Mating season for alligators is from April through September. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when the water temperature is between 82 and 92F. You can rest assured that each one is home to gators. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. Withlacoochee State Trail. Osceola National Forest. Green HeronKerry Pears. Rio Vista. The park frequently reaches capacity, so we are sure no alligator in its right mind would really want to hang out with all that many people laughing . Tarpon River. There are many things you may encounter when swimming in the ocean. Although the springs feed the Wekiva River, it's highly unusual for an alligator to venture into the swimming area during the day while people are enjoying the water. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Lake Okeechobee. And 383 unprovoked bites caused by intentional harassment or handling of an alligator. A world away from Floridas crowded water and theme parks, the 900 springs that bubble up into the states streams and rivers provide stunning oases for swimming and in winter youre likely to have them to yourself. Turtles were perched in lines along branches as they sunned themselves by the water. Esther Williams, the swimming champion who became an actor, filmed scenes for Jupiters Darling in Silver springs; and women dressed as mermaids still perform in Weeki Wachee Springs underwater theatre. 12, 2021. A fed gator cant tell the difference between your hand and a piece of chicken. It happened to a patron at a location in Spring Hill, Florida. Tipped off by other campers that manatees had arrived in Manatee Springs state park, we headed north-west to look for them. AccessibilityDe Leon springs has a ramp and lift for wheelchair access. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. If you listen to my voice it was very shaky. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. Weeki Wachee. There are some places, however, where you will usually see lots and lots of alligators. What district does Kat Cammack represent in Florida? Best hotels near Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida: Where to stay near Juniper Springs, Florida? Ebro. Farout Guides Comprehensive logistics and offline maps for the Florida National Scenic Trail (1,500 miles), the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (108 miles), and the ECT Florida Connector (92 miles). It happened to a patron at a location in Spring Hill, Florida. Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado. Many springs can be accessed via flat paths followed by steps with a handrail down into the water. Mating season for alligators is from April through September. Victoria Park. Carrabelle. You get up to $65 off. Frostproof. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Madison. B&W, 356 pages. Imperial Point. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. Melbourne Beach. I have seen bull sharks up in the Loxahatchee River, Wood said. Inverness. Required fields are marked *. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. The Intracoastal Waterway is made of natural inlets, saltwater rivers, bays and man-made canals. When did Hurricane Irma hit Florida in 2017? With an estimated 1.3 million alligators in Florida, the state's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning the public to be aware of the increase in alligator activity this time of . Williston, MULTI-REGION Big Cypress Swamp. Merritt Island. After they were called, a trapper came and safely removed the alligator from the lobby. They are there, but prefer to stay in the marsh areas where guests do not paddle. Cross Florida Greenway. Fort Lauderdale sits by the North Atlantic Ocean. Commonly enters estuarine waters and is one of the few shark species that may inhabit freshwater, sometimes venturing hundreds of miles inland via coastal river systems. Gators can be found in all of Florida's 67 counties. Basinger. South Florida is actually the only place in the world where both crocodiles and alligators can coexist! Davie. They go where they need to. Okeechobee. Trenton. A trapper responded and was able to safely remove the alligator, according to the sheriff's office. How Is The Weather In Fort Lauderdale Florida? Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. , American White Pelican. Winter Springs. Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. Is it safe to swim in a lake with alligators? What part of Florida has the most natural springs? Eglin Air Force Base. Expect the highs to be in the high-80s and low 90s F, or in the 30s C. With the air temperature so high, the spring water will seem chiller for Ginnie Springs swimming, but it is a great time for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. One of the reasons swimming isnt allowed in Juniper creek is that it might disturb the delicate sand boils where spring water emerges. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most- more than 2,300. "We're seeing a lot more of them than we used to," said FWC wildlife biologist John Ritter. Lafayette Blue Springs State Park: This park is located in Mayo, Florida and offers free access to the spring water for swimming and snorkeling. Alligators prefer warm water, and are most active at dawn and right after dusk. An alligator found its way into Weeki Wachee's Mermaid Spring and had to be removed by a professional gator handler. Bristol. Those travelling without a tent can easily book cabins or bungalows see the links below. Charlotte Harbor. The park is situated on the Suwannee River and is known for its natural spring which produces around 44 million gallons of water per day. Lake Mary. Rainbow Springs State Park: Located near Dunnellon, this park features several natural springs, including the main spring that is the fourth largest in the state, with crystal-clear water and a large swimming area. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. The male alligator 11 feet, 10 inches long was shot in the head one evening near dusk last month by a trapper contracted . Federally maintained, the authorized depth of the 1,100-mile ICW is between 10 and 12 feet. If you see an alligator at a spring, if there has been a recent report of one, or there are No swimming signs up, then do not swim. It is time to explore Floridas wilderness, including its wild swimming paradise of springs. Could you tell the difference between this plant-based egg and a Meet the sailing robots trying to solve climate change, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Live Oak. In Florida there is a chance for an alligator in any body of water. This week's tragic death of a 2-year-old snatched by an alligator at a Disney World resort in Orlando conjured up that and other memories. Baker said in the video she thinks someone has been feeding the gator because of how close it was to people, making it very dangerous.. Alligators do not pair up permanently. I panicked. Crocodiles, however, are only found in southern Florida and mostly within the Everglades, the Keys and Biscayne Bay. Mount Dora. Alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to be considered dangerous unless they're handled, FWC says. From a boardwalk. He recorded a video of the encounter and, Remember, never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one, according to, Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. 4.2K views 3 years ago This giant alligator crawled out of the Weeki Wachee River while we were on a kayak trip. We often see them basking in the sun, but they will hunt at any time of day or night because they have a good sense of smell and vision in the dark. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. What are the best natural springs in Florida? 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. A trapper removed the reptile after it was reported by a patron who came in to mail a package. Common apex predator that inhabits estuarine, nearshore and offshore waters of both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. Temperatures are warming up and the sun is shining longer every day. At first the water was so shallow we could see grains of sand bubbling out of the springs from the sandy bottom. Alligators dont typically inhabit saltwater bodies of water, but occasional sightings near Fort Lauderdale beaches are documented. Another reason park personnel prohibits swimming in the main spring is because it is deep, really deep. Alligators probably arent one of them. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. SPRING HILL, Fla. Your package could be a little late if you're in Spring Hill--- and you can blame an alligator for that. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water., Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These companies are located in Miami FL, Shreveport LA, and Spring Hill FL. Discover the wild side of Florida with endangered Florida panther, red wolf, manatee and whooping crane, plus black bear, bobcat and, of course, alligators. When youre hiking on trails near bodies of water, these sounds can surprise you. I showed them the video and I said Im scared the gator is going to hurt somebody and they said dont worry about it we will take care of it, Baker said. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. When Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop in the early 1900s, passengers could picnic and take a dip in the spring . Fanning Springs State Park is a state park located in Fanning Springs, Florida. , American Brown Pelican. Hollywood. Brooksville. It should come as no surprise that youre seeing them more frequently. MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A woman paddleboarding at a Florida spring recorded a close encounter with an alligator after she says it tried biting . Are there alligators in the springs in Orlando? We were the only swimmers there on a January day, but a few hikers stopped to chat and enjoy the sunshine in the forest clearing surrounding the spring. How long does it take for homestead exemption to take effect in Florida? I wouldn't suggest coming here if you're looking for gator, as there's not really any gator dishes on the menu. Floridians know how dangerous the animals can be because. How do you know if a lake has alligators? Butorides virescens: 16 to 22 inches tall. Once in the water, its concrete walls are easily ignored as the pool is large and swirls of eelgrass carpet its sandy bottom. Address: 18020 Northwest, US-19, Fanning Springs, FL 32693, United States. Reaction score. Watch on Images related to the topicWhich lake in Florida has the most alligators? Port Charlotte. We swam 100 metres down the run, which teamed with fish and turtles, to Devils Eye spring, an underwater hole from which water flows out. South Walton. Remember, never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one, according to the FWC website. The 9-ft. alligator swam into Buccaneer Bay and cruised by the underwater theater's huge glass windows, delaying the 11 am mermaid performance. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. When a hungry gator grabbed his dog, one Florida man didnt hesitate to jump into the water and gouge the reptiles eye so he could rescue his poor pet, according to WFTS. Crescent City. Our roundup of closures on federal, state, and county lands across Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Some springs release enough water to fuel rivers. The bed of the spring has still not been confirmed. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most more than 2,300. Minnesota calls itself the land of lakes with its 10,000 watery holes, but Florida has about 30,000. Gainesville. Amelia Island. I know people think I was really calm but I wasnt, Baker said. Lake Butler.Lake City. Homestead. Orlando. From one of the viewing platforms next to the spring run we watched a pair of manatees moving ponderously upstream as they grazed on eelgrass. Ponce De Leon. Yes, alligators are sometimes found at Kelly Park/Rock Springs. Lakeland. It means alligators are on the move, too. Floridas springs have had moments in the spotlight. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, an alligator is considered a nuisance animal if it measures 4 feet or more and is deemed a threat to people, pets or property. Kissimmee. From April to June alligators become more active and aggressive as they search for the perfect partner to ensure their future survival as a species. Chattahoochee. Everglades City. They are in the streams, creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Chuluota. Florida Woman Saves Dog From Jaws of Alligator and Gets Attacked, 11-Year-Old Girl Plays Music for Animals at Thailand Zoo Wearing an Alligator Costume, Alligator Gets 'Hangry' in a Florida Wendy's Parking Lot, Florida Man Uses His Bare Hands Save Puppy From Jaws of Alligator. Stuart. Freeport. The only alligators you should ever see fed are those inside commercial alligator farms and attractions, where they are licensed to do so. Titusville . Sanibel Island. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Fort Walton Beach. On the side of the old mill house is a waterwheel, which used to generate electricity from the springs flow for the campsite. 10 Best Breakfast Restaurants In Orlando, FL, 10 Best Seafood Restaurants In Miami Beach, Florida. West Indian Manatee. Tallahassee. Imagine going to mail a package at your local post office and seeing an alligator just chillin there. # alligators # are # fort # lauderdale . Clearwater Beach. Palm Coast. Flagler Beach. While alligators are found in all of Florida's 67 counties, crocodiles are shy and can only be found on the Florida coast. Every day, over 400m gallons of crystal-clear water well up and out of the rivers springs in Rainbow Springs state park. This waterway is important because it is a way that boats can travel the Atlantic and Gulf coasts while avoiding the hazards of the open ocean. What part of Florida has the most alligators? Boca Raton. The sheriff's office said this particular post office has automatic, double doors that lead to the lobby. American Brown Pelican. Deltona. Of course there are alligators. The toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline, which is managed by FWC, can be reached at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). As Floridas rainy season begins, so does alligator mating season, bringing an uptick in sightings in areas across the state. Jacksonville. To attract a mate, males slap the water with their heads and bellow. Boynton Beach. Englewood. Crawfordville. 376 pages. In certain bodies of water like rivers, etc. Florida wildlife officials have now killed a nearly 12-foot alligator that swam within inches of a frightened paddleboarder in a popular state park during an encounter in September recorded on video that went viral. Spring is breeding season and the low growls of amorous males fill the air. Brightside Blend: Your guide to the Florida Strawberry Festival, Red tide looms at unusual time of the year, experts say, 10 Weather: Morning fog clears for more warmth and sunshine, Falcon 9 launches Crew-6 from Cape Canaveral, Alligator attack: Woman taken to hospital after gator bite in Palm Harbor, 9-foot alligator makes surprise visit at Plant City couple's home, 'Never seen or heard fromagain': Tampa Bay mother of 3 still missing a year later, Alligator attacks woman walking dog in Palm Harbor, US likely to miss goal of 70% partially vaccinated by July 4, Tampa police: Death investigation shuts down part I-275, 4-year-old shoots 6-year-old in Tampa, police say, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. LaBelle. Ellaville. How deep is the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida? The Hernando County Sheriff's Office posted a photo of the 7-foot alligator at the U.S Post Office facility on Philatelic Road. Chipley. The number of pet dogs attacked and killed by Alligators is countless. Panama City Beach. YES, there are alligators in Rock Springs, but usually further down the river than the tube run area. Where to stay near Crystal River, Florida? Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. The vast majority of them will leave you alone if you do the same. The video getting a lot of attention on social media shows a gator floating by her paddleboard in Silver Springs State Park in Marion County. Scouting a piece of the East Coast Greenway on the Treasure Coast, Johns on-the-ground wayfinding stopped him short of his intended goal. Congress authorized the creation of the AIWW in 1919 and the entire waterway was completed in 1940. Sometimes, they get sold to zoos or animal facilities. Best places in Florida with Clear Water TOP 25 locations to visit in 2023! Summer also has the highest chance of rain, so keep that in mind. Blackwater River State Forest. Ridge Manor. According to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, the gator made its way into the post office's lobby through its automatic double doors. Keep your pets and kids away from them, too. You can alert trappers by calling the agencys Alligator Hotline 866-392-GATOR. White Springs. Kenansville. All rights reserved. Although alligators lay several dozen eggs, only a few will survive to adulthood. Kayla Jane of Kayla Jane's Crystal Kayaks took the footage in. Sightings have already occurred across Florida. Apalachicola National Forest. Another citizen witnessed more than he bargained for when he found two gators mating in his backyard in Lakewood Ranch. Dont stick around to find out why. Nov 20, 2007. Ginnie Springs Outdoors is a campsite containing several springs where swimmers are welcome. Dowling Park. Crestview. Palm Bay. Lake Placid. Spring has sprung, and that doesnt just mean glorious wildflowers on Floridas trails. Vernon. Gators can be found in all of Florida's 67. They add that that specific post office has automatic doors which can allow anyone, including alligators, to enter the lobby. Key Biscayne. Where is the best place to watch alligators from a safe distance? Miami. Clermont. Fort Pierce. They are the ones that like to go up in fresh water., I have therefore come up with this theory and reasoning: The Intracoastal Waterway, by all rights and definitions, should technicallyto be correct by the use of the prefixes inter and intrashould be named the Intercoastal Waterway, as it is just like an interstate highway, being used to travel between and among the . What is the minimum sentence for involuntary manslaughter in Florida? Where can you see alligators in Florida? To report a nuisance gator, click on this link here. Crystal River. Part I, Florida Statutes, the Florida Civil Rights Act, Weeki Fresh Water Adventures is committed to providing accessible facilities, programs, and services for all people . He came after me and tried to bite my paddleboard, Vicki Baker said in the video. Example video title will go here for this video. . The reason being is that alligators don't like the cold water. With that being said, it is still a great place to come with friends and family. The Hernando County Sheriffs Office shared the details on social media, writing, On 06-09-2021 at 3:32 a.m., Hernando County Sheriffs deputies responded to the U.S. Post Office facility located at 8501 Philatelic Road in Spring Hill in reference to a 7-foot alligator roaming the lobby area.. Jensen Beach. Trappers are paid a $30 stipend for capturing the gators under contractual agreements with Florida. Lakeport. Ichetucknee head spring is one of the springs that feeds the Ichetucknee river, a national natural landmark. Yurt Tree House, on the Santa Fe river, costs $200 a couple for two nights (preferred) or $125 a night off-peak, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, alligator courtship begins in early April, and mating occurs in May or June. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay informed and engaged. How Far Is Fort Lauderdale From Fort Myers? 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. WATER HAZARD Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water including lakes, rivers, canals and golf course ponds and theres an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. Daytona Beach. Mayo. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay informed and engaged. While both creatures are dangerous, alligators prefer freshwater habitats while crocodiles prefer saltwater habitats. Talbot Islands. I was defending myself and I didnt smack it on the head I didnt try to hurt it I just wanted it to go away., According to the state parks website, the river is home to alligators, turtles, manatees and many species of fish.. "Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size," an FWC spokesperson added. Islamorada. they can swim pretty efficiently, however, in the ocean, they are more known to ride on the currents, tides, and waves. Osteen. Yes, but don't expect to see them. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. Crocodiles are a species that cannot sustain swimming in the turbulent waters of the ocean and rather ride these currents. Naples. There are approximately 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Minnesota calls itself the land of lakes with its 10,000 watery holes, but Florida has about 30,000. How Do You Get Rid Of Hiccups In 5 Seconds? Florida has more than 1 million alligators and several laws to protect the beasts. Your email address will not be published. At 20-22C the water is a respite from humid air temperatures of 28C-plus. Punta Gorda. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Sheriffs Office posted notice of the find along with a photo on its Facebook page. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water.. Macclenny. Walt Disney World. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2012-2023 On Secret Hunt - All Rights Reserved $24.95 + tax & shipping. Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides. A big-headed cannibal alligator has been filmed tenderizing a smaller gator that it was about to eat in a Florida spring. State wildlife officials. Alligators are only generally found in freshwater environments, while crocodiles can be found in both freshwater and saltwateralthough they cant live in the ocean, preferring to stick to river estuaries. Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins. When gators associate people with food, they may start attacking people (especially smaller people). After stopping at Richards Place in Ocala for a southern breakfast of biscuits and gravy, we drove 30 minutes to Juniper springs recreation area, rented a canoe and set off down Juniper creek. Alcohol and glassware are NOT permitted anywhere in the park. In Tampa. This video shows a 5 ft. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. As a reminder, warm spring weather means alligators are more active and more visible, the website forFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC) reads. Expect to see them anywhere and everywhere along Floridas trails. However, feeding alligators causes them to lose their natural fear of humans. Emmy-nominated journalist Kristin Cason joined the News 6 team in June 2016. St. Augustine. Shafts of late afternoon sun tipped blades of lime green eelgrass with gold, while silver bubbles trailed behind our flippers in the blue water. Winter is the best season for alligator watching, mostly because they come out of the cooler water to catch the warm rays. Dunnellon. Chiefland. Suwannee Springs. Ocala National Forest. Full data charts and maps. A Florida man who stole an alligator from a minature-golf course, swung it around by its tail and threw it into the air claimed he was teaching the reptile a lesson, according to the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety. Alligators appear in multiple places around the continental United States, but theyre most predominantly known for living in Florida because of the Everglades and a large number of swamps. I didnt have a choice. Do guardian ad litems get paid in Florida? Alligators are not usually seen in the Ichetucknee Springs. Branford. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. Whats The Difference Between Dutch And French Braids? The more popular and crowded springs ( Ginnie) have fewer or none than the lesser visited springs (Peacock) but there still may be a gator around even with crowds (Alexander). Port St. Lucie. The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) handles complaints about specific gators that people believe pose direct threats to themselves, pets or property. They may even come up to your canoe or kayak to check you out. Welaka. Silver Springs. In Tampa, the county sheriffs office was called to remove a 10-foot alligator hiding underneath a car in an apartment complex parking lot. Are there bull sharks in the Intracoastal? De Leon Springs. Alligators should never be fed in the wild. Another citizen witnessed more than he bargained for when he found two gators mating in his backyard in Lakewood Ranch. Only last year Florida was recognised as part of a biodiversity hotspot by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Some lengths consist of natural inlets, salt-water rivers, bays, and sounds; others are man-made canals. Sebastian. Hobe Sound. Top Hot Springs | Sitemap, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa Hepburn Springs, VIC, Australia, Omni Bedford Springs Resort Bedford, Pennsylvania, Peninsula Hot Springs Fingal, VIC, Australia, Castle Hot Springs Castle Hot Springs, Arizona. Venice, SOUTH FLORIDA Arcadia. The sheriff's office said this particular post office has automatic, double doors that lead to the lobby. Dunedin. In the photo they shared of the reptile, it is just casually sitting by the doors like it's waiting for its mail. Salt Springs. by Jenna Romaine | April 12, 2021 | Apr. While alligators can tolerate salt water for a few hours or even days, they are primarily freshwater animals, living in swampy areas, rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Destin. Welcome to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Coast to Coast Trail. Coral Gables. Imagine going to mail a package at your local post office and seeing an alligator just chillin' there. Fifty of the best day hikes, overnights, and weekend trips on the Florida Trail. Lake Wales. Alligators become more active and visible during spring when temperatures rise and their metabolism increases, says the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Only in the designated swimming area. Pine Island. Alligators tend to mate between May and June, with females laying their eggs between June and July, and hatchlings occurring toward the end of summer and into the fall. We heard a crash in the forest and then saw a deer leap across the creek in front of us. Temperatures are warming up and the sun is shining longer every day. The male moves on, and the female finds a place to build a nest. Tarpon Springs. Big Cypress National Preserve. To an alligator, a splash potentially means a food source is in the water. However, shoaling and silting have reduced controlling depths in some spots to as little as five feet. RARE ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHED ALIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE WILD, WORLDS RAREST GREAT APE IS ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION, THE CONTROVERSY OVER WILDLIFE KILLING CONTESTS, SURPRISING STUDY FINDS SHARKS ARE KEY TO RESTORING DAMAGED HABITATS, FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE, FLORIDA BANS TOILET-INVADING IGUANAS AND 15 OTHER INVASIVE SPECIES, THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Sanford. In truth, they aren't. The media makes it seem worse than it is. Answer (1 of 6): Alligators can potentially be found in any water-body anywhere in Florida. Red cardinal flowers bobbed in the water, which was so clear it was impossible to judge how deep it was. Fatzinger says although an attack is highly unlikely, swimmers should avoid swimming at dawn and dusk and wearing jewelry. The springs and river that feeds them are inhabited by sharks, alligators, manatees, and several varieties of vibrant fish. Bottlenose dolphins grow up to eight or nine feet long and 400 to 500 pounds. Geneva. Juno Beach. Check out The Morning News to get the latest news, weather and traffic in Central Florida. "Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size," an FWC spokesperson added. It is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Is Orlando worth going to? It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone.