptiles. Gators eat a varied diet of small animals such as birds, rodents, rabbits, fish, snakes, etc. and how far they wander from their main territory depends on how much food is available.

Alligators are usually classified as a pest species due to people's fear of this animal. The most common complaints include the following:

• Worry over safety of pets
• Worry over safety of children
• Worry over safety of adults!
• Large alligator living in lake / pond.
• Alligator is nesting up on land.

Alligators are not an issue for the majority of the North American continent, but if you happen to live in an area that is populated by alligators then you know the danger that comes with these animals well. Alligators are mainly a nuisance and a danger because they wander from place to place in search of food and a good place to get some sun. Unfortunately, some of their favorite places to “hang out” are in your back yard and in your swimming pool. Alligators are content to leave you alone, but are very dangerous in that they will attack anything that wanders into their strike zone. This is the basis of a bad situation for you, your children and your pets if you are unaware that there is a gator in your yard or even in your house. If you should find yourself in this situation, here are some do it yourself tips to get rid of alligators.

• The number one thing that you should do for alligators is to prevent them from coming into your yard. For example, put up a good and sturdy fence around your entire property. Make sure you go with the best material on this as alligators are very strong, it is preferred that you have a privacy fence so that the gator does not see a yummy snack and decide to break in.

• Another thing that you should do to make an alligator less likely to enter your yard is to make it unattractive to them. Keep your cover on the swimming pool when it is not in use and reduce their food source on your property. If they don’t see anything tasty to eat, they probably won’t stay too long. Keep your gates closed and your doors shut all the time; no exceptions. Never feed the gators. This sounds counter-intuitive to feed them, but you would be surprised at how many people feel that the gators living in the water near their house are like extended family pets. Never do this as the gators will start associating you with food.

• If these preventative measures have not worked and there is an alligator in your yard, here are some things that you should do. Firstly, do not approach the gator even if it is small. You are not qualified to wrestle them, so don’t even try. Back away slowly from the gator making sure not to make and sudden movements. Once you are a safe distance from the gator and call animal control, if you don’t have the number of animal control on you, call 911. You cannot do this yourself and you need to call the authorities. After you have done this, tell your neighbors that may be in danger also.

• There are certain thing you should never do when you encounter a gator on your property which includes: not feeding them, never trying to trap or snare the gator, poison them, shoot them, wrestle them, etc. These are all very bad ideas and will put you and everyone around you in serious danger. There are professionals out there to deal with alligators, and other than prevention measures, this is one animal that you cannot get rid of on your own.

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