Wildlife Diversity Program Quarterly Report for January–March 2025
JONATHON GRUENKE/NCWRC
Are You GatorWise? New Outreach Program Promotes Coexistence with Alligators by Alicia Wassmer, Alligator Biologist and Liz Scarlet, Alligator Technician D evelopment in coastal regions of southeastern states, including areas where alligator habitat occurs, is projected to continue increasing at exponential rates to meet the residential and recreational needs of growing human populations. This loss of natural habitat and constant influx of newcomers, many who have never lived in areas occupied by alligators, have amplified the need for state wildlife resource agencies to connect residents and visitors with vital information on how to coexist responsibly with alligators. To address this need, wildlife agencies in each of the 11 states within the natural range of the American alligator have worked together to develop and launch GatorWise, a regional outreach initiative. Modeled after BearWise®, GatorWise encourages the public to live responsibly with alligators by providing reliable information and resources about how to avoid human-alligator conflicts and co-exist safely with alligators. No matter which state they’re in, people can be GatorWise by following the GatorWise Basics.
GatorWise Basics • Assume alligators are present • Never feed alligators
• Don’t dispose of fish or food scraps in water • Never harass, capture, or handle an alligator • Be responsible for people and pets in your care • Maintain awareness anytime you are in or near water
By learning and applying the 6 GatorWise Basics, residents and visitors can take action to keep alligators wild and people safe. To learn more about becoming GatorWise, visit GatorWise.org .
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