The University of Florida says, fight back if you're attacked. Strike the gator in its snout, if you can!

Keep yourself safe by avoiding known gator habitats, such as marshes, swamps and lakes

An estimated , inhabiting every one of Florida's 67 counties. Floridians might encounter them in swamps, rivers, ponds and, of course, lakes. They eat fish, turtles, crabs, snails, snakes and also other alligators, . Alligators do have natural enemies, and raccoons are known to destroy alligator nests & eat young alligators.

Florida lakes where the most alligators live

Alligator attacks are rare, but they do happen. Alligators are most active when it's warm (between 82 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit.) Take precautions by steering clear of known alligator haunts, and avoid swimming or standing near the

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