It’s Mating Season for Alligators in Florida—New Residents Beware

Alligators are plentiful in Manchac Swamp and provide myriad photo opportunities. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries estimates 2 million wild gators tromp across the state, while another million or so live on farms. Mary Ann Anderson/TNS

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.–With more than 1,000 people moving every day to Florida, where there are more than a million alligators, they should know to keep their distance. May and June are the key months for alligator mating season, says the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission (FWC).

While the courting season for alligators began in April, as the weather gets warmer, mating season gets underway, according to FWC.