Warning! It's Gator mating season. The American Alligator's courtship and mating takes place at night in shallow water, during April and May. Male alligators are territorial animals during the breeding season and will defend their area against other male intruders. After mating, the female alligator moves into the marshy areas and shoreline where she will begin to construct a nest. Female alligators begin to lay their eggs in late June and early July. During this time the female alligator guards her nest against intruders. The eggs begin to hatch in August through September. The young alligators are known as hatchlings and are about 6-8 inches at birth. Until the next breeding season begins, the female alligator will remain near her brood, defending them against predators. It appears that alligators tend to regard humans as animals larger than themselves and thus will not generally attack a human without provocation. However, they will certainly look after their interests when their predatory or protective instincts are triggered. If anyone sees an Alligator, please call the alligator hotline @ 1-800-432-2046 or Florida Game @ 407-640-6100
Mr. Green Thumb
May/June – Not too early to start thinking about getting your trees trimmed for hurricane season. Get rid of the coconuts and old fronds and seed pods that are still hanging around on your palms. Check your stakes with newly planted trees. June is another month earmarked for fertilizing palms, ornamentals, citrus and lawns. Happy Gardening... Robert Barea
ATV Safety & Guidelines According to Miramar Police: No ATVS allowed on gravel road behind HARBOUR LAKES (SIGNS POSTED). NO ATVS allowed on 19600 LEVEE GL HOMES/SUNSET LAKES. MIRAMAR POLICE will be doing enforcement. ATV SAFETY: • ATVs can weigh up to 850 pounds • ATVs have a high center of gravity so they have a higher chance of flipping over • Most ATVs can sustain high speeds over 60 mph, risking a child’s loss of control of the vehicle • There are no seat belts, roll bars, air bags or safety cages to protect your child • The risk of injury is higher for children and adolescents because their cognitive judgment, physical strength and motor skills to properly operate a heavy duty vehicle are still developing DON’T drive an ATV during the nighttime or on uneven terrain. Because ATVs are meant for unpaved roads, in the dark it may be hard to see uneven terrain or anything else for that matter. This could be very dangerous as riders can crash and get injured or roll the ATV over if they drive into a ditch. DON’T operate an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As with any vehicle, you should never operate an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drugs and alcohol interfere with senses, perception, motor control and impair judgment. All of these are needed to safely operate a motor vehicle. On an off-road vehicle, you need to be even more aware of your surroundings and be able to make quick, smart decisions. To Advertise Call: (954) 922-7404
12
