LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A Lakeland man caught a large alligator on camera while visiting the Circle B Bar Reserve on Sunday. Jesse Mckelvey said he was at the reserve with his girlfriend when they spotted the gator.
What city in Florida has the most alligators?
The largest population of gators live in Gainesville, FL. They live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida.
Are there alligators in Polk County Florida?
If you live in Central Florida, alligators can show up anytime, anywhere. ORLANDO, Fla. – If you live in Central Florida, alligators can show up anytime, anywhere. Polk County deputies were called to deal with a 10-foot, 700-pound alligator wrestling with itself near a middle school.
What part of Florida has no alligators?
Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren’t occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail.
Where can I see alligators in Lakeland Florida?
Best Alligator Farm in Lakeland, FL
- Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours. 35.9 mi. 404 reviews.
- Tom & Jerry’s Airboat Rides. 48.6 mi. 59 reviews.
- Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. 36.0 mi. 277 reviews.
- Marsh Landing Adventures / Orlando Airboat Tours. 39.7 mi. 74 reviews.
- Dade City’s Wild Things. 26.8 mi. 87 reviews.
- Living With The Land. 32.0 mi.
Can you swim in lakes with alligators?
Do not allow your dogs or children to swim in waters inhabited by alligators, or to drink or play at the water’s edge. To an alligator, a splash potentially means a food source is in the water.
Should I be worried about alligators in Florida?
Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists. Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, but if you are concerned about an alligator, call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
Is Lakeland Florida Safe?
According to the annual crime data, the crime rate in Lakeland, FL is 29% higher than the average of the whole of the state of Florida, and when compared with the national average in the United States, it’s 34% higher. In this regard, visitors to this city need to be extremely careful.
Is Lakeland FL safe from hurricanes?
Does Lakeland, Florida Get Hurricanes? The Florida peninsula, in general, is exposed to a lot of hurricanes. However, Lakeland’s position in the central inland portion of the state helps keep it safe and protected from the worst impacts of hurricanes.
Is Lakeland FL a nice place to live?
According to US News, Lakeland, FL is ranked #61 in best places to live in the U.S., #18 in best places to retire. #9 in best places to live in Florida, #7 in fastest-growing places.
Do alligators walk around in Florida?
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 many swamps. But gators don’t stay confined to the swampy areas. They can be found roaming pretty much all over the state.
Are snakes everywhere in Florida?
But snakes are all over Florida. Maybe right now in your Coral Gables backyard. Snakes, which include 44 species of natives, “play an interesting and vital role in Florida’s complex ecology,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Do alligators bother kayakers in Florida?
While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don’t usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. In fact, since they’re cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp’s shores.
Do alligators eat people?
It’s never a good idea to get purposefully close to an alligator, tempt, or provoke it in any way. However, alligator attacks are fairly rare—and they eat people even less commonly. Only a small fraction of attacks are deadly, and often the remains are found intact after an attack.
Are alligators aggressive?
Alligators are not generally aggressive toward humans, but aberrant behavior may occur. Smaller alligators usually bite only once; however, up to one third of attacks may involve repeated bites.
Where are giant alligators found in Florida?
Legends of massive alligators have made people keep their eyes open in the swamps and rivers of Florida for centuries.
View Table of Contents
- 1| Lake Washington, 2010.
- 2| Lake Talquin, 2013.
- 3| Lake Monroe, 1997.
- 4| Apalachicola River, 1989.
- 5| Polk County, 2001.
- 6| Orange Lake, 1989.
- 7| Lake Dora, 1983.
- 8| Orange Lake, 1984.
How do you tell if there is an alligator in the water?
Scour the Shore
Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. Some of these markings might include large indentations or gouges in the ground and sliding marks where they reentered the water.
How do you scare an alligator away?
Running away is a good option and a distance of around 20 or 30 feet is usually all it takes to get safely away from an alligator. “They are not made for running after prey,” he said. Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins.
What to do if an alligator chases you?
Do your best to stay calm and fight back strategically.
- If the crocodilian merely bites you at first and lets go, this is probably a defensive attack. Don’t wait or try to attack it, just run away as quickly as you can.
- If the animal seizes hold of you, however, it will likely try to drag you into the water.
Can alligators smell period blood?
Like bears, gators can smell the menstruation, which will put your entire party at risk.
How can you stay safe from alligators in Florida?
Facts & Safety Tips
- Leave alligators alone. Alligators are shy animals that usually avoid human contact.
- Pay attention.
- Do not feed alligators.
- Throw fish scraps into trash cans.
- Follow directions on signs.
- Swim during daylight hours only.
- Stay with children.
- Keep an eye on your pets.