Study: Most US Alligator Bites Caused by Humans

A study by the University of Florida and Centre College in Kentucky, published in the journal Human-Wildlife Interactions, found that 96% of alligator bites in the U.S. are triggered by risky human behaviors rather than unprovoked aggression from the animals. Researchers analyzed nearly three centuries of bite records and determined that most incidents involved moderate- or high-risk activities, such as swimming in known alligator habitats or walking pets near water. The study is the first to rank the risk levels of human actions preceding alligator encounters, revealing that truly unprovoked attacks are exceedingly rare. Experts emphasize that alligators are not inherently aggressive toward humans, and most bites can be prevented with greater awareness and safer practices, especially during mating season. The findings suggest that altering human behavior and respecting wildlife habitats can greatly reduce dangerous encounters. The research challenges the view of alligators as aggressive predators and highlights human responsibility in wildlife conflicts.