Why are so many alligators ‘knocking' on our doors?

A video you may have seen grabbed some attention this week. It showed an alligator that appeared to be ringing the doorbell at a South Carolina home.

No big  deal, the owner wasn’t  home  to answer the bell. Apparently, the gator was interested in the swimming pool in the backyard and was perhaps looking for a shortcut through the living room.

The  video evidence has lent some credence to anecdotal stories that more people are seeing more alligators in places they shouldn't be. Like a woman's bathroom in Florida.

It’s not uncommon, actually, to see the normally shy reptiles out and about at certain times of the year. In Florida, which has a large population of gators, reports  of rowdy reptiles can number in the hundreds on any given day.

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There are any number of reasons why a person may have a close encounter with an alligator, but if it’s this time of year when you see one, you can likely blame it on love.

What’s love got to do with it?

Mating season for alligators happens from mid-April through May. Male alligators, like males of other species, have been known to cruise areas looking for females. A gator looking for love can end up in or around homes near his natural habitat.

Since larger gators are apt to eat smaller ones – remember, an alligator is pretty much an eating machine –the gators one sees strolling in neighborhoods or trying out Jacuzzis on someone’s deck are likely juvenile or young adult gators who are just trying to get away from larger gators.

What part of the country do gators favor?

The gator caught on tape appearing to ring the doorbell was in South Carolina. Gators call a wide swath of the Southeast and portions of the Southwest home.

A large factor in the increase of human-to-gator contact is encroachment on their habitat. More houses are being built near places gators have called home for hundreds of years. If your home is built next to theirs, don’t be surprised if you get a visit.

What habitat do they favor?

Mostly non-moving fresh water – small rivers, creeks, swamps. However, that doesn’t mean the occasional alligator won’t take up digs in brackish or even salt water.

What do you do if one drops in?

This probably shouldn't have to be said, but, don't get near it. Even a relatively small alligator has relatively large jaws that can clamp down on something with the force of  more than 2,000 pounds per square inch. In comparison, a human can clamp down on an extra-large pizza with the works at a force of 150 psi.

And keep your pets away from it, too. To a gator, a dog is an appetizer.

Second, if you see a gator, call the man. That is, call your local fish and wildlife management agency. In Florida, there’s a special number for “nuisance” alligators, 1-866-FWC-GATOR.  Don’t be shy, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline gets around 100-150 phone calls a day about gators.

Gator myths

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences put out a fact sheet with some common myths about alligators.

Try not to laugh at numbers one and four.

 Myth #1. You should run zigzag if you come across an alligator.

This is a common misconception. First, it is rare for an alligator to pursue a human because humans are too large to be suitable prey. However, if an alligator does make an aggressive charge, run fast and straight (away from the alligator, of course). They usually do not run very far. But remember they are most likely to charge at you if you are near their nest.

Myth #2. Alligators have poor eyesight.

Alligators actually have very good eyesight, which is an important adaptation for hunting. They are especially adapted to see and sense movement of potential prey animals. The position of their eyes on their head (almost on the side) gives them a wide sight range. The only place they cannot see is right behind them.

Myth #3. Alligators are not good climbers.

Alligators have sharp claws and powerful tails to help them push their bodies up. Young alligators are agile climbers and adults have been known to climb fences to get to water or escape captivity. Low fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators are present. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard.

Myth #4. Alligators make good pets.

This is entirely untrue. Alligators make terrible pets. Although baby alligators may seem like a cool pet, it is illegal to possess or take an alligator without the proper licenses and permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Alligators are purely instinctual hunters and do not show affection. Unlike cats and dogs, alligators will never love the hand that feeds them.

Why? Because gators.

Cox Media Group