Under normal circumstances they will not be attack you unless you do something to attract their attention or encroach on their territory. This means do not feed them. You might think they're hungry, being in the wild, but they do just fine on their own and don't need your help to survive.

Florida alligators are apex predators, but they are generally not "aggressive" toward humans unless they are provoked, defending a nest, or have been illegally fed. Most alligators have a natural fear of humans and will typically retreat if approached. However, they are opportunistic feeders and can be extremely dangerous if they lose that natural wariness—usually because people have fed them, which is a criminal offense in Florida. During the mating and nesting season (May through September), males can be more territorial and females will fiercely protect their eggs. Statistically, the chance of an unprovoked attack is very low (about 1 in 3 million), but the danger increases significantly at night, dawn, or dusk when they are most active. For 2026 travelers, the rule is simple: "Be Gator Aware." Never let pets or children near the water's edge in Florida, and always assume any body of freshwater—including golf course ponds and canals—contains an alligator. They can lunge with incredible speed, but they generally prefer to avoid the "hassle" of interacting with humans.