Spring in Florida doesn’t just bring warmer weather — it also kicks off alligator mating season. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), courtship begins in April, with mating in May and June. Come late June or early July, mama gators get busy building nests and laying 30–40+ eggs. Fast forward 60–65 days, and hatchlings start popping out in August and September.
But only a few make it — thanks to predators (and yes, cannibalism!), only around 4 gators per nest reach adulthood. With an estimated 1.3 million alligators across Florida (in every county), staying gator-smart is essential.
Alligator Safety Tips:
- Keep pets away from water’s edge
- Swim only in designated areas — and only in daylight
- Never feed gators (it’s illegal and dangerous)
- Spot a gator you think is a threat? Call 1-866-FWC-GATOR
And remember: the odds of a serious gator bite are about 1 in 3.1 million — but awareness is everything. Stay safe out there!
