During your visit to Everglades National Park, you may see an alligator or a crocodile basking, laying out in the sun absorbing its heat, on the side of a trail or road. All reptiles, including alligators and crocodiles, absorb heat from the environment instead of creating their own heat like mammals and birds do. Because alligators and crocodiles are so big, it takes longer for their bodies to reach desired body temperatures than for smaller reptiles. They may not move for hours, but don’t worry, they are fine. You should never assume an animal in Everglades National Park is hurt, dead, or fake. The only statue of an animal in the park is that of a Florida panther outside the Ernest F. Coe Visitor’s Center. Additionally, hurt and even dead animals can be dangerous to touch or handle. Just because an alligator or crocodile may appear lethargic does not mean that it cannot quickly resume activity to defend itself. Though most would rather flee than attack, alligators and crocodiles are wild animals whose behavior is unpredictable. Always keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife in the park (15 to 20 feet; 4.5 to 6 meters) and do not harass or feed wildlife.



Alligators and crocodiles have plenty of natural food here and do not seek out humans or pets. However, do not mimic prey-like behavior which may attract these animals. Stay a safe distance from the shoreline (15 to 20 feet; 4.5 to 6 meters) and do not swim, snorkel, or dive where prohibited - in any canal, pond, freshwater lake, marked channel, or boat basin inside the park. Prevent small children and pets from approaching shorelines or basking alligators or crocodiles. Feeding or harassing alligators is a criminal offense as it can ultimately result in harm to the alligator, humans, or both. Alligators that have been fed by humans associate people with food and may exhibit more aggressive behavior around humans.