Experts explain why alligator attacks are on the rise in Florida

Gator encounters on the rise in Florida, why?

Alligator attacks are on the rise in Florida. An expert on the prehistoric predator is weighing in on why we're seeing the spike.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Alligator attacks are on the rise in Florida. An expert on the prehistoric predator is weighing in on why we're seeing the spike.

Frank Robb is a well-known gator trapper in Florida and is now dedicating his time to research and learning more about alligators through his non-profit, EEARSS. The latest data from Florida Fish and Wildlife shows alligator attacks on people have increased over the last decade.

Robb believes that's because of more development in Florida.

"The more Florida expands, the more people we get into Florida, the more people we keep jamming down here we’re building on a lot of areas that are surrounding marsh areas and wild areas, "said Robb. "Conflict like this is becoming more common, but that’s not the alligator’s fault. The alligator doesn’t want to be doing this, and of course, people don’t want that type of interaction."

'Dangerous alligator' attacks couple's dog

A Florida alligator trapper who is called when alligators meet the state's "nuisance" threshold said there are a lot of large alligators in the Little Econ River, which is where a couple's dog was snatched by one while out on a walk last week.

He also says people need to be more aware and use common sense, like not walking their dog right next to the water that could have an alligator in it.

"Sometimes it’s right to play 'what if'," said Robb. "What if that gator came up and attacked my dog? There’d be nothing you can do. That’s not the interaction they’re looking to have but the right time, right place, things like that can go down.

Alligators are more active in spring and fall, especially at dawn and dusk. Robb also says it's also a good reminder to not feed gators.

If you encounter a nuisance gator, call: 866-392-4286.