A common question people ask about Miami Springs’ waterways is, “Are there alligators in these waters?”
If you’re in Miami Springs and you see water, the answer is always, “YES!”  As a general rule, assume every body of water is inhabited by an alligator in Miami Springs. That includes every canal, pond, lake, retention pond, or marsh.
For those of us who grew up in South Florida, you might be thinking, “DUH! Of course there are alligators in Miami Springs waterways.” But we must remember, that there are a lot of new residents in Miami Springs, many of which didn’t grow up in South Florida. So we want to share some basic safety tips to coexist with our native wildlife.
Has there ever been an alligator attack in Miami Springs?
Not that we know of.  We have no recollection of any alligator attack in Miami Springs. We looked back at old newspapers and didn’t see a single report of an attack by an alligator in Miami Springs.
Are Alligators seen regularly in Miami Springs Waters?
Yes.  And sometimes even on roadways and bike paths.
Tips to Coexist with Alligators
It’s important to share some basic tips on how to coexist with our native alligators. Below are some tips to coexist with our native alligators. Plus, I’ve also included a great video from the YouTube Channel GatorJake456 on why alligators attack people.
NEVER FEED AN ALLIGATOR!
Never ever feed an alligator. Feeding an alligator takes the alligator’s natural fear of humans away. Then, the alligator begins to associate humans with food. Any alligator that associates humans with food becomes a nuisance alligator. And then that nuisance alligator will oftentimes be euthanized.
Don’t feed alligators.
Stay Away from the Water when Walking Pets
Miami Springs is very pet friendly. People walk their dogs all the time. That includes walking dogs along near the man canals and lakes in Miami Springs.
Please stay way from the edge of the water when walking your dog. While alligators are generally not interested in humans, your pet is definitely on the menu. There have been several incidents of alligators attacking a pet on a leash throughout the state.
The danger happens when the pet owner tries to get in between the alligator and their pet. The alligator is in hunting mode and you just got in the way. Guess what’s going to happen next.
In other cases, the owner has tripped and fallen, either by the dog, the leash, or simply nervousness. If you fall down in front of an attacking alligator, there’s a good chance the alligator may try to pull you into the water and attempt to drown you.
Don’t Swim In the Water at Night
Generally speaking, we don’t recommend swimming in our local canals. Overgrown vegetation within the water can represent an entanglement risk that can result in a drowning.
But alligators are known to be more active in their predation at night. It’s never a good idea to go swimming in the dark.
Don’t Swim In the Water at Night
Generally speaking, we don’t recommend swimming in our local canals. Overgrown vegetation within the water can represent an entanglement risk that can result in a drowning.
But alligators are known to be more active in their predation at night. It’s never a good idea to go swimming in the dark.
Maintain Your Distance
If you see an alligator on land, keep your distance. Give the alligator a minimum of 15 feet buffer. Alligators can move surprisingly fast in short bursts. Give them space.
Protect Your Children
A small child can be seen as potential prey.
Keep your children away from the water’s edge. And never leave small children unattended near our waterways.
Coexist with Wildlife
Miami Springs is blessed with an abundance of beautiful wildlife. From birds to mammals, to marsupials and reptiles. Let’s protect our wildlife by reminding ourselves and sharing best practices with our newest neighbors.
