Protecting Your Alligator Pals Everywhere

Happy Earth Day from your pals at Alligator Alley! Here on the farm, we are preparing to celebrate with lots of sunshine and active feedings. When you visit Alligator Alley, you will most likely see our alligators lounging in the sun or taking a leisurely swim through the swamp. What you may not think about as much is how important taking care of the environment is to ensure the protection of our alligators.

A little over 50 years ago, alligators were classified as an endangered species due to people hunting them and destroying their natural environments. Today, the American Alligator is protected by the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species. Currently, the greatest threat to alligators is human development that takes away from alligators’ natural wetland habitats. While this issue is not easily fixable, there are small ways that you can play a big role in protecting both the alligators and their environment.

Never ever litter. In general, it is never a good idea to litter, but it is especially harmful to litter in waterways. Alligators may accidentally consume litter in waterways which could severely harm or even kill them. Next time you think about tossing your trash in the water, please think again – your alligator pals and other water friends will thank you!

Do not feed wild alligators. While our alligators at the farm love our delicious chow, under no circumstances should you ever feed a wild alligator. Feeding wild alligators is the number one reason that alligators lose their fear of man and become a “nuisance alligator.” Unfortunately, these alligators become uprooted from their natural habitats and euthanized. Thankfully, Alligator Alley has saved quite a few alligators from this fate, but many others are not as fortunate.

Do not interact with alligators in the wild. If you ever encounter an alligator in the wild, do NOT approach it. While you are safe to enjoy our alligators here at the farm, interacting with them in the wild is another story. Be cautious when spotting them in the wild and remember not to feed them or to litter their home with trash. Alligators are naturally afraid of humans, so if you mind your own business they will too.

You play a vital role in keeping alligators safe and free from harm. Next time you visit your friends at Alligator Alley or any natural habitat where animals live, remember the outdoors is their home too. Be respectful and pick up after yourself, and encourage others to do the same.