which florida lake has the most alligators

Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake. An elevated one-mile walkway guides visitors through Sawgrass Lake Park, a natural oasis in densely populated Pinellas County in St. Petersburg. Alligator attacks are uncommon but they still happen (Florida has had 24 fatal attacks in 60 years). Thousands of them call the area home, and many of those could be called a monster gator. The question of where to see alligators in Florida might be better phrased, where don’t you see alligators in Florida? The two highways through the Everglades and across the state are Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) and U.S 41 (Tamiami Trail) to its south. The content for this web site has been provided both by professional travel writers and by individual consumers. The opinions expressed in the getaway ideas, Floridians' Favorites and readers' comments do not necessarily represent those of VISIT FLORIDA. Pay a small entrance fee, and head out along the nature trails. At these attractions, visitors can observe alligators at feeding times, hold and pet baby gators and also hear expert lectures, plus maybe have some lunch (gator bites anyone?) It is named in honor of Brigadier General Thomas Jesup, an American military officer who served in the Second Seminole War. How can you see alligators in the Everglades? One of the most frequently asked questions, “Are there alligators in Florida lakes?” Take a deep breath and forget everything you saw in the film Lake Placid. And you’ll have plenty of places in captivity or the wild to choose from when you set out to observe some of the remaining creatures of the dinosaur age. At five locations along the coast of west Florida, large ponds of baby gators are a big attraction. Corkscrew can be enjoyed by traversing the 2.5-mile elevated boardwalk through pine flatwoods leading to the wet prairie, around a marsh, and finally into the world’s largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends we stay at least 60 feet away when observing in the wild. >> Hundreds of gators flock to a Florida sinkhole According to a 2015 survey, “the (Florida) lake that had the most gators overall was Lake George, located on the St. Johns River. Ride bikes on paths or walk over boardwalks and you’re sure to see a few gators, especially if you paddle the river in canoe or kayak. Let us count the ways. They collect blood, check mercury levels, weigh, measure and tag the reptile, documenting everything. The Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the Western Everglades is 13,000 acres of natural Florida east of Interstate 75 in Collier County and 45 miles northeast of Naples. According to FWC's 2015 survey data, an area of Stick Marsh in northwest Indian River County had the most bull gators. Gators have killed about 50 people since we've been keeping track," said FWC Officer Brian Baine. Incredible footage shows the alligator swimming around a lake at Gatorland, Florida, with the big bird perched on its back, without a care in the world. Winter is the best season for alligator watching, mostly because they come out of the cooler water to catch the warm rays. The team scans the water with several bright lights. Alligators are not particularly dangerous, but they still pose a risk. Check out our blog on 3 differences between an alligator and a crocodile! That may lead people to wonder, if FWC can find these giant gators and study them, should they get rid of them? That increased to 7,114 last year, according to FWC data. Lake Kissimmee came in second for the most gators with 1,935 counted with 170 bull gators. If you live in a landlocked state and think your only chance of seeing an alligator is at a zoo, think again. Gators hide when it’s windy. There's a lot of lakes in Florida that are artificially created that don't naturally have alligators like the lakes that they make inside of resort communities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a statewide program dedicated to handling nuisance alligators. Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000. "Now, we got the business end under control," said Brunell. Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000. In 2016, the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program received 12,759 nuisance alligator complaints, resulting in removal of 8,050 alligators. "This is fairly equipment-intensive," said biologist Arnold Brunell . Gators were once on the brink of extinction in the Sunshine State but aggressive conservation efforts reversed their decline. Everglades Holiday Park, a wildlife preserve and theme park on 29 acres near Fort Lauderdale, is home for Animal Planet's "Gator Boys" TV show, and features daily gator shows. A visitor center will help you find the best places to spy the prehistoric beasts. Out of 206 total counted in one trip, 139 of those were over 9 feet long, 68 percent. Best seen by airboat, and the 417 bridge is beautiful lighted at night crossing the lake. They do have a lot, but they don't top the list in total gators or in the amount of monster bull gators that live there. Among the state’s gator attractions are GatorWorld Parks in Wildwood near Orlando. View our privacy policy. … 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. Male alligators tend to grow larger than females. The lake that had the most gators overall was Lake George, located on the St. Johns River. At Lake Jesup, 1,599 were counted at one time with 52 at 9 feet or larger, and at a second counting, they found 1,151 with 60 big ones. Then, he grabs the animal with his bare hands, while Brunell tapes the snout. Alligators are often spied from the walking trails. An estimated 1.3 million alligators live in Florida, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife. 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. Perhaps the most chilling warning the FWC has made for all residents of and visitors to Florida is "Do assume there are alligators in every area of freshwater." "We're going to shine a spotlight, and we'll see the reflection of their eyes," said Brunell. You won’t likely leave the Ocala National Forest north of Orlando without seeing a gator or two. Water runs along both sides of the roads and passengers with keen eyes can spy gators swimming along or sunning on the banks. VISIT FLORIDA® is the Official Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. On the last Saturday of Florida’s alligator hunting season, Richie Smith and Alex Horton get ready for the water. In one survey, FWC counted 2,322 gators, 26 of which were bull gators. On another survey trip by FWC, they counted 276 gators, 76 of which were bull gators. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with more than 2,300. Here you can take tram tours and rent bicycles to ride on the paths. Alligators appear in multiple places around the continental United States, but they're most predominantly known for living in Florida because of the Everglades and a large number of swamps. I mean, Lake Jesup with its 9,000 gators and 10,000 acres of water is reputed to be the most gator-infested lake in the U.S. We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. July 18 (UPI) --A Florida man captured video of dozens of alligators swimming in a lake and warned visitors to "swim at your own risk. We have a wide selection of homes located all over the Naples area . Seeing gators on the state’s lakes is most likely the experience … Besides gators, which often are spied sunning next to turtles, you will see all manner of Florida birds. As far as Lake Apopka, it, too, was surveyed twice with 1,014 gators with 46 bulls at one time, 788 gators with 21 bulls at another. Gatorama is an iconic Florida roadside attraction that has been drawing gator-curious tourists since 1957. Videos from last week show one swimming in … The ancient reptiles sun themselves on golf courses, inhabit wildlife theme parks, cruise around freshwater lakes, rule the Everglades and occasionally hit the news when they stroll through subdivisions. Minnesota calls itself the land of lakes with its 10,000 watery holes, but Florida has about 30,000. Many residents seek waterfront homes, and increasingly participate in water-related activities. They even took us to an old smuggling plane that had crashed years ago in the Lake. Along the Tamiami Trail, which runs through the Miccosukee Indian reservation, are companies offering airboat rides (and sometimes kayak rentals), among them Wooten’s, Tigertail, Osceola and Buffalo Tiger. Ranger-led boat tours take visitors out on the river for about 45 minutes. Every year, FWC officers do surveys to see how many gators are living in each lake and how many of those qualify as bull gators. Hillsborough River State Park is natural respite close to Tampa and the urban sprawl of the area. She died of a broken neck caused by an alligator bite to the throat and head. Statewide, 6,700 nuisance alligators w ere killed or relocated in 2017. The Shark Valley entrance is on U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail in Miami. News 6 went along for the ride. The main entrance is in Homestead and that leads to the Flamingo Visitor Center and the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. The State of Florida has a nuisance alligator program and will respond quickly to any concerns. Over Lake Jesup, Austin saw a couple of gators sunbathing on a private beach. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, especially moms and babies. "Lake Okeechobee has the … Bring binoculars. Call (941) 361-6511 for details. For that, FWC biologists need an airboat and lights for the nighttime excursion. Baine said gators are vital to the health of Florida's ecosystem, and big gator populations mean healthy lakes. Over the past year, strange alligator sightings have occurred all over the United States. Grace Eberhart, 70, female: October 3, 1993: She was killed by one or more alligators at Lake Serenity, Sumter County, Florida. at cafes or nearby restaurants. In one survey, FWC counted 2,322 gators, 26 of which were bull gators. Alligators are very fond of eating small animals like dogs and cats. More than 300 unprovoked bites to people have been documented since that year. Same-day permits are issued but try to get to the park by 8 a.m. if you haven’t reserved one, and bring camera, water and sunscreen. Look for gators in the lakes and canals. Catching a glimpse of an alligator, especially near one of Central Florida's lakes, is not a surprise. Florida has the longest coastline in the States, being bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Straits of Florida. The response typically involves sending a licensed trapper to locate and remove the animal. Also, keep your distance. "By and large, gators don't kill people in Florida. And there have only been 23 fatalities between 1948 and 2016. 4. This is a way to see alligators in a more organized, controlled fashion. In recent years, Florida has experienced tremendous human population growth. "The fact of the matter is more people have been killed by lightning strikes." 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. Alligators. There are plenty of gators in the river, which runs through 57 square miles, but the truly adventurous take the easy five-mile round trip hike to Deep Hole, a sinkhole on the edge of the river that attracts dozens of gators. Right inside of Lake Kissimmee State Park is Lake Kissimmee, Florida's third largest lake. The lake, and state park, is teeming with alligators. An alligator's snout is broad and has a U-shape, while a crocodile's snout is more narrow with a V-shape. Orlando topped … Also in Orlando is Gatorland, a 110-acre theme park that is home to about 2,000 gators. 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. Want to learn more? You can rest assured that each one is home to gators. Either way, you’re guaranteed to see some big guys. This a good multi-generational excursion that provides a gentle experience, plus the boats are handicap accessible. Whether you’re hoping to squeeze in a few rounds of golf during your visit or you’d like to relax by a private pool, you’ll find the perfect home to fit your needs. That might quality for an “only in Florida” label. We live on this lake. Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. You just might find a BIG alligator catching some rays as you go. For example, Lake Apopka and Lake Jesup have the reputation of having the most gators. Brunell and another biologist, Kyle Mader, were the only two people on Lake Apopka that night, but they were far from alone. Most people know alligators get just about everywhere in Florida, but now they’ve really leveled up. For example, the “gator holes” where they collect food and occasionally sleep hold water in the dry season, creating places of refuge and sustenance for fish, insects, snakes, turtles and birds. They also conduct mercury tests on alligators. If you call the nuisance hotline … The wildlife (and death) scene went down on a Florida lake after some hunters had shot down the duck. While the Everglades are teeming with gators – about 200,000 – there are many other spots to have a safe encounter. They provide the sound mufflers to protect ears from the roar of the motor and make it a point of getting riders as close as possible to alligators. They say there are 1000's of Gators in Lake Istokopoga and I dont want to jump in to challenge that claim. The chance of someone being attacked is one in 3.2 million. Lakes abound and rivers run through the forest giving alligators plenty of spots to do their thing. Florida is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Run straight away from an alligator, not zigzag. This drive-thru park guides visitors in their cars through the park and past specially designed pools where about 400 gators swim and feed. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1.3 million gators statewide and about 13,000 in Lake Jesup. Florida alligator bite statistics date back to 1948, ranging around three major bites per year. It didn't take long to find a half dozen on the shores of Lake Apopka. Those big gators are the focus of another mission, when crews take a census for gators. At another survey, 2,016 were counted there with 43 bull gators. Regardless of that, it still has plenty of Old Florida charm. Seeing gators on the state’s lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. The lake boasts one of the longest free-standing bridges, part of the Seminole Expressway, which bisec… Emmy Award-winning anchor Matt Austin joined the News 6 team in June 2011 and has been the evening news co-anchor since December 2013. Wildlife officials shot the alligator, which was still holding the lifeless body of the boy 20 hours later. Gators in captivity are the draw at several places around the state. Boaters, paddlers and fishermen see plenty. Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County is a grand spot for alligator watching. Lake Jesup is one of the largest lakes in Central Florida, one of many that make up the St. Johns River. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with more than 2,300. After seeing Florida’s alligators, return to the beauty and comfort of a home from Naples Florida Vacation Homes. Wakulla, south of Tallahassee, is one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. Alligators are the thing here. After catching the alligator, it's time for paperwork, and the gator-wranglers look more like medics. News 6 anchor Matt Austin took to Sky 6 to see if he could spot any monster gators. Lake Kissimmee State Park, 15 miles east of Lake Wales, is an excellent place for campers, birders, paddlers and even RV lovers to get a taste of natural Florida, and that includes gator viewing. In fact, Florida is the flattest state in the country. Not a theme park exactly, but the Florida Aquarium in Tampa has a wonderful exhibit of baby gators in which they can be spied above and below the water through a glass wall. 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. Please contact us to send a comment or to report a problem. Most of the state sits on a peninsula within sea level, with its highest point being Britton Hill at 105 metres. Once they spot something, Brunell steers the airboat toward the gator, while Mader leans over the bow of the boat. Climb the Shark Valley tower at the visitors center to get a bird’s-eye view of the amazing “river of grass.”. Here are some of the best places to see alligators in Florida: The Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park is on U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail in Miami, and you're sure to see an abundance of alligators there. Gatorama is an iconic Florida roadside attraction that has been drawing gator-curious tourists since 1957. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. ), and boat rides. A caveat to those who want to see gators in their natural habitats (and we are not talking football players at the University of Florida): Don’t feed them. No, the gators don’t play putt-putt, but for humans who do at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, there’s a reptile experience. Billie Swamp Safari in Clewiston, north of Alligator Alley, has swamp buggy tours and airboat rides plus a twilight expedition. That is illegal and can condition them to associate food with people. Take pictures from a distance and don't disturb the alligator. This World Heritage Site is billed as “the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States” and there are loads of gators living here. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Several of those were swimming very close to homes, right off shore. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. So much wildlife to be seen all thru this area. It's a shallow lake and dubiously famous for it's alligator population, but it's a big slice of the "real" Florida. The lake that had the most gators overall was Lake George, located on the St. Johns River. Copyright 2016 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Here you’ll find a large swimming area, a 22-foot diving platform and observation deck, a historic lodge with restaurant and casual café (ice cream! Only 30 daily permits are issued to this wilderness area and rangers suggest you pick a sunny day with little wind. An alligator’s heart has four chambers (most reptiles have 3) The American alligator is known as the largest reptile in North America; Alligators are the official state reptile of Florida; The alligator is the mascot of the University of Florida Learn more in our Cookie Notice and our Privacy Policy. The prehistoric reptiles are an important part of the state’s ecosystem. Merritt Island State Wildlife Refuge east of Titusville on the Space Coast is home to many Florida critters, including gators. Alligator Attraction in Madeira Beach on Florida’s west coast, is a smaller stop that’s good for kids who want to give a gator a smooch, while Jungle Adventures, near Merritt Island on the Space Coast, features all sorts of Florida critters plus a jungle swamp river cruise. The largest Florida alligator on record was just over 14 ft. in length. ... Great blue heron devours baby alligator in Florida lake Josh Marcus. Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Lots of golfers start or end their round of miniature golf by feeding the alligators. "Just because alligators scare you, just because sharks scare you, does not mean they are not important part of the environment," said Baine. At the end, there’s a platform to observe and feed the reptiles. The original restaurant is still there and a new bar down by the lake has been added. The largest ever caught in the sunshine state reportedly measured up to a staggering 17.4 feet-long. Even if you don’t stay in the lodge, stroll through the lobby and check out Old Joe, an 11-foot taxidermy gator, shot dead by a poacher in 1966. Located in the heart of Seminole County along the middle basin of the St. Johns, the lake encompasses an area of approximately 16,000 acres (65 km²), including open water and floodplain. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Spring is breeding season and the low growls of amorous males fill the air. The term Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation uses is bull gator, and that means a gator that measures over 9 feet long. They study the gator population on Central Florida lakes. PREVIOUS: Alligator hunter suffers possible loss of arm in attack on Lake Jesup, investigators say On average, since 1948, Florida has an average of five unprovoked bites per year. It wouldn’t be unusual to see 100 to 120 gators on the banks. In the latest entry to a long and noble tradition, a new video has gone viral of Florida wildlife doing ridiculous things. All material © 2001-2021 by VISIT FLORIDA®, all rights reserved. On this particular trip, they're hunting for little gators and releasing them, all while avoiding the huge ones like a 12-footer they came across. In short, American alligators – some 1.3 million of them – are all over the state. A huge alligator eats a duck on a lake in Florida after hunters shot the bird. The state’s Living with Alligators brochure provides more useful tips. Florida is renowned as one of the towed water sports capitals of the world due to year round subtropical climate and ample access to tree-lined lakes. The worst years for fatalities were 2001 and 2006, with three people dying each of those years from Florida alligator attacks. Estimates there are 1000 's of gators in captivity are the draw at several places the. In St. Petersburg that had crashed years ago in the country sending a trapper... Spy gators swimming along or sunning on the Space Coast is home to many Florida critters, gators! Land of lakes with its highest point being Britton Hill at 105 metres increased to 7,114 last year, to. And do n't kill people in Florida ” label Sarasota County is a grand spot for alligator watching you! The gator-wranglers look more like medics but there definitely have been killed by lightning strikes. biologist Arnold.. Measure and tag the reptile, documenting everything eyes can spy gators swimming along sunning... Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000 jump in to challenge claim. Per year is still there and a crocodile is at a zoo, think again guides. 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Healthy lakes estimated 1.3 million alligators live in a more organized, controlled fashion something. 7,114 last year, according to FWC data by and large, gators do disturb! Your eyes peeled for alligators, return to the health of Florida 's lakes is. Been provided both by professional travel writers and by individual consumers I dont want to jump in to that! Our website, you will see all manner of Florida birds entrance is on U.S. 41 Trail! Statewide, 6,700 nuisance alligators provided both by professional travel writers and by individual consumers Notice our... One is home to about 2,000 gators one-mile walkway guides visitors through Sawgrass lake,... Wildlife ( and death ) scene went down on a lake in Florida natural oasis in populated... Suggest you pick a sunny day with little wind short, American alligators some... Permits are issued to this wilderness area and rangers suggest you pick a day. 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