It must be spring

In other parts of the country the first signs of spring are robins, but not in Florida. Many times, an alligator sighting may be a clue that the seasons have changed. Neighborhood retention ponds and golf course water hazards have unusual visitors come spring. Like anything else in the spring, alligators get very social and tend to wander looking for action.

Alligators fascinate people. Visitors always ask about them and are eager to see a "real" one. My youngest grandson will visit in a few weeks, and we plan to visit the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine. Several years ago, the Big Guy and I visited and saw all manner of crocs and alligators. We could not help but be impressed by Maximo, the resident "Big Guy" of alligators. Originally from Australia, he now lives at the farm. Maximo, an incredible 25-foot length and 1,250-pound weight, is a saltwater crocodile, or "saltie" as his species is called in Australia; Maximo was hatched from an egg collected by Aboriginal people along an Australian riverbank. He was brought to the Alligator Farm in 2003.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park began in the late 19th century as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles and soon became an ultra-Florida attraction. Today it is a modern zoo and scientific community with educational shows and exhibits, important research, and worldwide conservation efforts.

Where to spot an alligator? They are found either sunning on a riverbank or floating like logs in dark water. Most would agree that they are one of God's oddest creations. Locals will tell you to expect these uninvited visitors each spring. Those living near water are more watchful, and those with small dogs are highly alert.

One favorite spot for wandering alligators are water hazards on local golf courses. Players are warned not to feed the alligators. One local golf club pond had a resident gator, Wally, long gone, who became so tame he would come when called by name. It is fairly common to see gators lurking in the duckweed on Egan's Creek Greenway.

What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? It is not easy to tell the difference, and you have to get pretty darn close to make the determination. There are many internal and external differences. Alligators have a rounded snout, while crocodiles have a triangular snout. In a crocodile, the fourth lower tooth can be seen when the mouth is closed. In alligators, this tooth fits into a socket in the upper jaw. I don't think I want to get close enough to urge an alligator or crocodile to open its mouth and say, "Ahhh."

How fast can they run? Everyone would agree this is highly valuable information. Experts say the maximum speed is 11 mph. Bursts at these speeds are used primarily to catch prey and escape predators.

Do alligators eat pets and small children? Don't test it, experts tell us. Like all crocodilians, alligators are opportunistic feeders and will take carrion if it becomes available and they are sufficiently hungry. They may also expand their prey choice to include small dogs and other pets. Alligators have been known in rare instances to attack children and even occasionally adults, usually because they mistake humans for much smaller prey or because they are provoked. Everyone agrees that feeding alligators is not a good idea. They soon get used to being fed and will more readily approach humans in search of food.

So, yes, we will share our island with alligators come spring. Remember, they are more of a nuisance than a danger. If you experience a sighting or have concerns, immediately contact the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). This number connects you with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.