Alligator comes from the Spanish word for lizard, \u201cel lagarto\u201d, a term used by the first residents of Florida when they got in contact with them.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Are there saltwater crocodiles in the Keys?<\/h2>\n
Yes. It is very possible to find American crocodiles in South Florida<\/a>, often swimming in Keys canals.<\/p>\n In the 1970s, the number of alligators drastically decreased and became an end-age Reed species. However, they became federally protected animals and since then there are now about 2,000 of these alligators residing in South Miami-Dade and Keys.<\/p>\n Here are some of the places you can find crocodiles:<\/p>\n Covering over 7,000 acres of the natural area, including the stunning natural springs, Wekiwa Springs State Park is very famous amongst water sports enthusiasts for activities such as:<\/p>\n Around Wekiwa Springs State Park, there are a lot of native Florida animals, including alligators and their prey. Alligators feed on land mammals such as deer, and rabbits, so you are likely to find them around this park.<\/p>\n In Wekiwa Springs state park, you can find many trails. Some of these are:<\/p>\n The Volksmarch trail is one of the best trails to spot alligators. This trail is found along Sand Lake and has a good number of alligators<\/a> basking in the sun, particularly during calm weather.<\/p>\n Located in Florida<\/a>\u2019s panhandle near Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs State Park is known to protect over 6,000 acres of the ecosystem in native Florida including many of the biggest natural springs in Florida.<\/p>\n In this park, you\u2019ll find a variety of wildlife species and a very large population of alligators. Some ecosystems here include:<\/p>\n Visitors in Wakulla can enjoy the various nature trails in this park. If you\u2019re interested in water sports, there are paddling trails available that allow you to explore the waterways through a canoe, kayak, or SUP paddle board.<\/p>\n The St. Johns River is a very famous recreation area that is quite common amongst paddlers, boaters, and bird watchers. Stretching to a distance of 310 miles, this river is the longest in Florida. It is located on Florida\u2019s north east coast<\/a> near Jacksonville<\/p>\n The ecosystem of St Johns River is a very large one consisting of:<\/p>\n In this river, you\u2019ll find hundreds of alligators. According to some wildlife experts, approximately 700-800 alligators live in the region around this river.<\/p>\n Before it empties into the Atlantic Ocean, St John River travels from south to north<\/a> and then moves through a large portion of the state.<\/p>\n In the Black Creek tributary, you can find many alligators basking in the sun when the weather is mild. You may not spot them out under the sun during very hot weather as they go back into the water.<\/p>\n The Merritt Island National wildlife Refuge is a very big expanse of land which protects more than 140,000 acres, including the numerous ecosystems in Florida.<\/p>\n This natural, serene, and breathtaking wildlife refuge shares an island with the Kennedy Space Center and NASA. An amazing drive-through wilderness trail you can find here is the Black Point Wildlife Drive.<\/p>\n It is about 7 miles long and has many alligators along the trail. \u00a0Here, you\u2019ll also find hiking trails and even a manatee observation center.<\/p>\n It is important for visitors to be cautious of their environment and also prepare for the wilderness. Ensure that you adhere to all the safety precautions and carry a bug spray.<\/p>\n In South Florida<\/a>, it is very common to spot American Crocodiles and they are frequently found swimming in Keys Canals.<\/p>\n After their population drastically reduced in 1970, they were regarded as endangered and became federally protected animals.<\/p>\n Currently, wildlife experts and scientists estimate that there are about 2000 alligators currently residing in Keys and South<\/a> Miami-Dade<\/p>\n Covering more than 600 square miles, this large expanse of land is one of Florida’s most natural and wild parts.<\/p>\n Ocala National Forest houses a variety of wildlife, including large populations of<\/p>\n In Ocala National Forest, you\u2019ll find many trails, natural springs, rivers, and lakes. There are also different paddle trails and routes for activities such as:<\/p>\n These activities are the quickest and easiest ways to spot alligators. However, make sure you take appropriate caution at all times.<\/p>\n There are many scenic natural driving routes and wild areas where you can find alligators.<\/p>\n Generally, the largest waterway in Florida is Lake Okeechobee.<\/a> It is a major headwater for the Everglades and houses hundreds of alligators.<\/p>\n![\"Are](\"https:\/\/travelmagma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Are-There-Saltwater-Crocodiles-in-the-Keys.jpg\")
Wekiwa Springs State Park<\/h3>\n
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Wakulla Springs State Park<\/h3>\n
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St. Johns River<\/h3>\n
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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge<\/h3>\n
What kind of crocodiles are in the Florida Keys?<\/h2>\n
Ocala National Forest<\/h3>\n
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Lake Okeechobee<\/h3>\n
Frequently Asked Questions
\nHow common is it to see an alligator in Florida?<\/h2>\n