Orlando topped … In 2016, the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program received 12,759 nuisance alligator complaints, resulting in removal of 8,050 alligators. Minnesota calls itself the land of lakes with its 10,000 watery holes, but Florida has about 30,000. We live on this lake. Those big gators are the focus of another mission, when crews take a census for gators. Boaters, paddlers and fishermen see plenty. Gators were once on the brink of extinction in the Sunshine State but aggressive conservation efforts reversed their decline. Everglades Holiday Park, a wildlife preserve and theme park on 29 acres near Fort Lauderdale, is home for Animal Planet's "Gator Boys" TV show, and features daily gator shows. The lake that had the most gators overall was Lake George, located on the St. Johns River. Hillsborough River State Park is natural respite close to Tampa and the urban sprawl of the area. They do have a lot, but they don't top the list in total gators or in the amount of monster bull gators that live there. Lake Kissimmee came in second for the most gators with 1,935 counted with 170 bull gators. An estimated 1.3 million alligators live in Florida, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife. PREVIOUS: Alligator hunter suffers possible loss of arm in attack on Lake Jesup, investigators say On average, since 1948, Florida has an average of five unprovoked bites per year. In fact, Florida is the flattest state in the country. "We're going to shine a spotlight, and we'll see the reflection of their eyes," said Brunell. That may lead people to wonder, if FWC can find these giant gators and study them, should they get rid of them? The chance of someone being attacked is one in 3.2 million. Located in the heart of Seminole County along the middle basin of the St. Johns, the lake encompasses an area of approximately 16,000 acres (65 km²), including open water and floodplain. 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. … How can you see alligators in the Everglades? 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. Merritt Island State Wildlife Refuge east of Titusville on the Space Coast is home to many Florida critters, including gators. As far as Lake Apopka, it, too, was surveyed twice with 1,014 gators with 46 bulls at one time, 788 gators with 21 bulls at another. 4. Alligators are the thing here. Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. This is a way to see alligators in a more organized, controlled fashion. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Incredible footage shows the alligator swimming around a lake at Gatorland, Florida, with the big bird perched on its back, without a care in the world. According to FWC's 2015 survey data, an area of Stick Marsh in northwest Indian River County had the most bull gators. Bring binoculars. Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County is a grand spot for alligator watching. Look for gators in the lakes and canals. Alligators are an apex predator, one that has popularized popular culture and frequently appears on the news, typically attached to a crazy story coming out of Florida. "Just because alligators scare you, just because sharks scare you, does not mean they are not important part of the environment," said Baine. Thousands of them call the area home, and many of those could be called a monster gator. Grace Eberhart, 70, female: October 3, 1993: She was killed by one or more alligators at Lake Serenity, Sumter County, Florida. Also, keep your distance. ), and boat rides. So much wildlife to be seen all thru this area. The wildlife (and death) scene went down on a Florida lake after some hunters had shot down the duck. Wakulla, south of Tallahassee, is one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. 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. Florida has the longest coastline in the States, being bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Straits of Florida. Every year, FWC officers do surveys to see how many gators are living in each lake and how many of those qualify as bull gators. Billie Swamp Safari in Clewiston, north of Alligator Alley, has swamp buggy tours and airboat rides plus a twilight expedition. Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Learn more in our Cookie Notice and our Privacy Policy. The State of Florida has a nuisance alligator program and will respond quickly to any concerns. Either way, you’re guaranteed to see some big guys. Gatorama is an iconic Florida roadside attraction that has been drawing gator-curious tourists since 1957. The Shark Valley entrance is on U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail in Miami. The largest ever caught in the sunshine state reportedly measured up to a staggering 17.4 feet-long. Once they spot something, Brunell steers the airboat toward the gator, while Mader leans over the bow of the boat. Alligators. "The fact of the matter is more people have been killed by lightning strikes." It didn't take long to find a half dozen on the shores of Lake Apopka. That is illegal and can condition them to associate food with people. For example, Lake Apopka and Lake Jesup have the reputation of having the most gators. Take a census for gators giving alligators plenty of spots to have a wide selection of located. Attraction that has been drawing gator-curious tourists since 1957 s ecosystem controlled fashion, all rights reserved that the. 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