Alligators are crawling through Florida neighborhoods, and most are just hot and hungry. 
A large alligator was spotted Easter Sunday cruising through Venice before heading back to the neighborhood lake, according to a Facebook post from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. 
“We’re guessing he was about 10 feet in length and boy, did he take his time making it back to the lake he came from,” the post said.
Another alligator was spotted two days later in Venice crossing a street.
“WALKERS BEWARE!” a Facebook post from the Venice Police Department said. “He’s currently in the drainage ditch nearby so please use caution when around this area.”
Frank Robb, a crocodilian expert, told USA TODAY that in early spring and late fall alligators become more active. The good news: “They aren’t looking to hurt you,” he said.
Robb, also know as Alligator Robb, said alligators have to get some sun to regulate their temperature. They also venture out for looking for food, and maybe a date. 
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, courtship – the behavior of attracting a mate – starts in April. Mating begins in May and continues through June before a female alligator deposits an average of 32 to 46 eggs later that month or in July. 
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If two males are in the same area, they might fight to see who gets all the “girlfriends.”
“Whoever loses has to take a walk,” Robb said.
Female alligators also combat, at times worse than the males, according to Robb.
He said you are more likely to come across these reptiles in the spring, but they aren’t aggressive toward humans.
“There are a lot of better things to worry about then having a bad interaction with an alligator.”
Here are some photos of alligators taking a stroll: 
Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com.

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