The state of Florida is also home to a vibrant population of alligators, in addition to being well known for its warm environment and abundance of aquatic bodies. Alligators are formidable predators because they may grow to lengths of up to ten feet and weigh several hundred pounds.
It is reasonable to assume that whenever you see a body of water, there is an alligator in it because there are over one million alligators that live in waterways all around the state of Florida.
A few of waterways are home to a greater number of alligators than others, despite the fact that wildlife officials warn locals and tourists to avoid bodies of water.
Florida Lakes Ranked as per Alligator Count
- Lake Jesup, Florida (Seminole County)
- Lake George, Florida (Volusia, Putnam counties)
- Lake Kissimmee, Florida (Osceola County)
- Alligator Lake, Florida (Osceola County)
- Lake Okeechobee, Florida
- Sawgrass Lake, Florida
- Lake Poinsett, Florida (Brevard County)
Some Safety Measures
When going to a lake where alligators are known to live, safety should always come first. Alligators look slow most of the time, but they are actually dangerous animals that can do a lot of damage to people. Follow these safety tips if you visit any such lake:
- Exercise caution and maintain a safe distance when encountering an alligator.
- Ensure that pets are kept on a leash and kept at a safe distance from the water’s edge. Many times, pets bear a striking resemblance to the natural prey of alligators.
- It is important to swim in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without bringing your pet along. Alligators tend to be most active during the hours of dusk and dawn.
- Do not under any circumstances attempt to feed an alligator. It is against the law and poses significant risks. Alligators can become less cautious around humans if they are regularly fed, creating potentially hazardous situations for both people and the alligators themselves.
A Deadly Encounter
A deadly incident happened at Walt Disney World on June 14, 2016. Lane Graves, 2, and his family were in Orlando from Nebraska on June 14, 2016, when the awful thing happened. As Graves played on the edge of the beach at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, an alligator grabbed him and dragged him under the water. The 2-year-old boy’s body was later found after police searched for him nonstop but failed to find him in time.
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Conclusion
It is against the law in the state of Florida to pursue or harass an alligator without first obtaining permission. Also, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends that residents refrain from bothering or feeding the animals in the state.
Call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) if you have any concerns about an alligator.
Note: The author has used the data and information from multiple websites to ensure accuracy.
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