FWC Warning - so what else is new?

In the news today:

 

Wildlife Officials Warn To Beware Of Gators

MIAMI (CBS4) ―

This 10-foot alligator was captured from the front door of a Tampa family's home. It's unlikely to have a gator in your yard, but if you live near water, experts say simple rules will keep you safe.

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A recent series of alligator bites has state wildlife officials warning Floridians to use "common sense" around water, especially lakes, ponds, canals, and other inland water waterways where gators can lurk.

Florida has had 6 reported alligator bites in 2010. Last year, there were 19 bites, but wildlife experts say there's no need for anyone to be bitten if they just follow a few simple gator protection rules.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist, Lindsey Hord, says people should swim only in designated areas, keep their pets away from the water’s edge, refrain from feeding alligators, and maintain a safe distance.

The main message: leave the gators alone. They were here first, and aren't going anywhere.

Hord says adult male alligators tend to prefer open water areas, like canals and lakes, where people usually swim. Females are found in marshy areas, which are better for the survival of their young.

Female alligators are nesting now, but Hord says there’s no link between breeding, nesting and alligator bites.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

All I can say is, well...d'uh!  Don't swim at dusk or dawn, scout the area before entering and stay aware of your surroundings.  EVERY body of water has the potential to have gators in it, and  probably does - so be careful!