Startup builds sonar device for gators

A deadly alligator attack in Winter Garden has raised safety questions in Florida.

The incident occurred this month and has renewed debate about how people can detect the reptiles before they get too close.

A Miami-based technology firm called WildlifeOS is developing a system to address this gap.

The device, named Croc Alarm, combines active sonar with artificial intelligence.

Its function is to scan underwater environments continuously to identify alligators and crocodiles beneath the surface.

Rodolfo Saccoman is the founder and CEO of WildlifeOS.

He stated that the goal is to provide people near water with an added layer of awareness.

The system transmits results to a user's phone using visual indicators and alerts.

A green light indicates no threat has been detected.

A yellow light means the system is processing information.

A red light signals that an alligator or crocodile has been detected nearby.

Saccoman said the company plans to prioritize accuracy before releasing the technology widely. "We will never put this device out at scale unless we're really confident of the accuracy," he said. Prototypes and real-world testing are the current focus of the project. A potential rollout is planned for next year. The system is still in development. Its success depends on its ability to distinguish the reptiles from other underwater objects and conditions. Until it is validated, it is not a replacement for established safety practices. Another incident involving a father and son occurred in June in Marion County. The father attempted to pry the alligator's jaws open after the animal attacked during a fishing trip. Alligators are common in Florida lakes, ponds, and canals. The aim of the project is to reduce dangerous encounters by warning people before they approach a potential threat.