The easiest way to see an alligator is to go to one of the many zoos and alligator farms, but if you want to see these impressive reptiles in the wild, there are several places you can go to increase your chances of getting a really good look at them. Pregnancy and parenting news, given to you in a way nobody else has. And our water levels are still rising. Florida alligators are showing their true flexibility and range -- social media has caught one climbing a fence and another swimming in a flooded road. Dolphins In Hunt For Division Title, First Time Since 2008 An estimated 1.3 million alligators live in Florida, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife. Florida residents know that we share the state with a large alligator population — an estimated 1.3 million to be exact! It’s also home to more than 2,000 alligators. MIAMI (CBSMiami) — Not one, but two huge alligators were spotted recently taking leisurely strolls in Florida and the videos are going viral. When people say alligators are all over the place in Florida, they're not lying. Most locals are aware of the alligators around and know how to steer clear of them. The only place to satisfy all of your guilty pleasures. Then there’s the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park where brave souls can zip line over alligators and crocodiles, and Gatorama in Palmdale, east of Lake Okeechobee. The behemoth alligator caught taking a stroll at a Florida golf course -- and stupefying the whole of social media -- is "nothing abnormal," according to gator experts. Yet long before official recognition, giant alligators ran the untamed swamps of Florida. Florida’s official state reptile was named the American alligator back in 1987. The parents were incensed about the attack and the fact the alligators were left to roam around. Despite what the media and Lake Placid would have you believe, alligators are not naturally aggressive towards humans. Alligators eat a lot of gar. Be careful if you walk your dog or start swimming somewhere, be sure it is free of alligators. Both alligators and crocodiles came from dinosaurs and it’s believed that alligators have remained unchanged for … You might see an alligator swimming in a puddle on a crowded intersection or even visiting your neighbor's swimming pool. The State of Florida has a nuisance alligator program and will respond quickly to any concerns. The response typically involves sending a licensed trapper to locate and remove the animal. There have been 23 fatalities caused by wild alligators in Florida since 1973, among 383 unprovoked bites not caused by someone handling or intentionally harassing an alligator. Crocodiles, on the other hand, are rare and secretive creatures that inhabit coastal, brackish, and salt-water habitats. But residents for Fort Myers, Florida, say they've had a few encounters with alligators that have been too close for comfort, the Huffington Post first reported.. -- Take a look at an enormous alligator that stopped golfers in their tracks in Florida on Wednesday. In recent years, Florida has experienced tremendous human population growth. They say there are 1000's of Gators in Lake Istokopoga and I dont want to jump in to challenge that claim. In recent years, Florida has experienced tremendous human population growth. They look like something that crawled out of the prehistoric era. This is why so many people report finding Florida alligators in their fenced back yards each year. But in short, there's nothing unusual about this alligator or the video," he said on Twitter. ', Florida Senator Marco Rubio On Biden: 'Talks Like Centrist, Governs Like Someone From The Far Left', Florida Quietly Launched Phone Appointment System For COVID-19 Vaccinations. Go to any fresh water source in Florida, whether it’s a lake or a river, and chances are there will be at least one alligator lurking around. The short answer is: yes, but not many. That doesn't mean they don't happen; when the Newsweek article was written, in 2016, there had been 23 unprovoked fatal attacks. They even like to hang out on golf courses. According to Smithsonian Magazine, it has indeed been proven that alligators will enjoy the occasional elderberry, citrus fruit, or wild grapes if they find them out in the wild. The State of Florida has a nuisance alligator program and will respond quickly to any concerns. You are strolling down Bay Street, tipping your hat to ladies with colorful parasols and long plumes of snowy egret and roseate spoonbill feathers in their hats, when you step into a shop and find all things alligator—alligator hide suitcases, purses, billfolds, desk sets and other items. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that these creatures are somewhat monstrous in appearance. Kids are naturally intrigued by the giant, monster-like qualities of the American alligator. Now spotting an alligator in Florida isn’t difficult. Alligators, some of them babies, young, are all over Florida (except the zoos, cages of Disneyland), but it’s not wise to visit the swamplands (Everglades) of Southern Florida, since the gators there do not comprehend or respect the concept of “social distancing” & they have great eyesight, especially at night. Ever heard of an alligator whisperer? If you tread on one in the dark, well, yes, they may attack. Now spotting an alligator in Florida isn’t difficult. Alligators are more numerous in Florida than crocodiles, are darker, have a broader snout, and are typically found in freshwater habitats. There are 1.3 million alligators in all 67 counties of Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, making run-ins an inevitability. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. The most important thing is to be alert and stay out of areas rife with alligator activity. The incubation period lasts for 65 days. Statewide, 6,700 nuisance alligators were killed or relocated in 2017. Yes, without a doubt. These Are Japan's Top Tourist Attractions (AKA The Most-Visited Places In The Country), 20 Weird Products They Sell At Costcos Around The World, Classic New Year's Even Appetizers That Never Went Out Of Style (But You Forgot About), Wondering How To Celebrate New Year's Eve During A Pandemic? “It’s an iconic species and conservation success story. MORE FROM CBSMIAMI.COM An alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae.The two extant species are the American alligator (A. mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (A. sinensis).Additionally, several extinct species of alligator are known from fossil remains. However, when you compare that to car crash statistics, it pales in comparison. However, that's not to say that they wouldn't go after a cow if given the opportunity! Florida residents know that we share the state with a large alligator population — an estimated 1.3 million to be exact! In truth, they aren't. They are unlike any other reptile, and there are a great many of them out there. The St. Johns River flows north (one of very few in the US) along the east coast of Florida. Roughly 1.25 million alligators live in the Sunshine state but when you spot an alligator so big that it resembles a dinosaur, well that’s something. A Florida woman is recovering from injuries she received when she was attacked by a 10-foot, 4-inch alligator while trimming trees in Fort Myers. In an article published in the Washington Post, it was reported that the park had more than 200 alligators removed between 2006 and 2015. There are over a million gators who live in Florida even though they’re listed as being endangered since they look a lot like the American crocodile, which is endangered. Some of them were more than 6-feet long. Be mindful of where they are located at all times, RELATED: 10 Best Places To Visit In Florida. A family vacationing in South Florida last year came across an unlikely sight: a live gator perched on top of a gator pool float at their Airbnb. “They’re out there,” said ‘Gator Girl’ Kristy Kroboth of the massive alligator spotted on a Naples, Florida golf course. Alligators are as much a part of the state as pelicans, dolphins, sharks and hurricanes. Even backyards that do not border water have had alligators in them, because 'gators migrate from area to area. Alligator bites are serious, but injuries caused by the massive reptiles are rare in Florida, according to the FWC. Make Sure To Stop At These Under The Radar Cities, Kayak Has Revealed The Cheapest Destinations In The US For Spring 2021, 20 Strange (But Real) Pictures Captured At Disneyland, Your High School History Textbook May Have Left Out These Revolutionary War Tales, These Were The Most Popular Takeout Foods In 2020... 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Florida Alligators: What You Need To Know - New Port Richey, FL - With an estimated 1.3 million alligators in Florida, there are things residents and visitors need to know to stay safe. There are so many alligators in Florida, that it sometimes appears they are overpopulating. There have been 23 fatalities caused by Florida alligators since 1973. Alligators have taken on legendary status as predators to fear, especially for people who live in an area as populated with them as Florida is. For those who prefer a visual reference, that would be one alligator for every sixteen football fields of land in the state. There are about 1.3 million wild alligators in Florida, according to an estimate from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In fact, in our state alone there is an estimated 1.2 million alligators! ", RELATED: 10 Of The Most Haunted Places To Visit In Florida. “As a result from recent tropical weather, we are currently experiencing the highest water levels that we’ve seen since 1962 during this time of the year. Luckily for them—and not so much for us—alligators will regrow their teeth quickly. A gigantic alligator has been spotted in Naples, Florida. In a pair of photos taken by Jeff Jones and tweeted by WINK News reporter Matt Devitt, an incredibly large gator can be seen strolling through a residential area. Given their tremendous size and proclivity towards the water, you wouldn't expect that alligators would be skilled at climbing but they are. Alligators have always frequented Disney World, but the issue came to a head in 2016 after a tragic incident involving an alligator killing a two-year-old boy at a Walt Disney World hotel. There have been 23 fatalities caused by Florida alligators since 1973. Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. The Florida Everglades is famous for many things, one of them being the only environment on earth in which American Alligators and American Crocodiles coexist in harmony. It's not all that surprising given how well-kept the waters are. A gigantic alligator has been spotted in Naples, Florida. Alligators are native to only the United States, Mexico, and China.. American alligators are found in the southeast United States: all of Florida and Louisiana; the southern parts of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi; coastal South and North Carolina; East Texas, the southeast corner of Oklahoma, and the southern tip of Arkansas.Louisiana has the largest alligator population. This, … Crocodile nests are often just holes in the side of a marl bank or on a beach. It is a backwater river mostly without the typical banks found along most rivers. Usually, they scale fences because they're trying to get to a body of water, such as someone's swimming pool, but it's more proof that you always need to be aware of what is going on in your backyard. We had family that ranged from 6 yrs old to over 60 and everyone really enjoyed it and I would highly recommend trying it if you are in the Lake Placid / Sebring area of Central Florida. RHONA WISE/AFP/Getty Images David Steen, the reptile and amphibian research leader of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there was “nothing unusual” about the size of the alligator. There are probably more than 1 million alligators in Florida, most of them live in South Florida, but also a lot can be found in the Orlando area. The sheer size of the animal had many on social media questioning whether it was actually real. Serving up the hottest food trends and the inside scoop on restaurants worldwide. NEXT: 10 Things You Can Only Do In Florida. There were crocodiles and alligators in the past, though they didn't look the same as the ones in existence today. While alligators are found throughout Florida, crocodiles are limited in Florida to the state's southernmost regions because they are more susceptible to cold than are alligators. Website for moms seeking advice, community, and entertainment. Florida has a fearsome reputation for hurricanes, alligators and hanging chads, but in this vast sea of crazy, there is an island of tranquility. ©2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The answer I got varied from “there are, but their shy and stay away from humans.” To “The American Crocodiles numbers were as low as 300, but have been slowly growing in the Everglades National Park.” In general, as long as you stay clear of them and don't go swimming in their home or get close to their nests, and you should be fine. Alligators are an apex predator, one that has popularized popular culture and frequently appears on the news, typically attached to a crazy story coming out of Florida. They're carnivorous predators, and it's not unusual for them to lose teeth on a difficult kill. Be careful if you walk your dog or start swimming somewhere, be sure it … The deaths are among 383 unprovoked bites not caused by someone handling or intentionally harassing an alligator. Now there are signs up warning guests about the possibility of encountering a gator in certain areas. Wildlife in the area is adapting, too; alligators and snakes are moving and finding new spots to sun bathe,” said the Everglades National Park in a recent Facebook post. It is vital that you fight back and not just lie still. A juvenile alligator is more likely to be eaten by a big alligator than fall prey to another predator. Florida is home to an estimated two million American alligators, which means there is an alligator for every twenty-one acres of land in the state of Florida. Le Chateau Frontenac Has A Pool, And Here's How Else You Can Keep The Kids Entertained, 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Loch Ness Monster, 10 Of The Most Haunted Places To Visit In Florida, 12 Embarrassing Photos Taken On Vacation With A Selfie Stick. By viewing our video content, you are accepting the terms of our. "Not to scare people, but there are over a million of them and they are all around." We had family that ranged from 6 yrs old to over 60 and everyone really enjoyed it and I would highly recommend trying it if you are in the Lake Placid / Sebring area of Central Florida. It's not at all uncommon to catch alligators scaling fences. Are there alligators in the Florida Keys? They even took us to an old smuggling plane that had crashed years ago in the Lake. The alligator will be male if the temperature of the nest is above 93 degrees Fahrenheit during this incubation period. Alligators eat a lot of gar. Alligator breaks into Florida house 00:37. Year after year we find that the Alligator Exhibit at the Aquarium is one of the most informative Key West Attractions because children and adults are always interested in learning information about alligators when they visit Florida. A female Florida alligator lays between 35 and 90 eggs in late June to early July and covers them with a layer of vegetation to keep them warm. … You are very likely to run into these reptiles during your Everglades airboat tour , and you may be wondering what the difference is between the two. Odds are, the alligator will release and retreat because they don't want to go after prey that could potentially harm them. But in short, there’s nothing unusual about this alligator or the video,” he said on Twitter. I recently Googled if there are Alligators or Crocodiles in the Florida Keys. The Everglades Alligator Farm is a great stop for travelers heading to the Florida Keys who want to take an airboat ride and see a wildlife show. There's a lot of wildlife in Florida, and usually locals don't bat an eye when they come in close contact with a rogue reptile or amphibian. Alligators are fascinating creatures, but that doesn't mean we'd be willing to get close to any of the million-plus living in Flordia right now. 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That's not being snarky, either — the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimated there are as many as 1.3 million alligators in Florida. That’s exactly what happened to Tyler Stolting last week when he spotted a gigantic alligator near a tee box at the Valencia Golf & Country Club in Naples on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Typically, alligators have about 80 teeth in their mouth at one time, but they lose teeth frequently. Just like last week, there was an incident involving a massive alligator scaling a fence into a Navy base. Like ancient gods, they are celebrated and feared. Record Number Of Invasive Pythons Removed From Florida Everglades. The largest Florida alligator on record was just over 14 ft. in length. Alligators. Many residents seek waterfront homes, and increasingly participate in water-related activities. In fact, alligators are so synonymous with the state that they are found in 67 counties, and the University of Florida even has an alligator as their mascot. … An American Alligator rests on the shore of the alligator lagoon at Everglades Alligator Farm in Homestead, Florida, on June 24, 2016. Springs, alligators and bears in Northern Florida Posted by laurenwinslowllewellyn on November 5, 2016 January 5, 2019 After our first Floridian Spring we were hooked and excited to … There are 1.3 million alligators in all 67 counties of Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, making run-ins an inevitability. It was a huge bear skat and as we looked up at the second largest lake in Florida Craig said “there’s an alligator!” However, that doesn't stop people from referring to them as such, and why wouldn't they? There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida. Do It Like This, Traveling Through Europe? While the Everglades are teeming with gators – about 200,000 – there are many other spots to have a safe encounter. … It's not just us who have to fear being eaten by an alligator; even other alligators have to be cautious around each other! (SLIDESHOW: These Women On Instagram Hate Wearing Clothes) Take a look at the photos below. In the days before the attack, six alligators were removed, and, in the days after, five more were removed. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about an alligator that crawls into your house through the kitchen window. A family vacationing in South Florida last year came across an unlikely sight: a live gator on top of a gator pool float at their Airbnb. Both alligators and crocodiles will eat fruit, and even veggies, when available. More than a million alligators live throughout Florida, though the species remains listed as an endangered species because it closely resembles the … Here are ten facts you might not know about Flordia alligators. As if it wasn't bad enough to imagine an alligator chomping down on your arm or leg, did you know they will have anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 teeth? Florida Wildlife: Alligators pound front door of Fort Myers home. Go to any fresh water source in Florida, whether it’s a lake or a river, and chances are there will be at least one alligator lurking around. Punch, hit, kick, or attack the eyes of the gator that has sunk its teeth into you. However, there have been repeated cases of alligators getting into peoples' yards and homes. Let's get one thing straight; alligators and crocodiles are not living fossils. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, walking into the kitchen to get a midnight snack — and then almost becoming a snack yourself. ... To Geshel's surprise, there were two alligators around 7 feet in length outside her Pelican Preserve home in Fort Myers. In truth, they aren't. A lot of lakes, swamps, ponds and canals can have at least one or more alligators in them. They say there are 1000's of Gators in Lake Istokopoga and I dont want to jump in to challenge that claim. Initially, scientists thought this was a practice specific to the reptiles raised in captivity, but studies have been conducted on wild alligators as well. In general, it's a good idea to always keep at least 50 feet between you and any nearby gators. But alligators keep their population in check. Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. The largest Florida alligator on record was just over 14 ft. in length. Kroboth earns a living tracking and capturing alligators. Roughly 1.25 million alligators live in the Sunshine state but when you spot an alligator so big that it resembles a dinosaur, well that’s something. Alligators in Florida: Postcard of West Bay Street in Jacksonville, where alligator souvenirs were sold. Male alligators tend to grow larger than females. It's not the first time an alligator has been spotted on the golf course. Hopefully next storm, these alligators find a less public spot to walk around.”. That said, if you are unlucky enough to cross paths with an angry gator and it bites you, that doesn't automatically mean you're doomed. The response typically involves sending a licensed trapper to locate and remove the animal. Hiding in the thick marshland, alligators in Florida will usually eat insects, amphibians, fish, snakes, turtles, and other small mammals. They may be big, but they're surprisingly agile creatures. Alligators are everywhere in Florida – official estimates suggest there may be more than 1.25 million of them in Florida’s waters. Scientist Brian Switek stated that "crocodylians are capable of breaking down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in vegetable matter, so the fruit-eating by these archosaurs could be a nutritional supplement. The deaths are among 383 unprovoked bites not caused by someone handling or intentionally harassing an alligator. In fact, alligators are so synonymous with the state that they are found in 67 counties, and the University of Florida even has an alligator as their mascot. They already feel they have free run of the place, but, when bad weather strikes, it's not uncommon to find displaced gators in the roads, in local swimming pools, and even in your backyard. They even took us to an old smuggling plane that had crashed years ago in the Lake. As we mentioned earlier in this article, alligator attacks are rare. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. But alligators keep their population in check. But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. Meet Andrew … Miami-Dade Public Schools Reconvenes Its Coronavirus Task Force Baby alligators, in particular, are the most at risk. The other alligator was seen crossing a flooded road at Everglades National Park in Shark Valley. There are so many alligators in Florida, that it sometimes appears they are overpopulating. An alligator was recently spotted taking a dip and catching some rays near Panama City Beach, Fla. Lisa Powell Niemiec was quick to take to Facebook with … Set right near the entrance of Everglades National Park, the Everglades Alligator Farm is the oldest of its kind in south Florida. Alligators first appeared during the Oligocene epoch about 37 million years ago. Crocodiles can't tolerate temperatures less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 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