It’s finally warming up, and that means the Southeast’s 1.25 million alligators are on the prowl after an unusually cold winter.

The coordinator of Florida’s programs for nuisance gators and crocs debunks the common view that they roam widely this time of year in search of mates. He says that alligators are just more active during the warm months, and are on the hunt more for food than trysts.

We are close enough to the Everglades to get an occasional alligator in our lakes. Two have already been spotted this spring – one in the big lake behind the clubhouse, the other in the lake between Amber Bay and the pre-school near the ice cream store and Blockbuster.

Bottom line, take precautions with small children and pets by keeping them away from our many lakes.

Alan Kellock