The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is advising hikers, hunters, fishers, and golfers to take extra precautions and keep alert for alligators while in Osceola, Polk, Brevard and Orange 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 fresh signs of alligator activity.

People should 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 alligators droppings have little bells in them and smell like pepper spray.

Speakin' of Florida lizards, let's talk about gators or, as they're more commonly and less southernly called, alligators (from the spanish el lagarto which means "the lizard") . Yes, those big, scary, left-overs from the dinosaur age. In speaking with my Michigan friend, "Mumma", I've found she is both amused and bemused at our comfort with these creatures. We swim in lakes and ponds and rivers with gators lying up on the banks and beaches of said bodies of water. We also hunt and eat them. And in Florida.. we also have an attraction dedicated to them.