When is Alligator Mating Season?

Question

I live in Loxahatchee, FL (just west of West Palm Beach) and have been seeing more and more alligators in the past few weeks. I'm a native floridian, but never paid much attention to the mating habits of the alligator until now. I saw 3 on my way to work this morning, two smaller ones on a canal bank (away from people), a 10' one who was sunning himself and enjoying the sprinklers in a park not one block from my house (he was gorgeous!!), and heard of another 8' caught on the sidewalk, headed towards an elementary school! It's never been this obvious before...is it the time of the year? or maybe they're headed towards more water? (our lake & canal levels are very low - unusual for this time of year!)

Thanks!

Answer 1

Aligator mating season is right about now.

Answer 2

Most animals mate in the spring. So what you're seeing really does make sense. And since both human and gator populations are expanding, it's only natural that there will be conflict, especially in a dry year.

Answer 3

It is right now!  Look out for full frontal nudity!  

If you've been seeing more alligators recently, that's because it's mating season and some of Florida's biggest gators are up and moving (Steve Stiegler, Assistant Leader, Alligator Management Program, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)....

"Mature males are going to be actively moving around during this time of year so you're more likely to see large alligators."

Steve Stiegler is with the State's alligator management program...

"Obviously, you're more likely to see them in the lakes and rivers and habitats where they occur. But males will also move over land during this time of year, from one water body to another."

The sudden activity follows several months of almost bear-like winter hibernation...

"They go more dormant during the winter when the water chills down."

And while spotting one of the large male alligators may get your attention, they're not the only ones active during this time of year...

"Smaller alligators and female alligators are active this time of year. After the winter, they're trying to fill their stomachs and put a layer of fat on."