Bay County, Fla. -
According to alligator experts, there are more than 1.5 million alligators in Florida and during the summer time; those gators are on the move.
Alligator attacks have recently taken over Florida. Last week, a 15-year old boy barely survived after a gator grabbed him while he was spear fishing with his grandfather and then on Monday, another 17-yer old lost his arm when a gator attacked while he was swimming in a river near Fort Myers.
"The most important thing is you need to use good common sense and avoid situations that are risky," said Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Spokesman, Stan Kirkland.
According to Kirkland, alligators especially migrate during the summer. In recent weeks a photo shows an alligator walking along the road towards Deerpoint Lake, a mile and half away from any source of water.
"Alligators respond to air temperature and water temperature. When it's warmer they are out they are moving," Kirkland added.
David Dawe is an area alligator handler. He puts on daily shows at Airboat Adventures in Panama City Beach. One thing he educates his audience on is the dangers of getting to close to an alligator.
"We have very few unprovoked attacks in the State of Florida, most of them are people that shouldn't be where they are or harass the gator at some point," Dawe said.
He says not only do gators hunt most of the meals during the warm months, but it's also right after breeding season.
"We find that they haven't gone with food for a month or so, they are irritable, they haven't got back in their territories and they are usually in places where we are," Dawe added.
If you happen to see an alligator and would like to report it, call the State Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
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