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After Spate of Gator Bites, Alligator Farmer Shares Advice on Avoidance

Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons

With three reported alligator bites in as many days in Southwest Florida, and state wildlife officials reporting a record pace of 16 such bites so far in 2017, we turn to the people who work with them every day for some tips on alligator behavior and how to avoid a bite.

Patty Register with Gatorama in Moore Haven, Florida joins Gulf Coast Live to talk about Florida's most famous reptile. Her family’s alligator farm and event center has been in operation since 1957 when Cecil Clemons set up shop along US-27 when it was a two-lane road.

We’ll learn a little about the history of the roadside attraction, find out what it’s like to work with gators every day, and hear about holding an alligator egg while it’s hatching. Plus we’ll have an insider’s take on how they behave so you can avoid meeting the wrong end of an angry gator.

Matthew Smith is a reporter and producer of WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live.
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