FLORIDA, USA — April has arrived, and so has mating season for one of Florida's "snappiest" creatures, the alligator.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says gators begin to find partners around early April before mating begins between May and June.
FWC says that the reptile species becomes sexually mature by the time they reach around seven feet long, with females reaching maturity at just six feet. For males, it takes 8-12 years to reach that length, whereas females can take 10-15 years.
The courtship process begins with the male alligator letting out a low bellowing sound to both attract females and warn other males to stay away, according to Alligator Alley Farm. Once the gator finds its mate, the pair will begin rubbing their snouts together or against each other's backs, the company adds.
The gators will also push each other underwater as part of an hours-long courtship process before officially mating.
After mating season ends, the female alligators build a mound with soil, vegetation and debris to lay around 32 to 46 eggs in a nest between late June and early July.
FWC explains the eggs' incubation takes 63-68 days, and hatching happens around mid-August through early September.
According to the agency, eggs are susceptible to drowning, being crushed by their mother, predation and other calamities. Predators include raccoons, otters, wading birds, fish and even larger alligators.
Wildlife experts say about a third of nests are destroyed by predators or flooding. For nests that survive, approximately 24 eggs will successfully hatch.
Of those hatchlings, 10 will live up to a year, and eight become subadults. Of those, about five will reach maturity (or six feet in length). FWC says these estimated numbers are based on a growing alligator population.
Florida has about 1.3 million alligators throughout the state, FWC adds.
Anyone concerned about a possible nuisance alligator should call the FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
You can find more resources about living with alligators at MyFWC.com/Alligator.
