Hot summers bring more gator activity in Florida

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Florida has seen an increase in alligator attacks -- and the warm temperatures are partially to blame.

Gators are more active during the hot summer days. The Lakeland Police Department shared a video taken by a driver in Sleepy Hill Road. It shows a large gator trying to cross the street.

Alligators have been very active. Alligator Alley Trial at Circle B Bar Reserve is closed for gator nesting season. Polk County Environmental employees said it's for the safety of both the gators and visitors.

Unfortunately, there has been a spike in gator attacks. An alligator bit a man swimming in the Peace River Sunday afternoon. It's one of four attacks in the past 10 days and the second attack in the area.

There have been 16 bite incidents so far this year in Florida, equaling the statewide record for attacks in a year, which was set in 2001.