American Alligator Near River in Florida – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Jim Schwabel
Palm Island Park in Mount Dora, Florida, reopened on Monday morning after being temporarily closed over the weekend due to an “aggressive alligator.”
The Mount Dora Police Department posted early Sunday morning that the park would remain closed because of the dangerous alligator. Police say the park reopened around 7:30 a.m. Monday after officers arrived and found no traces of the gator.
Police continue to urge visitors to be aware and not engage with any alligators seen on the property.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, July is prime time for alligator breeding season. Gators will usually start to court one another beginning in early April before mating season begins in May or June, followed by the laying of several eggs that hatch anytime from mid-August to early September.
Police have not yet confirmed whether officers or any other officials believe the testy animal at Palm Island Park is a mother alligator sitting on dozens of eggs, however, several news stations have been given alligator safety tips from Gatorland in Orlando, Florida, at the onset of the alligator breeding season for 2022:
- Alligators are extremely territorial, and many are on the hunt for mates.
- Low water levels also put alligators on the move.
- Use caution in the morning and evening hours in shallow water, as alligators believe splashing is an animal at the water’s edge.
- Stay away from any gators seen in the wild and DO NOT feed them.
- It is against the law in the State of Florida to harass or feed an alligator in the wild.
- Any alligator concerns should be reported to the FWC.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
