Biologist Provides Expertise on Alligators to Orlando Sentinel

Rollins biology professor Bobby Fokidis said recent alligator attacks in Florida should not be blamed on increasingly aggressive animals but rather on a combination of human behavior and environmental conditions.

Fokidis said prolonged drought has lowered water levels across parts of the state, concentrating alligators and people in the same waterways. As lakes, rivers and wetlands shrink, both wildlife and recreational users are forced into closer proximity, increasing the likelihood of encounters. He said that while the number of interactions may rise under such conditions, that does not mean alligators are actively seeking out humans.

According to Fokidis, most alligator attacks occur when people engage in risky activities in areas where the reptiles are known to live. Swimming, wading and other water-based recreation in alligator habitat can trigger natural hunting or defensive responses. He emphasized that alligators are behaving according to instinct rather than displaying unusual aggression.

Fokidis said people often misunderstand the animals’ behavior following highly publicized attacks. He stressed that alligators are a native and permanent part of Florida’s ecosystem and that residents and visitors should take responsibility for understanding the risks associated with sharing waterways with them.

He urged the public to practice greater awareness around bodies of water, particularly during periods of drought when wildlife may be concentrated in smaller areas. The best way to prevent attacks, he said, is through education, caution and respect for alligator habitat.

Fokidis’ central message was that reducing risky human behavior, rather than blaming alligators, is key to preventing future incidents and promoting safer coexistence between people and wildlife.