Living with gators
Alligators are part of life around Palm Springs' canals and lakes. Most keep to themselves. A few simple habits keep people, pets and gators safe.
Worried about a gator?
Call the FWC nuisance alligator hotline, toll-free: 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
FWC generally treats a gator as a nuisance if it's at least 4 ft long and you believe it's a threat to people, pets or property. Smaller gators in the wrong place, like a pool, porch or garage, count too.
Call the hotlineNever feed a gator
Don't leave food or scraps near the water either.
Keep your distance
Enjoy them from far away, including when you're snapping a photo for the map.
Keep pets on a leash and away from the water
Walk dogs on paths set back from canals and lake edges.
Swim only in designated areas, in daylight
Skip swimming in canals and lakes, and save swims for daylight hours.
Never handle one, even a small one
Gators under 4 ft aren't large enough to be dangerous unless handled, but bites can cause serious infections, and handling them is illegal.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Alligator management program, Statewide nuisance alligator program and Living with alligators. See You Gator is a neighborhood project, not an official FWC service. In an emergency, call 911.