Besides gators, which often are spied sunning next to turtles, you will see all manner of Florida birds. 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. Over Lake Jesup, Austin saw a couple of gators sunbathing on a private beach. "Just because alligators scare you, just because sharks scare you, does not mean they are not important part of the environment," said Baine. VISIT FLORIDA® is the Official Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. 4. 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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends we stay at least 60 feet away when observing in the wild. Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Take pictures from a distance and don't disturb the alligator. 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. Gatorama is an iconic Florida roadside attraction that has been drawing gator-curious tourists since 1957. Alligators. The team scans the water with several bright lights. Learn more in our Cookie Notice and our Privacy Policy. Look for gators in the lakes and canals. After seeing Florida’s alligators, return to the beauty and comfort of a home from Naples Florida Vacation Homes. 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. The State of Florida has a nuisance alligator program and will respond quickly to any concerns. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, especially moms and babies. Please contact us to send a comment or to report a problem. The lake that had the most gators overall was Lake George, located on the St. Johns River. 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. ... Great blue heron devours baby alligator in Florida lake Josh Marcus. The opinions expressed in the getaway ideas, Floridians' Favorites and readers' comments do not necessarily represent those of VISIT FLORIDA. The largest Florida alligator on record was just over 14 ft. in length. The lake, and state park, is teeming with alligators. Lake Jesup is one of the largest lakes in Central Florida, one of many that make up the St. Johns River. Either way, you’re guaranteed to see some big guys. 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. 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?) We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. A visitor center will help you find the best places to spy the prehistoric beasts. It wouldn’t be unusual to see 100 to 120 gators on the banks. 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. The lake boasts one of the longest free-standing bridges, part of the Seminole Expressway, which bisec… Bring binoculars. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Alligators are the thing here. Several of those were swimming very close to homes, right off shore. If you call the nuisance hotline … Grace Eberhart, 70, female: October 3, 1993: She was killed by one or more alligators at Lake Serenity, Sumter County, Florida. 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. A huge alligator eats a duck on a lake in Florida after hunters shot the bird. The original restaurant is still there and a new bar down by the lake has been added. Boaters, paddlers and fishermen see plenty. 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. She died of a broken neck caused by an alligator bite to the throat and head. Here you can take tram tours and rent bicycles to ride on the paths. "This is fairly equipment-intensive," said biologist Arnold Brunell . The content for this web site has been provided both by professional travel writers and by individual consumers. 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. Climb the Shark Valley tower at the visitors center to get a bird’s-eye view of the amazing “river of grass.”. They collect blood, check mercury levels, weigh, measure and tag the reptile, documenting everything. That may lead people to wonder, if FWC can find these giant gators and study them, should they get rid of them? It is named in honor of Brigadier General Thomas Jesup, an American military officer who served in the Second Seminole War. Best seen by airboat, and the 417 bridge is beautiful lighted at night crossing the lake. 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. 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. Run straight away from an alligator, not zigzag. In fact, Florida is the flattest state in the country. 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. The chance of someone being attacked is one in 3.2 million. Billie Swamp Safari in Clewiston, north of Alligator Alley, has swamp buggy tours and airboat rides plus a twilight expedition. Right inside of Lake Kissimmee State Park is Lake Kissimmee, Florida's third largest lake. Only 30 daily permits are issued to this wilderness area and rangers suggest you pick a sunny day with little wind. Statewide, 6,700 nuisance alligators w ere killed or relocated in 2017. Most people know alligators get just about everywhere in Florida, but now they’ve really leveled up. In the latest entry to a long and noble tradition, a new video has gone viral of Florida wildlife doing ridiculous things. … This a good multi-generational excursion that provides a gentle experience, plus the boats are handicap accessible. Check out our blog on 3 differences between an alligator and a crocodile! For that, FWC biologists need an airboat and lights for the nighttime excursion. Also, keep your distance. Gators hide when it’s windy. at cafes or nearby restaurants. The response typically involves sending a licensed trapper to locate and remove the animal. Alligators are not particularly dangerous, but they still pose a risk. 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. Seeing gators on the state’s lakes is most likely the experience of fishermen who are on the hunt for bass and sunfish. This drive-thru park guides visitors in their cars through the park and past specially designed pools where about 400 gators swim and feed. Ranger-led boat tours take visitors out on the river for about 45 minutes. You can rest assured that each one is home to gators. At five locations along the coast of west Florida, large ponds of baby gators are a big attraction. Alligators w ere killed or relocated in 2017 'll see the reflection of their eyes, said! 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