MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Salt Springs Recreation Area and marina in the Ocala National Forest was forced to close Saturday due to the presence of a “nuisance alligator,” according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The agency said in a statement that the closures would be lifted pending either the removal or voluntary exit of a 6-8 foot adult alligator that was observed around the spring boils. Forest Service staff have since notified a professional trapper to resolve the situation if need be, the statement reads.
No reports of human contact or injury caused by the alligator have been made, according to the statement, which stressed the closures would ensure the area stays safe for visitors and staff before reopening for water activity.
Alligators begin courting each other in early April and mating happens in May or June, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Nesting season comes in late June or early July, with hatching set from mid-August to early September.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Here are some quick tips from Gatorland to stay aware and safe during alligator breeding season:
-
Alligators can be very territorial and many are on the move looking for mates.
-
When water levels are low, this also puts alligators on the move.
-
Use extra caution in the morning or evening hours in shallow water, as alligators may think the splashing is an animal at the water’s edge.
-
Stay away from alligators you see in the wild and do not feed them.
-
Remember, it is against the law in Florida to feed or harass an alligator in the wild.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:
Post comments (0)