Did you know that Brevard County is home to an abundance of wildlife? According to Brevardfl.gov, many species coexist in the area because it is known as the furthest north or south of their range. This is also due to the fact that in Brevard County the temperature air mass from the north meets the tropical air mass of the south!
When exploring Brevard County wildlife, it is important to stay informed about the animals you may come across on a daily basis. For residents of Harbortown Marina – Canaveral, many of these animals may be located in their backyard. One of the most commonly found and discussed creatures of Florida wildlife is the Florida alligator.
Alligators in Brevard County
Although alligators usually prefer rivers or freshwater, they can also be found in brackish water, which is the type of water in Harbortown Marina – Canaveral, so it’s important to always remain alert. Alligators can be found in all 67 counties of Florida, which means they are part of the Brevard County wildlife ecosystem. It is important that if you ever come across an alligator,never feed it. Feeding an alligator in the state of Florida is both dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators often lose their natural hesitancy towards humans.
Keeping Alligators at a Distance
For fish camps, boat docks, and marinas such as Harbortown Marina – Canaveral, it is important that all fish scraps are disposed of in garbage cans and not thrown back into the water. Although you may not be intentionally feeding an alligator, the result can be the same, potentially leading to some too close for comfort situations. It is reported that in the last 10 years, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Corporation has received an average of 16,000 alligator complaints per year.
Enjoying Florida’s Waters Safely
Florida is known as the place to be for sun, sand, and the beach! It is important, however, that when individuals are near fresh or brackish water like the water at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral, they stay aware of their surroundings. Never swim outside of marked swimming areas, and always avoid swimming at night. Small animals such as dogs or cats may remind alligators of their natural prey. Avoid swimming with your pets in known alligator habitats.
Stay Informed!
Florida state law prohibits the harassment, killing, or possession of any alligator. This is because when it comes to alligator related incidents, oftentimes a human is at fault. Whether an alligator has gotten too comfortable in its surroundings due to being fed by a human or has been agitated by a human getting too close to its surroundings, usually an alligator attack is initiated by a human not taking proper precaution.
Alligators are an important part of Brevard County Wildlife.. We ask that all of our residents treat our surrounding wildlife with respect. If you are experiencing trouble with an alligator, we ask that you please inform our marina office immediately.
