Florida State Department of Fish and Wildlife Announcement

The Florida State Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising hikers,
hunters, fishers, and golfers to take extra precautions and to keep alert
for alligators while visiting Brevard, Broward, Dade, Marborough, Pinellas,
Orange, Osceola, Polk, Palm Beach and Sarasota Counties.

They advise people to wear noise-producing devices such as little bells on
their clothing to alert but not startle the alligators unexpectedly. They
also advise the carrying of pepper spray in case of an encounter with an
alligator. It is also a good idea to watch for recent signs of alligator
activity.

People should learn to recognize the difference between small
young alligator and large adult alligator droppings. Young alligator
droppings are smaller and contain fish bones and possibly bird feathers.
Adult alligator droppings have little bells in them and smell like pepper
spray.