Florida Fish and Wildlife Dept Alert
The Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising hikers,
hunters, fishermen, golfers and tourist in general to take extra
precautions and keep alert for alligators while in Alachua, Broward, Marion,
Lake, Hillsborough, Collier, Lee, Seminole, Osceola, Polk, Brevard,
Putnam and Orange counties.
They advise people to wear noise-producing devices such as little
bells on their shoes or clothing to alert but not startle the alligators
unexpectedly. They also advise the carrying of pepper spray in case of
an encounter with an alligator.
It is also a good idea to watch for fresh signs of alligator
activity. People should learn to recognize the difference between
small young alligator droppings and large adult alligator droppings.
Young alligator droppings are small and contain fish bones and
possibly bird feathers. Adult alligator droppings have little bells in
them and smell like pepper spray.