Human-Alligator Incidents in the United States: Risky Human Behaviors Cause Most "Attacks"

Interactions between humans and American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), often resulting in negative outcomes for both participants, have occurred for centuries in the United States. As both populations increased over time, contact and conflict with one another became inevitable. Although human–alligator conflicts have been well documented, there has been no detailed classification of risk factors associated with human activities immediately preceding, and in most cases precipitating, an encounter. Herein, we provide a ranking system to categorize different human activities, based on risk levels, immediately preceding an encounter with an alligator. To complete our review in 2021, we initially gleaned data regarding alligator attacks on humans from the CrocBITE website between the years 1734 and 2021. We augmented the details of each incident with additional information obtained by an internet search (e.g., Google) and then cross-referenced all information with existing literature (e.g., books detailing specific human–alligator interactions) and by communicating via email and/or telephone with state fish and wildlife agencies. Our ranking system indicated that 96% (26% low risk, 48% moderate risk, 22% high risk) of the recorded human–alligator incidents reviewed were caused by some level of human inattention in the form of risky behaviors, often while participating in recreational water activities. These results highlight the need for increased and targeted public education concerning safe and responsible human activities in areas inhabited by alligators. By making a conscious effort to implement proactive and preventative safety measures, human injury and death as well as the needless destruction of alligators can be reduced.