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The Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising hikers, hunters,
fishermen, golfers and tourists in general to take extra precautions
and keep
alert for alligators while in Alachua, Marion, Lake, Collier, Lee,
Seminole,
Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Putnam and Orange counties.

They advise people to wear noise-producing devices such as little
bells on
their shoes or 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 learn to recognize the difference between small young
alligator
droppings and large adult alligator droppings.

Young alligator droppings are small and contain fish bones and possibly
bird
feathers. Adult alligator droppings have little bells in them and
smell like
pepper spray.