For centuries, the swamps, rivers, marshes and lakes in Florida have served as home to alligators.
These alligators can be found in all 67 counties in Florida.
Should I worry about alligators in Florida?
In some
parts of Florida, you should be careful
of alligators around the water areas
Over the years, there has been a drastic increase in the number of people living in Florida with many families preferring waterfront homes.
I like the waterfront areas because of my interest in water sports and other water related activities.
However, I don’t let my guard down because of these reptiles.
In addition, there are more encounters between alligators and humans and these interactions can be very dangerous for the humans involved.
Should I worry about alligators in Florida?
Most of the residents in Florida have found a way to live peacefully with the alligators but this does not rule out the dangers involved between humans and alligators.
It is, however, rare to see serious injuries caused by alligators.
Many Floridians have taken a keen interest in alligators and love them.
While many articles and news headlines might lead you into believing that alligators are everywhere in Florida, that is not the case.
The American alligator was once an endangered species, but thanks to the implementation of federal rules on protecting these animals, the population of these alligators increased
Wherever you see freshwater, possibly a lake or a river and even a pond, there is a big chance that you are likely to spot an alligator there.
Thankfully, there are
places in Florida
you can visit if you want to see these animals and not just by chance.
Which part of Florida is famous for its alligators?
South Florida Everglades boasts of a lot of things
and it’s population of alligators is one of them.
In fact, gators are the main attraction for most of the visitors who come here.
The University of Florida in Gainesville
As its mascot, the University of Florida has an alligator and the reason is quite clear.
You can even find alligators on campus.
Some other places you can find alligators around Gainesville include:
La Chua Trail, Gainesville, Florida
On the outskirts of Gainesville, it’s quite easy for you to reach the Alachua sink where you can easily spot hundreds of alligators.
You can even find these alligators sprawling across the path on some parts of the trail that are not boardwalk.
However, to be on the safe side, just wait for them to slink away and give them enough distance before you pass.
Along the La Chua Trail in Paynes Prairie, it is very common to see alligators sunbathing.
Lake Alice, Gainesville, Florida
Lake Alice is located in the campus of the University of Florida.
It is an open water marsh environment and is home to alligators and other freshwater animals such as soft shell turtles and wading birds.
There is also a bat house located just across the street.
Here, hundreds of winged mosquito killers fly out at dusk in very thick clouds.
Lake Wauburg, Gainesville, Florida
Located eight miles
south of the University of Florida
campus, Lake Wauburg is a popular recreation area where you can easily find wild alligators from the shoreline.
In Lake Wauburg, water related activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming are allowed.
However, do not go beyond the restricted area.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Gainesville, Florida
Sweetwater Wetlands Park is another amazing location where you can find alligators.
Along this 3.
5 miles of crushed gravel trails and boardwalks, you can also spot other
Florida wildlife like birds and butterflies
.
The breeding season of alligators is usually from April to September.
If you visit this park during these months, be sure to remain alert for any loud mating calls.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park is a manmade area which is accessible to visitors.
The park is even shaped like the head of an alligator!
Where to see wild alligators in South and Southwest Florida
If you’re looking to spot alligators, the best place you can easily do this is at Everglades National Park.
However, there are still many other places in South and Southwest
Florida
where you can spot alligators.
Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida
If you plan on visiting Everglades to see alligators, the best places you can go to are:
The airboat your outside the park
The Mike long pathway along the Anhinga Trail within the park
On the Anhinga Trail, it is quite easy to see alligators just a few inches below the safety of the elevated boardwalk.
Reproduction
The mating season of Alligators is generally in the months of April and May.
The giant male or bull alligators calls on the females during the spring by bellowing.
This act also warns other male alligators nearby to stay away from the female alligator.
Male alligators fight amongst themselves for two months to see who wins the lady.
This fight can get very violent during the mating season and they will eat nearly anything and everything that crosses their path including themselves.
Alligators bite and fight in order to feed, defend, court and also protect their territory.
Most times, the winner comes out of this badly injured.
This is why you are likely to see alligators with missing legs, or blinded eyes.
However, remember that alligators will usually dodge any contact or interaction with humans except they are being fed or harassed.
After the mating season is over in June or July, females go on to choose nesting sites which is mostly close to isolated ponds in interior marsh habitats.
They build their nests by pulling the marsh vegetation and forming a mound.
The nests are typically about 10 feet across and quite high.
In this nest, female alligators can lay as many as 60 eggs with the average clutch being 35 eggs.
After laying the eggs, they cover the cavity with vegetation from the nest.
As this vegetation decays, it produces heat which is important to incubate the eggs.
The temperature of this nest influences the sex of the hatchlings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do alligators eat dogs in Florida?
There have been many
reports of American alligators eating dogs
.
If you plan on taking your dog out in a walk near the water, make sure your dog is kept on a leash and is close to you at all times.
Be cautious for any movements in the water or near the water.
Where are the most crocodiles in Florida
?
You can go to
Everglades National Park
if you want to see crocodiles.
This park also houses various wildlife which can be found in places around Florida.
Regardless, it remains the best place to visit if you want to see the American crocodile in the wild.
Do alligators get hit by cars in Florida?
Funny enough, it is common for alligators to get involved in car accidents.
About 1.
3 million
alligators are known to reside in the state
and during their mating season, the chances of encountering them in the raid while driving is quite high.