Dear Homeowners,
As Florida residents, we share our environment with a variety of wildlife, including
alligators. In Land O’ Lakes, sightings are especially common due to the many ponds and
lakes in our area, including those within your community. Seeing an alligator in or near a
pond is a natural and expected occurrence.
We want to remind everyone never to feed alligators or throw bait into our community
ponds. While it might seem harmless, this behavior can create serious problems for both
residents and wildlife.
Why feeding alligators is dangerous:
- Loss of natural fear – Feeding alligators causes them to associate humans with
food, making them more likely to approach people and homes. - Increased aggression – A fed alligator may become bolder and potentially
dangerous, especially in populated areas. - Risk to pets and children – Alligators that are conditioned to seek food from
humans pose a direct threat to smaller animals and young children. - Against the law – Feeding alligators is illegal in Florida and can result in fines or
other penalties. - Environmental impact – Introducing bait disrupts the natural balance of the pond
ecosystem and can harm other wildlife.
For your safety and the safety of our community, please observe all wildlife from a distance
and never attempt to interact with them. If you see an alligator that appears aggressive or is
lingering near homes, you may contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at (866) 392-4286.
Thank you for helping us keep our community safe and respectful of Florida’s unique
wildlife.
Sincerely,
JC Eckstein, LCAM