SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) – As mating season begins, the dating pool will be opened for alligators and begin searching for partners.
Florida’s fish and wildlife conservation has some fun facts about these “love birds.”
Mating season occurs between May and June. The FWC said that once the men reach 7 feet and the women reach 6 feet, the crocodile is sexually mature.
It takes 10-15 years for female crocodiles to mature, but men are ready to mix when they reach the age of 8-12.
When they find the match, the women will nest from soil, vegetation, or debris, laying 30-50 eggs in late June or early July.
In Sarasota, two crocodiles began courting rather early, only seven days of mating season. One resident, Gordon Silver, found a pair mixed in the water.
Although these creatures are very friendly to each other, that does not mean that they will be the same as humans.
Here are some FWC safety tips:
Keep a safe distance Please leash your pet and do not supply crocodile away from swimming in designated swimming areas, it is illegal and dangerous
Crocodiles have the same heart structure as humans. We don’t want to break our hearts, so we try not to break their hearts. If you witness a violation, please call 888-404-3922.