Keep these fun facts and tips handy for your next Alligator encounter:

• Though some people claim they have seen alligators longer than 17 or even 19 feet, researchers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission say there is very low probability that a gator longer than 15 feet ever existed – in our time.
• Each spike on an alligator's back is called a scute. Inside the scute is a bone that helps protect the alligator from attack. The bone also houses blood vessels that absorb heat when the alligator is exposed to the sun.
• Alligators can tunnel almost 20 feet when making a gator hole.
• In the wild, Alligators can live for 30 or 40 years. In captivity, some have lived for 100 years!
• In the 1960’s, the American alligator was on the verge of extinction and was placed on the endangered species list. The population bounced back, and the alligator taken off the list in 1987.

ALLIGATOR SAFETY TIPS
In Florida, in 2006 alone, three people were killed by alligators. Though such attacks are rare, people can take some steps to reduce the risk of injury from these reptiles. This is a list of tips created by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

• Be aware of the possibility of alligator attacks when in or near fresh or brackish bodies of water.
• Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water.
• Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas or in waters that might be inhabited by large alligators.
• Swim only during daylight hours, since alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
• Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possession of alligators.
• Never feed or entice alligators - it’s dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.
• Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at boat ramps and fish camps. Do not throw them in the water. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators when you do this, the end result can be the same.
• Don’t allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. Dogs are more susceptible to being attacked than humans because dogs resemble the natural prey of alligators.
• Never remove an alligator from its natural habitat or accept one as a pet.
• Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an alligator. Alligator bites often result in serious infection.
• If you encounter an alligator over four feet in length that poses a threat to humans or property, call 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286).