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Stay GatorWise: Georgia wildlife officials warn to avoid nests, don’t feed alligators
By Sam Sachs at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
Georgia wildlife officials are reminding the public to be “GatorWise” and not feed alligators, or get near their nests.The warning from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division comes as the summer fishing season is fully cast.However, DNR said people aren’t the on...
Key takeaway The warning from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division comes as the summer fishing season is fully cast.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
As Atlanta residents head outdoors to enjoy the summer fishing season, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' warning to be "GatorWise" takes on particular relevance in Fulton County's lakes, rivers, and wetlands. The presence of alligators in these areas is a reminder that even in a densely populated urban county, wildlife can still thrive. By following the DNR's guidelines, such as assuming alligators are present even when not visible and keeping pets and children close, Atlantans can minimize the risk of encounters gone wrong. It's also worth noting that the DNR's warning about not disposing of fish or food scraps in water highlights the importance of responsible waste management in preserving the local ecosystem. As the summer months bring more people outdoors, being mindful of alligator habitats and taking steps to coexist safely with these animals will be crucial in preventing conflicts between humans and wildlife.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Georgia wildlife officials are reminding the public to be “GatorWise” and not feed alligators, or get near their nests.The warning from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division comes as the summer fishing season is fully cast.However, DNR said people aren’t the on...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sam Sachs at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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