They are so common now in Florida that you will see them not only in their natural habitat, but on golf courses and even now and then in a residential swimming pool. Billie Swamp Safari in Clewiston, north of Alligator Alley, has swamp buggy tours and airboat rides, plus a twilight expedition. Alligators have always frequented Disney World, but the issue came to a head in 2016 after a tragic incident involving an alligator killing a two-year-old boy at a Walt Disney World hotel. You can spot alligators in the wild without much difficulty, and there are several places with captive alligators that you can see. Alligators can get up to 1,000 pounds and are 12 feet long, but most are around 800 pounds. Though sightings seldom are verified in this area, reports of panthers range from the rural parts of southern Clay County to the suburbs of Arlington in Jacksonville. It is 310 miles long which makes it the longest river in Florida. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. 2023 ActiveRain, Inc. All Rights Reserved :) homeFair Housing: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY, Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net, 406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR - Kalispell, MT, Real Estate - (904) 874-0422 - Jacksonville, Fl, Selling your Jacksonville or Orange Park home, vacant land investment property in todays highly competitive real estate market. Spring is breeding season and the low growls of amorous males fill the air. 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. Most of us think of alligators as vicious, carnivorous predators, but did you know they are fond of eating fruit? It's understandable to have some apprehension about these prehistoric creatures, but you shouldn't let that fear hold you back from experiencing all that Jacksonville has to offer. It's not all that surprising, given how well-kept the waters are. You can take airboat tours on these lakes. They're carnivorous predators, and it's not unusual for them to lose teeth on a difficult kill. Alligators dont like salt water, so you are not too likely to see one on the beach. Another is the Florida Key Lime Pie Company in Cocoa Beach. Each one is different and each has its own advantages and dangers. Alligators feed at night, so your best bet is to swim during the day. The largest alligator ever weighed topped out at 1,011 pounds and was caught in Alabama. A photo of an American Alligator Sunning itself, Cape Canaveral National Seashore, FL, Some People Refer To Them As "Living Fossils", An Alligator Will Grow More Than 2,000 Teeth In Its Lifetime, They Aren't Naturally Aggressive Toward Humans, The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million, The Largest Alligator Weighed In At Over A Thousand Pounds, Temperature Determines Whether An Alligator Is Male Or Female, because of the Everglades and many swamps, 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Loch Ness Monster, alligators and crocodiles are not living fossils, 10 Of The Most Haunted Places To Visit In Florida, a common sight in the swamps of Louisiana. They have a river boat that takes you through natural habitat where you will see alligators, birds, and more. Copyright 2023 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Most locals are aware of the alligators around and know how to steer clear of them. Alligators and other crocodilians will go on land to feed on dead animal carcasses. There are alligators in every county in Florida, but only the southernmost county in the state has crocodiles. Are alligators really in every body of water? Minnesota calls itself the land of lakes with its 10,000 watery holes, but Florida has about 30,000. So Are There Alligators in Jacksonville? The Florida record for length is just over 14 feet for a male alligator found near Jacksonville. Two of these lakes are loaded with alligators: Lake George and Lake Jesup. Fri, Mar 03, 2023. In the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, Amelia Island also provided a safe vacation haven for Jacksonville's Black residents. Mike & Cindy Jones, Jacksonville Realtors904 874-0422MikeAndCindyJones.comBerkshire Hathaway HomeServicesFlorida Network Realty. Let's get one thing straight; alligators and crocodiles are not living fossils. Both are in the crocodilian family, and they are related but have some significant differences. Alligators are one of the most iconic animals in the United States and are one of the main attractions in Florida. That increased to 7,114 last year, according to FWC data. Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved. Alligators regularly hold their breath for 30-60 minutes, but can stay submerged up to 24 hours if need be. You will almost always see alligators either swimming slowly by or basking in the sun beside the warm water on sunny days. How Many Square Miles Is Jacksonville Florida? By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. News Florida Jacksonville Alligator Video. Tune in to #GMJ. Florida Back Roads Travel is not affiliated with or endorsed by Backroads, a California-based tour operator which arranges and conducts travel programs throughout the world. So just because you dont see them doesnt mean theyre not there! Alligators also frequent lakes in the area. 10665 US-27Palmdale, FL 33944Tel: 863-675-0623. The Alligator Farm's history as . Austin tells us the gator walked quite a ways from the pond to cross a street and get some shade under a pick up truck. I kayak durbin/julington all the time (50x in last year?). Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. It stands to reason there are a lot more that they did not see, so there are definitely alligators living in the wild within the city limits. She died . This is a way to see alligators in a more organized, controlled fashion. Do not feed alligators. Too bad, but I am glad to find outmore, Having been to over a dozen zoos in my life, I think the Jacksonville Zoo might be on my list of topmore, Augustine Aquarium won't fill up an entire day of fun like the Alligator farm.more, I also took the beach shuttle to the alligator farm and zoo and the driver John was great, hemore, map that although the trains do not stop at the lighthouse or alligator farm, that they provide amore. It teaches them to lose their natural fear of people. They are found in parts of Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina. Surprisingly perhaps, the alligator is not even close to the most dangerous animal out there. Images sourced from Canva. That said, if you are unlucky enough to cross paths with an angry gator and it bites you, that doesn't automatically mean you're doomed. In fact, Jacksonville's best beaches offer a ton of space to sprawl and little competition for the best spot. It goes without saying that feeding an alligator is a bad idea. Florida started its hunting season in 1988. How likely are you to be killed by an alligator. You are far more likely to encounter trouble with mosquitoes, bees, hornets, spiders or even COWS than an alligator or even a shark in Florida. Hillsborough River State Park is natural respite close to Tampa and the urban sprawl of the area. There is a paved path from the parking area to the observation tower. The two highways through the Everglades and across the state are Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) and U.S 41 (Tamiami Trail) to its south. Courtship between alligators started in early April. Not an easy situation to escape. Jacksonville has plenty of alligators, but they mostly stay away from crowds and prefer rivers or ponds. I love the idea that we are sharing our space with these big predators, big ancient predators. Should I be worried about alligators in Florida? at cafes or nearby restaurants. Marilyn has been Digital Director since October 2021. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. This drive-thru park guides visitors in their cars through the park and past specially designed pools where about 400 gators swim and feed. Florida has more than a fifth of the five million alligators estimated to live in the United States. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. If that sounds a little too risky, you can take a tram or an airboat for the ride of your life, or just drive down Alligator Alley, a long stretch of highway traversing the southern part of the peninsula. ), and boat rides. or take aguided kayak tour with The Paddling Center on Shingle Creek. Kids love to handle the baby alligators and other reptiles. Please check it out and if you like it, we would appreciate a "like" from you. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park | Alligator Attractions and Exhibits, Zoo, Zip Lining, Bird Rookery and Nature and Wildlife Exhibits UPCOMING EVENTS SAVE THE DATE Sunday, March 5, 2023 ZOO CAMP IS OPEN FOR AGES 6-10 Click for dates and times. An elevated one-mile walkway guides visitors through Sawgrass Lake Park, a natural oasis in densely populated Pinellas County in St. Petersburg. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that these creatures are somewhat monstrous in appearance. Either way, youre guaranteed to see some big guys. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. For assistance with WJXTs or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801. 1 TooBadBroski 8 mo. Alligators are no stranger to Florida swimming pools. On Monday we got our hands on some video of an alligator at the AutoZone on Beach Boulevard over the weekend. A no no is DO NOT TAKE DOGS WHILE FISHING, or let them swim in the water. They weigh up to 80 to 100 lbs. Truthfully, alligators can be anywhere in a body of water, but they tend to hunt and hide in areas with lush greenery. LINKS TO WEBSITES OF PLACES IN THIS ARTICLE, Everglades National ParkHillsborough River State ParkMerritt Island National Wildlife RefugeMyakka River State ParkBlack Hammock Fish CampEverglades Alligator FarmEverglades Wonder GardensGatoramaGatorlandJungle AdventuresSt Augustine Alligator FarmClark's Fish CampFlorida Key Lime Pie Company. Rosenblatt says development is also scaring the gators away. One of the most common questions Floridians get from our out-of-state friends and relatives is about our most famous native reptiles: the American Alligator. Some waterways are more attractive to gators than others, and some gators are de-sensitized to human presence. Alligators are no strangers to cannibalism. This is the most specific post Ive seen on here in a while but its true that you should never mess around with alligators! Adult alligators eat fish, birds, small mammals, snakes and turtles humans are not on their radar as prey. LOGIN Subscribe for $1. It is best not to interact with alligators in any way. What Is The Population Of Jacksonville Fl. They have a pet gator named Sweetie who lives at Jungle Adventures in Christmas but spends weekends at the restaurant. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them You can see hundreds of these creatures at St. Augustines Alligator Farm and Zolo. You need to buy a ticket for a specific hatching time. As we mentioned earlier in this article, alligator attacks are rare. The eggs hatch around August and into September. Theres a good sized one that is a resident in the lake at Hanna Park. Buyers, get information on how to take advantage of one of the best buyers markets ever, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, Selling Your Condo in Florida? 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. In that same time period, 655 were killed by cows or horses, and 509 died from an allergic reaction to bee stings. Gators have a more rounded snout and their teeth are hidden when the mouth is closed. Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center, in Madeira Beach on Floridas west coast, is a smaller stop thats 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. By Mike Miller, Copyright 2009-2023 Florida-Back-Roads-Travel.com. Climb the Shark Valley tower at the visitors center to get a birds-eye view of the amazing river of grass.. Enjoy your day. Obviously, this also depends on the location of the nest and the climate surrounding it. With that being said, alligators aren't even the largest of their kind - there are crocodiles that can get even bigger than that, as well. Sure, we have bears, panthers and giant snakes, but Florida is rather well known for its local dinosaur descendent and rightly so. Along those riverbanks, you can spot turtles and alligators catching some sun. More than 300 animals live here, including 37 alligators who spend their days relaxing on what the park calls Alligator Beach. In short, American alligators some 1.3 million of them are all over the state. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most-- more than 2,300. For what its worth, the advice is the same for sharks. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. How can you see alligators in the Everglades? This World Heritage Site is billed as the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, and there are loads of gators living here. on ActiveRain. Keep an eye on your pets. The Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, in the Western Everglades, is 13,000 acres of natural Florida sited east of Interstate 75 in Collier County and 45 miles northeast of Naples. The "official" subreddit for Jacksonville, Florida. While Florida panthers mostly live in the southern part of the state, males are known to roam Northeast Florida and on occasion South Georgia. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends we stay at least 60 feet away when observing in the wild. 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 worlds largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest. You might see an alligator swimming in a puddle at a crowded intersection or even visiting your neighbor's swimming pool. Established in 1982, the Everglades Holiday Park is an alligator park in South Florida. pic.twitter.com/xZXHfez1Ol. They dont like the beach and tend to stay away from crowds as much as possible. 0:30. Gator Alley | Adventure Landing | Jacksonville Beach, FL. It's not just us who have to fear being eaten by an alligator; even other alligators have to be cautious around each other! From 1999 to 2007, there were nine people killed by alligators or crocodiles in the United States. If an alligator clocks you and you can see it moving toward you, get out of there as fast as you can. Zigzag or run in a straight line but dont worry too much about that. So, if you're planning a move to Jacksonville, Florida, be sure to watch this video and let us help you conquer your alligator anxiety! Be mindful of where they are located at all times. Statewide, 6,700 nuisance alligators were killed or relocated in 2017. The main entrance is in Homestead, and that leads to the Flamingo Visitor Center and the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. This highway connects Fort Lauderdale to Naples. The only other living species of alligator is the Chinese alligator. 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?) Those under that length are not considered nuisances legally. In the days before the attack, six alligators were removed, and in the days after, five more were removed. That is why the best chance of safely seeing a gator is in one of the many Florida attractions that promise you a good time while teaching you about alligators. Another gator in Jacksonville took a cue from a viral "Storm Area 51" Facebook post. Press J to jump to the feed. They show up in all 67 Florida counties and an old saying in Florida is that if you have a pond, lake, stream, or swamp, you will have alligators. They can live up to 70 years in captivity and up to 50 years in the wild. Specialties: The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park began in the late nineteenth century as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles and became a quintessential Florida attraction. That doesn't mean they don't happen; when the Newsweek article was written in 2016, there had been 23 unprovoked fatal attacks. There are dozens of places to see live alligators in Florida. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. . The St. Johns River is located on Florida's north east coast near Jacksonville. I think that is amazing and it makes my life feel richer," Rosenblatt said. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. We post articles every day. Disclaimer: ActiveRain, Inc. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. PHOTO: Austin Hyatt, (Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.). This means the only surviving Archosaurs are the croc family and the birds. Alligators can be found all over the southeast and as far west as Oklahoma/east Texas. This is a good place to bring your kayak or canoe and go paddling in the river. No, the gators dont play putt-putt, but for humans who do at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, theres a reptile experience. 27180 Old 41 RoadBonita Springs, FL 34135Tel: 239-992-2591. Alligator found under a truck at the AutoZone on Beach Blvd. Just like last week, there was an incident involving a massive alligator scaling a fence into a Navy base. The further south you go, the more likely youll catch a glimpse of a gator baking in the sun on the banks of a canal or even just lounging on the side of I-95. She supervises Jacksonville's number one news website and most trusted source for local news. To put that in perspective, a strong human bite would be around 160 pounds per square inch. The State of Florida named the alligator its official state reptile in 1987. The river is generally fine as long as you dont go too far out. Create awareness of the possible presence of alligators in ponds and canals with these signs. As their population grew, even more, states started allowing alligator hunting. Have never once seen an alligator. Mother alligators will fiercely defend their young, so it is dangerous to be around one. Review of Paynes Prairie. The study attributed that to the larger ones being taken out by hunters. For the adventurous, there is a zipline where you can soar safely above the exhibits for an overhead view of an amazing variety of animals. It's not only a great place to eat, but has a world class taxidermy exhibit. There have been 410 unprovoked alligator bites requiring medical attention to Florida residents since 1940, and 25 people have been killed. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Development and humans are driving ancient creatures out of Jacksonville. You can enjoy animal encounters and alligator shows. The study found 93 alligators in 9 tributaries of the St. Johns River: Black Creek, Julington Creek, Doctors Lake, Ortega River, Arlington River, Trout River, Broward River, Dunn Creek and Clapboard Creek. 14501 S. Orange Blossom TrailOrlando, FL 32837Tel: 407-855-5496. Their heads are shaped differently as well. Another route through the Everglades is I-75, known locally as "Alligator Alley." Pay attention. Ok, ok. Perhaps its not the kind of Florida gator you had in mind. There are an estimated 1.25 million adult alligators in Florida, and while many may be in the southern part of the state, it should be no surprise that Jacksonville would have its share. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Alligators have taken on legendary status as predators to fear, especially for people who live in an area as populated with them as Florida is. Missing 2.5-year-old drowned in pond, Jacksonville police say, Jacksonville Fire officials warn against outdoor burning due to wind speeds, Local Weather: Warm winds Friday ahead of showers late Friday night - Saturday morning, Jacksonville Science Festival returns to the First Coast, Rare albino alligator babies hatch at Florida attraction, 'I ripped my arm out of his teeth': St. Augustine Alligator Farm curator describes attack by alligator. If you're interested in winning an entry into the Alligator Farm's Raptor Run 3k, head here:, Haha hot dogs! The size may be part of the reason crocodiles have such a powerful bite. Snakes, Eagles, Herons, Osprey, Egrets, Ibis, Hawks, Owls, Deer, Wild Boar, and much more. Plus, alligators were on the endangered species list and the program was so successful that now there are more than enough to go around. Urban alligators seem to be a rarity and a new study by a University of North Florida professor and graduate student tracked the number of alligators in the citys tributaries. A study by a university found a lot of smaller alligators in tributaries of the St Johns River in Jacksonville. As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Alligators can stick their snouts through ice and breathe even if they are in brumation and the weather is very cold. This huge 140,000 acre refuge is located adjacent to Kennedy Space Center. Instead reach out to FWC nuisance alligator program. Alligators are part of the Crocodilian family, but there are several species of crocodile. This historic attraction opened in 1893 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. They only found one during their research. They did their research over the course of 2019. Boaters, paddlers and fishermen see plenty. We'll cover everything from how to stay safe around alligators to where you're likely to encounter them in Jacksonville. Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, 8 Florida Destinations for Wildlife and Scenery, The Everglades: Joe Wasilewski, the 'Snake Man'. The No. The also have two ziplines where you can soar above the hungry reptiles. One survey counted 2,322 alligators in Lake George. Despite what the media and Lake Placid would have you believe, alligators are not naturally aggressive toward humans. Those are statewide numbers, but some were in Jacksonville. The bad news is, lightning strikes are no walk in the park either. Crocodiles do not have webbed feet and are more comfortable on land. Typically, alligators have about 80 teeth in their mouth at one time, but they lose teeth frequently. It is thrilling to hold an egg while a baby gator is struggling out to get their first look at the world. Powered byReggio Digital Studio. Only those with a. Alligators can be found all over the southeast and as far west as Oklahoma/east Texas. "When you see water, assume an alligator could be in it," officials from the base warned. Alligators have webbed feet, which makes them better swimmers. Alligators are opportunistic feeders and look for prey that are easily accessible like turtles and birds. It is estimated that Lake Jesup is home to 13,000 alligators. One place that offers an airboat trip on Lake Jesup is Black Hammock Fish Camp at 407-807-6623. Best of all, you By Jeff Klinkenberg The first snake Joe Wasilewski caught as a boy was a little garter snake in Illinois. Skip to main content. Alligator Attacks in Florida There's good news and bad news. Initially, scientists thought this was a practice specific to the reptiles raised in captivity, but studies have been conducted on wild alligators as well. With our expert advice, you'll be able to navigate life in alligator country with confidence and ease. In 1973 the Endangered Species Act outlawed alligator hunting. Call (941) 361-6511 for details. April through June is the mating season, and when alligators are most active and most aggressive. Everglades City also has many places where you can get private airboat rides that will take you through alligator habitat. Did you know the word alligator is an anglicized form of el lagarto, the Spanish term for lizard, which the Spanish settlers in Florida called the alligator? 1. At five locations along the coast of west Florida, large ponds of baby gators are a big attraction. Most big cities dont have them in the city limits, but Jacksonville takes in a lot of space beyond urban areas. It's not at all uncommon to catch alligators scaling fences. Miami, South Florida, and Keys within 100 miles. American Alligators in Florida are surprisingly benign if you follow these rules and steer clear of each other. Alligators range throughout much of the South - far beyond Florida. Here are some ideas for places to see gators. The only other species of alligator lives in China. All rights reserved. Stay safe, everybody! During summer nesting season, you may also spot mounds between 2-4 feet high on the banks. She's based in her hometown, Jacksonville, Fla. specific permit from Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, guided kayak tour with The Paddling Center on Shingle Creek. He says hunters and alligator trappers have most likely removed the adult gators because of their size. Yes, alligators can climb fences. The prehistoric reptiles are an important part of the states ecosystem. Alligators are among the most notorious predators in the United States. That said, if someone went to the trouble to put up a NO SWIMMING or BEWARE OF ALLIGATOR sign, youd be smart to pay attention. Don't let alligator fear stop you from enjoying the sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious food of Jacksonville, Florida. Alligators are no slouch though and can bite at about 3,000 pounds per square inch. Alligators are often spied from the walking trails. Although only 20 minutes north of downtown Tampa, the park and Hillsborough River have a lot of alligators. 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. It has St. Johns River, and a lot of ponds and lakes, all of which are areas that alligators like. Along with being apex predators, these incredible animals can also grow to exponentially large sizes. Along the Tamiami Trail, which runs through the Miccosukee Indian reservation, are companies offering airboat rides (and sometimes kayak rentals), among them Wootens, Tigertail, and Buffalo Tiger. Only 30 daily permits are issued to this wilderness area, and rangers suggest you pick a sunny day with little wind. You never know these Florida By Kate Witcher The Sunshine States allure includes ecotourism attractions in a stunning variety of locales across the state. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Our biggest concern was the water mocassins in the trees along the bayous, more than the gators. A retention pond off of la moya. Are you sure you want to report this blog entry as spam? It is one of the smallest of its kind. Alligator safety is surprisingly easy to manage if you just pay attention and keep your distance. According to a story on CNN.com, TheFlorida Fish and Wildlife Commissionnotes that even though the state averages about seven unprovoked alligator attacks per year a rate that has been increasing about 3% a year the likelihood of being seriously injured in a random attack is roughly one in 2.4 million.. Swim during daylight hours only. Dont poke it with your paddle. An obscure fact is that there are two types of alligators living in the world today. . But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. The price is kinda steep but its worth the money." more 2. Edgewater, Florida: The Edge Of The Indian River Lagoon. Thanks for sharing. They are unlike any other reptile, and there are a great many of them out there. However, when you compare that to car crash statistics, it pales in comparison. These are the ones you absolutely want to avoid and they could be the very aggressive gators the signs are warning you about. So we thought we'd share a few. Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists. Alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida and it's common to see them here on the banks of the St. Johns River too. It is still owned by his family. Also, look for a slide area, stretching from the bank into the pond water. When the weather warms up they come out of that state.
