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A Guide to Alligator Watching in Florida 

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If you are interested in seeing an alligator, then visit Florida state, where you will have plenty of chances to witness this water animal. The alligator prefers to live in environments like freshwater, coastal marshes, etc.  

The following are a few places that a wildlife enthusiast may visit in Florida to see alligators.

Everglades National Park

There are a few lakes available in this park, where this water animal can be found in abundance. Although their population has considerably reduced in the last 100 years, it is still estimated that 200,000 of these reptiles are still living here. This national park itself has 20% of them. 

Over the last few years, the American alligator population has slightly increased in this region, and they are no longer endangered. Thus, they are helping ecological imbalance too.

Lake Wauburg, Gainesville, Florida

Another place in Florida where you can get the opportunity to see this water animal is Lake Wauburg. The best way to see them in their natural habitat would be to travel by boat. 

The locals offer an opportunity to see them by kayaking or even paddleboarding. One can also visit this lake for relaxation or to enjoy aquatic adventures. 

Sweetwater Wetlands Park

This artificial wetland has been created so that the flow of natural water and its quality improve in the regions of Paynes Prairie or its surroundings.

This wetland park has been successful in reducing nitrogen levels and capturing the silt. One can see plenty of alligators in this wetland park too. 

Besides wildlife interest and seeing an alligator in its natural habitat, people also visit this park for hiking. 

Myakka River State Park

There’s plenty of exploring to be done on the almost 40 miles of hiking trails, which include both maintained tracks and backcountry routes that call for appropriate safety measures.

The park offers five daily flat-bottomed boat rides, which are a popular pastime and offer a unique viewpoint on the local fauna. The huge alligator population in Myakka River State Park is extremely well-known, especially during breeding season. 

How to View Alligators Safely

1 Avoid feeding them

Feeding alligators is illegal in Florida and can lead to a $500 fine or up to 60 days in jail. This practice makes alligators accustomed to humans, increasing the risk of nuisance behavior and potential attacks.

2 Avoid getting closer

When swimming in Florida’s waters, always stay vigilant as there are alligators present in these waters. The water’s edge is also dangerous dogs and young children can be mistaken for prey. 

Maintain at least 30 feet distance from any visible alligator, and retreat by walking backward. Remember, alligators can move quickly when motivated, despite appearing lazy.

3 Keep your dog(s) quiet

Always keep your dog on a leash in areas with alligators. Unleashed dogs may approach water’s edge and become prey, as alligators are opportunistic eaters. A barking dog can even attract an alligator, prompting investigation of potential prey.

4 Avoid mating season

You’re likely to see calm alligators in Florida, but they become more aggressive during mating season from April to June. Male alligators bellow to defend their territory, which can lead to confrontations with other alligators or even kayakers.

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