For people near Florida's waterways, a hidden alligator could prompt a phone alert, as a company is developing a system to provide such a warning.
Water safety concerns following a deadly alligator attack in Winter Garden have brought attention to the project.
Here's what to know
Miami-based WildlifeOS is developing Croc Alarm for continuous underwater monitoring to identify alligators and crocodiles by combining artificial intelligence with sonar, according to ClickOrlando.
A red signal would flag a nearby reptile detection, while yellow would mean an analysis is underway, and green would mean no threat has been detected. Alongside those indicators, the system would send notifications.
The technology remains under development and is not yet a tested safety tool available for widespread use. The goal is to give people near waterways an extra warning, WildlifeOS founder and CEO Rodolfo Saccoman told ClickOrlando.
More background
As the outlet detailed, a father tried to force an alligator's jaws apart after it attacked during a June fishing trip with his son in Marion County.
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Gator sightings are not out of the ordinary in Florida's lakes, ponds, and canals, where the animals are commonly spotted.
The overlap of habitat and human development is one factor in why wild animals attack humans.
What's being done?
Whether Croc Alarm can accurately distinguish reptiles from submerged objects in various environmental conditions will be determined through testing. WildlifeOS plans to build trial devices and test them in practical settings before a possible launch.
The company said reliable results will take priority over broad distribution.
"We will never put this device out at scale unless we're really confident of the accuracy," Saccoman told ClickOrlando.
Where can I learn more?
From detection systems to rescue apps, technology is shaping how people respond to potentially dangerous wildlife.
• In Singapore, a man sent a fake AI crocodile image, prompting a reservoir shutdown.
• In Madhya Pradesh, a planned snake rescue app would connect residents with trained handlers.
• In Florida, a 300-pound alligator appeared near a high school shortly before classes resumed.
• In Manatee County, deputies encountered an 8-foot backyard alligator and left removal to a trapper.
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