Latest news with #FrankMazzotti
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Florida scientists work out what causes the majority of alligators to attack humans
In groundbreaking new research, scientists in Florida determined that almost all alligator attacks were actually due to risky behavior from humans. Researchers at both the University of Florida and Centre College in Kentucky published the first-ever study into what humans were doing immediately before an encounter with an alligator. The experts found that 96 per cent of recorded reptile 'attacks' occurred immediately after a human had engaged in 'risky' behavior, and published the findings in the Human-Wildlife Interactions journal where, in April, they announced beast bites were preventable. The study's lead and professor at Centre College Mark Teshera said the findings show that alligator 'attacks' aren't actually attacks at all. He said: 'It was important to create a ranking system for risky human behaviors because it showed that the overwhelming majority of bites stemmed from some level of humans engaging in risky behavior in places where alligators live. 'Therefore, we should not call these encounters "attacks". The professor added that the motivation for the study was to determine if the beasts were misrepresented. Scientists concluded that humans shoulder a majority of the blame for alligator bites, and the predators don't typically go looking to attack people. Professor Frank Mazzotti said: 'The takeaway lesson from this study is that many bites can be prevented if humans are aware of their surroundings and minimize risky behaviors, such as walking small pets near bodies of water or swimming where alligators are known to be present.' Scientists believe that alligators won't go looking for conflict but will respond if presented with an 'attractive stimulus', which could be something that would spook them like splashing, swimming, or just as a presence in their natural habitat. When researchers specifically looked at fatal bites, they found humans were often engaging in high-risk behavior beforehand. This can be defined as deliberately entering the alligator's habitat. Humans who simply walked near the water or the alligator's habitat on land were rarely bitten. Mazzotti said the findings could help protect the reptiles from being euthanized by authorities if they were to bite a human. Typically, when an attack occurs, authorities will attempt to identify the alligator, capture it, and euthanize them. If humans are conscious of not disturbing the creatures, they're less likely to get attacked, and the alligators won't be senselessly killed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers uncover startling crocodile trend spreading through neighborhoods: 'Growing safety concern'
Florida's American crocodiles are back from the brink of extinction and are now 2,000 strong. But these days, they're showing up in some unexpected places. As more crocs are spotted in suburban neighborhoods, scientists are tracking their movements to better understand how they're adapting to urban life, yet not everyone is thrilled by their return. As reported by Mongabay from lead researcher Frank Mazzotti and the University of Florida, a surprising new pattern has emerged — crocodiles are adapting to city life. Florida researchers have tagged 15 crocodiles with satellite trackers to find out how they're adjusting. Initial findings show that crocodiles in more developed areas stick to smaller zones, likely because they're boxed in by roads and homes. Those with access to natural waterways appear to roam more freely. The famous Melbourne Beach crocodile made headlines when it returned to a residential spot in Melbourne Beach, traveling more than 100 miles from its release point just eight months earlier. Although American crocs rarely act aggressively toward people, residents aren't eager to share their streets and backyards. If people start seeing wildlife as a threat instead of something worth protecting, it could stall conservation wins that communities fought hard to achieve — not just for crocodiles but also for other species making a comeback. In Miami-Dade County, over 300 people signed a petition calling for officials to act on the "growing safety concern" after multiple sightings, including one near a playground. The residents are calling for the immediate removal and stronger safeguards to avert potentially tragic incidents in the future. This issue raises serious questions about safety and how we share spaces with wild animals in the middle of modern life. As wild spaces shrink and urban sprawl expands, communities and officials must figure out ways for humans and wildlife to safely coexist. Conservationists are urging residents not to panic. While monitoring the situation, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission disseminates information, including a guide to living with crocodiles. Supporting balance by reporting sightings, staying informed, and making space for nature helps preserve biodiversity. And making space for wildlife where we live supports a cleaner, safer future for all by reducing climate pressures caused by habitat loss. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Risky human behavior behind 96% of alligator bites: Study
The Brief Floridians are expected to interact with more gators this time of year. Experts say that it is because it is mating season for gators. Researchers say that gators do not look to attack humans, but will if provoked. TAMPA, Fla. - More gator interactions are expected this time of year, with it being mating season. Sometimes, however, gators look for love in all the wrong places. Researchers with the University of Florida and Center College in Kentucky say it's not the gator's fault most of the time. Researchers found that in almost all cases of gator bites, people did – unknowingly or not – engage in risky behavior moments before the bites. Researchers say that many bites are preventable if people were more aware of their surroundings. What they're saying Unsurprisingly, Florida ranks number one in the country for gator attacks. Researchers from the University of Florida say humans are primarily to blame. "They're not viciously aggressive, they don't want to attack you, they don't want to eat you, they're no voracious eating machines," said University of Florida Professor of Wildlife Ecology Frank Mazzotti. "None of those things are true about alligators. By and large, what they most like to do and spend most of their time doing is sitting in the sun getting warm." READ: Michelle Trachtenberg cause of death revealed Mazzotti is one of the authors of a study that analyzed nearly three centuries of records from 1734 to 2021 on human-alligator interactions. Researchers found that in 96% of recorded incidents, some form of human inattention or risk-taking preceded the bite, meaning the attacks usually aren't random. For example, swimming in bodies of water known for gators or walking dogs along ponds were two behaviors that ranked the highest on the list of risky behaviors. "Bringing a dog next to the water is like yelling that you've got barbecue ribs. It is, I'm not sure why, but a very attractive food source," said Mazzotti. "I've known alligator trappers that, one of the ways they attract an alligator that they're after, is by barking like a dog." Dig deeper As Mazzotti explains, the study's results emphasize that alligators aren't really seeking conflict, but will respond when people provide what scientists call an "attractive stimulus." Splashing, swimming or entering gator habitats are considered an "attractive stimulus" by scientists. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "It's very, very rare that somebody is completely innocent. And, you know, you're on a path and an alligator comes out and chases you. Usually, it's people who put themselves in an area where alligators occur," said Mazzotti. Big picture view Mazzotti hopes the study's results can encourage more education about the risks of gators, especially for new residents moving to Florida. The Source FOX 13's Jordan Bowen collected the information in this story. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS LIVE: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
