Are there alligators in Tampa area?

Are there alligators in Tampa area?

While alligators can be found throughout the Southeastern U.S., the crocodile footprint in the U.S. is generally limited to South Florida, though they have occasionally been spotted as far north as the Tampa Bay area. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist.

Where can I see an alligator in Tampa?

Sawgrass Lake Park
Sawgrass Lake Park in Pinellas County is one of the best places for viewing alligators at a safe distance. Visitors can walk on the elevated boardwalk and tower to see lots of Florida animals while still keeping a safe distance.

Does Hillsborough River State Park have alligators?

Naturally, the Hillsborough River State Park is known for its river, which invites visitors to fish, canoe, kayak, and observe alligators, birds and other wildlife.

Does Old Tampa Bay have alligators?

Yes, but most of Tampa Bay is brackish or salt depending on the tide, so you will find more alligators in the rivers dumping into the bay. A good way to look for them is at night with a bright spotlight. Their eyes shine red in the light.

Where in Florida is there no alligators?

Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren’t occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail.

What city in Florida has the most alligators?

The largest population of gators live in Gainesville, FL. They live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida.

How many alligators are in Tampa Florida?

TAMPA, Fla. — Florida residents know that we share the state with a large alligator population — an estimated 1.3 million to be exact!

Can you swim in Hillsborough River?

(1979) The Hillsborough River is closed to swimming at Hillsborough River State Park and a swimming pool is built for public use.

Is the Hillsborough River clean?

The overall water quality of the Hillsborough River is considered good. The water in the river is tested periodically by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County.

Can you swim in Tampa Bay?

Swimming ‘not recommended’ at several Tampa Bay beaches due to high bacteria levels. According to health leaders, the presence of the bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. Health leaders say water samples showed above normal levels of enterococci bacteria.

Where are all the alligators in Florida?

Alligators have inhabited Florida’s marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. In recent years, Florida has experienced tremendous human population growth. Many residents seek waterfront homes, and increasingly participate in water-related activities.

Do alligators bother kayakers?

While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don’t usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. In fact, since they’re cold-blooded, they tend to spend most of their time sunbathing on the swamp’s shores.

Where to see alligators in Florida?

Here are some of the best places to see alligators in Florida: The Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park is on U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail in Miami, and you’re sure to see an abundance of alligators there.

Are there alligators in Tampa Bay, FL?

If you are asking if there are alligators in the bay itself (ie. Tampa Bay), outside of the occasional story you might hear of “one turning up”, alligators do not live in Tampa Bay. Having said that, there are plenty of alligators in the Tampa Bay region, living in various lakes/ponds/rivers throughout the area.

Where are alligator farms in Florida?

At South Florida’s oldest alligator farm, the Everglades Alligator Farm. Near the entrance of Everglades National Park, the farm contains more than 2,000 alligators.

What is the population of alligators in Florida?

Florida’s alligator population is about 1.3 million, and alligators live in all 67 counties in the state.