01/18/01

Alligator Warning

The Florida State Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising hikers, 
hunters, fishers, and golfers to take extra precautions and keep 
alert for alligators while in Osceola, Polk, Brevard and Orange 
Counties. They advise people to wear noise-producing devices such as
little bells on their clothing to alert but not startle the
alligators unexpectedly.
They also advise the carrying of pepper spray in case of an encounter 
with an alligator. It is also a good idea to watch for fresh signs of 
alligator activity. People should recognize the difference between 
small young alligator and large adult alligator droppings. Young 
alligator droppings are smaller and contain fish bones and possibly 
bird feathers. Adult alligators droppings have little bells in them
and smell like pepper spray.