Florida is famous for its alligator community. When friends visit me, they want to know if alligators are running gangsters in my neighborhood. I live close to Sawgrass Park in Pinellas Country.
Are there alligators in Tampa FL? I can watch alligators safely from my home, which means you can find alligators in Tampa.
The park has an elevated boardwalk and tower from where you will have a clear view of the aquatic creatures and many other Florida animals at a very safe distance.
Are there alligators in Tampa FL?
Yes, you can find alligators in the 67 counties in Florida, including Tampa.
You can see them in fresh, brackish, and sometimes salt waters. Florida ranks second on the list of states with the most alligators in America.
It is estimated that about 1.3 million alligators live in Florida. The number of alligators in Tampa Bay is not yet known. Based on their Florida population, thousands may live in Tampa Bay.
There is a report that hundreds of alligators presently live in one location in Tampa alone, and I had to verify this report. I found out this report was correct, but it is not exactly in Tampa Bay. I found out where they are located, two hours away from the south of Tampa.
I saw it as overcrowding of alligators. Trying to take a canoe to that place defies everything I have told you earlier. There I was advised to keep away from them as much as possible.
You have to be courageous to stand at the viewing spot. I cannot dream of going hiking or canoeing there unless I have gotten the training or am on a guided tour and putting on the right protective gear.
To me, it is an overcrowding of alligators in one location. I think it is time to relocate them to states that have none of them yet. However, most waters in the United States have marine animals like alligators, sharks, or dolphins. I am not running away from alligators because swimming requires a little caution.
I have seen some weird water accidents that had nothing to do with water creatures but water activities. Therefore, if I am leaving Tampa Bay, I should not only consider alligators.
Alligator Species in Tampa Bay
American Alligator is the only specie of alligator you will find in America and Tampa Bay. By chance, you can see American Crocodiles there as well. All I have heard about Tampa Bay has been either alligators or Crocodiles.
Top Wildlife Viewing Spots in the Tampa Bay
This is the time of the year most visitors that come to Florida are interested in the state’s wildlife. The wildlife that attracts them most is alligators, manatees, dolphins, sharks, and different white birds, which are not where they came from.
However, you must be educated on approaching alligators and sharks. You should also know where to find them before looking for them.
Sawgrass Lake Park
One of the best destinations you can go viewing alligators is Sawgrass Lake Park in Pinellas County. There is an elevated boardwalk and tower in the park on which you will stand to watch different kinds of wildlife that inhabits Florida at a good distance.
Some of the animals you will see from there are herons, egrets, alligators, turtles, and wood storks. It is a well-known migration spot. Many birdwatchers come here too.
Venice Beaches
This beach is not supposed to be on this list because there are no sharks in its water, at least not all the species. However, it is a nice place to search for their teeth.
This is the best place to find fresh and prehistoric shark teeth. At the beach access points which are south of the Venice Jetty which includes Casey Key, and Manasota Key are the places you will spot the unique souvenirs.
Causeway Bridges
Many causeway bridges link the mainland and beaches in the area. Some of the links are also drawbridges.
Look down to the water whenever you are on the drawbridge, and you will see all kinds of marine creatures frolicking and playing around the bridge pilings. By chance, you may also sight dolphins in this place.
Watch out for dolphins when you are in the Intracoastal or relaxing on the beach. Being social animals, you will see many dolphins anywhere you see one of them.
Weedon Island Preserve
The 3,190-acre Weedon Island Preserve is where some of Florida’s locals will be seen. Birders are in love with this place too. You either go on guided hiking or stroll on your own along the boardwalk, or climb their observation tower.
You can go kayaking through the mangroves if you have some time to spare. Do not forget to come along with bug spray because this area is infested with other local Florida mosquitoes.
Honeymoon Island
You will find Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, in Northern Pinellas County. There are white sandy beaches in the state park. It is a perfect destination for shelling, small dunes, and hiking trails.
The shores of the park are nice for dolphin sightings. You can also see sharks if you follow some park hiking trails. You may also sight manatees as they float in the warm waters.
FAQs
Are alligators a problem in Tampa?
No, it is safe to swim in the waters of Tampa Bay.
Provocation is why sharks attack most people in different places worldwide.
How likely are you to encounter an alligator in Florida?
One alligator to twenty residents.
The large population of alligators is why we hear of their attack on humans. The state of Florida is home to about one million alligators. This is a ratio of one alligator to twenty residents.
How common is it to see an alligator in Florida?
It is common to see an alligator in Florida.
You can see an alligator in every nook and cranny of Florida. Do not be surprised to see them swimming in a puddle at a crowded intersection or in your swimming pool. There are ten things you may not have known about Florida alligators.