Remember, never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one, according to the FWC website. 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 . Whats The Difference Between Dutch And French Braids? White Springs. Do not allow your dogs or children to swim in waters inhabited by alligators, or to drink or play at the waters edge. Boca Raton. 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. Lake Wales. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. Fort Walton Beach. Where can you see alligators in Florida? Green HeronKerry Pears. Fernandina Beach. 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 . The only alligators you should ever see fed are those inside commercial alligator farms and attractions, where they are licensed to do so. Ichetucknee Springs State Park: This park is located near Fort White and is known for its clear, blue water and natural beauty. SPRING HILL A trapper removed a 7-foot alligator from the lobby of a post office in Spring Hill early Wednesday. Wewahitchka NORTH FLORIDA Alachua. West Palm Beach, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, south of Tallahassee, Tamiami Trail, Big Cypress National Preserve, Parks and Trails Closed Due to Hurricane Ian. 376 pages. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when the water temperature is between 82 and 92F. Only last year Florida was recognised as part of a biodiversity hotspot by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Englewood. Further information on accessible amenities in Florida state parks; contact privately-owned springs directly. 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. YES, there are alligators in Rock Springs, but usually further down the river than the tube run area. Some lengths consist of natural inlets, salt-water rivers, bays, and sounds; others are man-made canals. The spring is only 12 metres deep but around 10,000 litres of water a minute flow out of it. Spring Hill. There are approximately 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Here are some of the best places to see alligators in Florida: Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Further down the seven-mile canoe trail was a basking alligator the other reason no swimming is allowed in Juniper creek. Trenton. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. As mating season begins, sightings of alligators have already increased. Brooksville. They go where they need to. Dowling Park. Also, many springs are swimming destinations usually in parks, so they are netted and inspected. I panicked. Kenansville. St. Augustine. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Kissimmee. State wildlife officials. West Indian Manatee. 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). The lobby area has automatic double doors. Alligators smaller than four feet are not large enough to be considered dangerous unless theyre handled, FWC says. All rights reserved. Biscayne National Park. Spring water, especially the springs we swim in are cold. New Smyrna Beach. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Geneva. Branford. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. A 400-metre walk further through the forest led to the Blue Hole spring, which is surrounded by trees and looks like a sunken meadow encircling a blue pool. Last year, a 61-year-old man was killed by a 10-foot alligator while swimming . Hanging around the nest, Mama Gator will fend off predators and keep an eye on her hatchlings for up to two years. Blackwater River State Forest. Palm Beach. Amelia Island. Blue Springs State Park: This park is located near Orange City and is known for its large spring, which is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Alligators thrive in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, and swamps. Okeechobee. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, alligator courtship begins in early April, and mating occurs in May or June. I didnt have a choice. Florida has possibly the highest concentration of springs in the world, with over 900. South Florida is actually the only place in the world where both crocodiles and alligators can coexist! Sarasota. Ding Darling NWR. Bushnell. Silver Springs. Baker said she immediately showed the video to a park ranger. Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides. 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.. 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. Best hotels near Ichetucknee Springs Florida: Where to stay near Gilchrist Blue Springs Florida? The sheriff's office said this particular post office has automatic, double doors that lead to the lobby. Ginnie Springs Outdoors is a campsite containing several springs where swimmers are welcome. It is time to explore Floridas wilderness, including its wild swimming paradise of springs. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the beaches near Miami with the most shark attacks. Bonifay. Timucuan Preserve. The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are very safe to swim in. Green Cove Springs. Estero. The toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline, which is managed by FWC, can be reached at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Miami. Out of the blue mist rising in the morning off Ginnie Springs, Florida. . The Sheriffs Office posted notice of the find along with a photo on its Facebook page. Bunnell. We heard a crash in the forest and then saw a deer leap across the creek in front of us. Florida Keys. Milton. What Black Americans more likely to go to emergency departments for mental A little scary: Iditarod begins with smallest field ever, Colorectal cancer being diagnosed in younger Americans: research. over a year ago Reviewed this attraction itsyummy Apopka, Florida 0 Votes Yes, they are part of Florida wildlife. Baby alligators are easily snatched up by great blue herons and other wading birds. It's rare for people to be seriously hurt by gators in Florida, but it does happen. Always look before you leap! Welcome to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. While Juniper creek is not for swimming, the 40-metre long oval pool of Juniper spring is. 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. There is a concessionaire who sells food inside the park. Sanford. So an alligator has a choice it can be in that 95 degree river or a 75 degree spring. While alligators are found in all of Florida's 67 counties, crocodiles are shy and can only be found on the Florida coast. "Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size," an FWC spokesperson added. Longwood. St. Mating season for alligators is from April through September. King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. Where to stayGinnie Springs Outdoors (pitches $21.34, adult, $6 child; cottage sleeps up to 8, from $175 a night for up to four, each additional adult $21.34 or $6 per child). Ebro. From a boardwalk. Mossy Head. A long weekend is enough time to explore a selection of springs that are within a few hours drive of each other, between Orlando and Lake City. The 9-ft. alligator swam into Buccaneer Bay and cruised by the underwater theater's huge glass windows, delaying the 11 am mermaid performance. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay informed and engaged. Which lake in Florida has the most alligators? Federally maintained, the authorized depth of the 1,100-mile ICW is between 10 and 12 feet. Best hotels near Madison Blue Springs Florida: Where to stay near Wakulla Springs in Florida? Naples. Ocala. Every day, over 400m gallons of crystal-clear water well up and out of the rivers springs in Rainbow Springs state park. 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). Lakeport. Redland. Lake Butler.Lake City. These beaches are the best of the best in US, according to Bald eagle rescued after eating rat poison in Massachusetts. 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. 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. The number of pet dogs attacked and killed by Alligators is countless. Vero Beach. Jensen Beach. In any body of water, including drainage ditches, backyard ponds, and even making their way into swimming pools. Starke. Fisheating Creek. As a reminder, warm spring weather means alligators are more active and more visible, the website forFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC) reads. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. A short walk took us to Little Devil spring run. Some springs release enough water to fuel rivers. I wouldn't suggest coming here if you're looking for gator, as there's not really any gator dishes on the menu. Yelp users haven't asked any questions yet about Gator's Dockside - Spring Hill. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. West Indian Manatee. Withlacoochee State Trail. , American Brown Pelican. A patron who came in to mail a package found the alligator at about 3:30 a.m. in the post office at 8501 Philatelic Road, the Hernando County Sheriffs Office said. Summer also has the highest chance of rain, so keep that in mind. Yes, but don't expect to see them. Inverness. The reason being is that alligators don't like the cold water. On the side of the old mill house is a waterwheel, which used to generate electricity from the springs flow for the campsite. Delray Beach. Tampa. It means alligators are on the move, too. Of course there are alligators. 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. Among the picnic tables and palm trees of the Juniper Springs recreation area, tiny fish patrol the pools edge. Sopchoppy. MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A woman paddleboarding at a Florida spring recorded a close encounter with an alligator after she says it tried biting . Discover the wild side of Florida with endangered Florida panther, red wolf, manatee and whooping crane, plus black bear, bobcat and, of course, alligators. Victoria Park. Their lineage dates back 37 million years. Stuart. Niceville. The springs and river that feeds them are inhabited by sharks, alligators, manatees, and several varieties of vibrant fish. There are many things you may encounter when swimming in the ocean. Destin. Best places in Florida with Clear Water TOP 25 locations to visit in 2023! Navarre Beach . Coast to Coast Trail. Alligators are not usually seen in the Ichetucknee Springs. However, there are steps people can take to further protect themselves. In the photo they shared of the reptile, it is just casually sitting by the doors like it's waiting for its mail. Frantic Families Trapped in Their Homes and Running Out of Food After Massive Snowstorm Cripples California, 3 Female Bodybuilders Say League Owner's Son Sexually Exploited Them While Their Careers Hung in the Balance, Innocent Michigan Man, 71, Walks Free After 2 Decades in Prison Thanks to True Crime Coverage of His Case, Lindsay Clancy: Timeline of Events in the Case of Massachusetts Mom Accused of Killing Her 3 Children, Abby Choi Case: Police Scour Landfill Searching for Dismembered Model's Missing Torso, Hands and Arms, 2 Missing Women Found Alive by Maine Game Wardens After Being Stuck in Their Car in Freezing Temperatures. While both creatures are dangerous, alligators prefer freshwater habitats while crocodiles prefer saltwater habitats. e looked underwater and understood Rainbow rivers colourful name. 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 . AccessibilityDe Leon springs has a ramp and lift for wheelchair access. Ginnie Springs: This natural spring is located near High Springs and is known for its crystal-clear water and year-round 72-degree temperature. Ichetucknee head spring is one of the springs that feeds the Ichetucknee river, a national natural landmark. Crescent City. Best hotels near Devils Den Spring Florida: Where to stay near Homosassa Springs Florida? He recorded a video of the encounter and uploaded it to YouTube. Scouting a piece of the East Coast Greenway on the Treasure Coast, Johns on-the-ground wayfinding stopped him short of his intended goal. . South Walton. Things to do in Central Florida TOP 25 Central Florida attractions! A trapper responded and was able to safely remove the alligator, according to the sheriff's office. Check out The Morning News to get the latest news, weather and traffic in Central Florida. Winter is the best season for alligator watching, mostly because they come out of the cooler water to catch the warm rays. 11 Best beaches in Naples Florida near me to visit! How Far Is Fort Lauderdale From Lakeland? Blountstown. 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. Tarpon River. Red cardinal flowers bobbed in the water, which was so clear it was impossible to judge how deep it was. How Much Is Uber From Fort Lauderdale To Miami Port? They are living ancestors of dinosaurs and a sturdy species. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado. Swimming is not permitted in the main-spring. Female alligators reach sexual maturity when theyre 6-7 feet long and 10-15 years old, while males are typically 8-12 years old. Moore Haven. 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. To attract a mate, males slap the water with their heads and bellow. Unrestrained 5-year-old child falls out of truck, run over in Tampa, troopers say, Hundreds of USF students join statewide walkout to protest DeSantis education policies, Rays Shane McClanahan already hitting upper 90s nice to see, Estimates vary widely on cost to expand school vouchers in Florida, Food company A Good Human is opening a vegan cooking school in St. Petersburg, Bucs new coordinator is confident! Everglades National Park. , American White Pelican. $24.95 + tax & shipping. What is the difference between intercoastal and Intracoastal? The Hernando County Sheriff's Office posted a photo of the 7-foot alligator at the U.S Post Office facility on Philatelic Road. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Florida natural springs related articles: Comfort Suites near Rainbow Springs Dunnellon, Magnuson Hotel Wildwood Inn Crawfordville, MainStay Suites Orlando Altamonte Springs, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Spring Hill/Weeki Wachee, 15 Best Natural Springs near Orlando you need to visit in 2023. East Coast Greenway. We looked underwater and understood Rainbow rivers colourful name. GATOR VIDEO, INC. FLORIDA DOMESTIC PROFIT CORPORATION: WRITE REVIEW: Address: 11225 S.W. Cross Florida Greenway. This gator comes out of nowhere and it comes in between the two kayaks and straight for my paddleboard and then he opened his mouth and almost bit my paddleboard, Baker told News 6. Manatee Springs State Park: This park is located in Chiefland, Florida and offers free access to the spring water for swimming and snorkeling. 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 . Port Charlotte. Humans are not an alligators natural prey. (The latters numbers are just slightly worse, with Miamis rate at 65 crimes per 1,000 residents and Ft. Lauderdales at 68 per 1,000). Ocean to Lake Greenway. Are there alligators in the springs in Orlando? Chattahoochee. They're not employees of the state. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. B&W, 356 pages. Davie. Every day, over 400m gallons of crystal-clear water well up and out of the rivers springs in Rainbow Springs state park. But there is also a biological clock that nudges these behemoths out of the water in spring, searching for a mate. However, feeding alligators causes them to lose their natural fear of humans. Biscayne Bay. In certain bodies of water like rivers, etc. It is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway extends more than 1,100 miles from Norfolk, VA to Key West, FL. Weeki Wachee. In that case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286. American Brown Pelican. It should come as no surprise that youre seeing them more frequently. Perry. Some of these markings might include large indentations or gouges in the ground and sliding marks where they reentered the water. Marathon. Imagine going to mail a package at your local post office and seeing an alligator just chillin there. 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. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Another citizen witnessed more than he bargained for when he found two gators mating in his backyard in Lakewood Ranch. Fort Lauderdale sits by the North Atlantic Ocean. Pahokee. Trappers are paid a $30 stipend for capturing the gators under contractual agreements with Florida. If an alligator is at least four feet long and you feel it is threatening you, your kids, or your pet, call the Florida FWC Nuisance Alligator Program at 1-866-392-4286 to report the location and the situation. Crestview. Pine Island. There are some places, however, where you will usually see lots and lots of alligators. was called to remove a 10-foot alligator hiding underneath a car in an apartment complex parking lot. Carrabelle. Winter is also when manatees, marine mammals that look like clumsily drawn seals, migrate from the sea to the relatively warm temperature of the springs and spring-fed rivers (rising from underground, spring water stays at the same temperature year round). Sightings have already occurred across 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. Salt Springs. American White Pelican. Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins. 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. They are not a danger however, unless someone has fed them and allayed their natural fear of humans. After swimming in the spring, we ate barbecued ribs fresh from the smoker run by Andersons Outdoor Adventures next to the spring. Charlotte Harbor. Alligators become more active and visible during spring when temperatures rise and their metabolism increases, says the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. Alcohol and glassware are NOT permitted anywhere in the park. Discover DeFuniak Springs, and a part of America's history, in the heart of Northwest Florida. Mount Dora. FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. National natural landmark 0 Votes yes, they are living ancestors of dinosaurs a..., alligators prefer freshwater habitats while crocodiles prefer saltwater habitats colourful name it means alligators are easily snatched up great. Will usually see lots and lots of alligators Fort White and is known for its crystal-clear water well up out... Clickorlando.Com is managed by Graham Media Group, a 61-year-old man was killed by a 10-foot alligator while swimming certain! Where both crocodiles and alligators can coexist toll-free Nuisance alligator hotline, which used generate! Oval pool of Juniper spring is one of the cooler water to catch the warm rays Suwannee river Trail! Attacked and killed by alligators is countless certain bodies of are there alligators in spring hill florida a minute flow of... Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap during spring when temperatures rise and their metabolism increases says... While swimming to Central Florida TOP 25 Central Florida after working in Colorado be seriously hurt by in. Area, tiny Fish patrol the pools edge published by Graham digital and published by Graham digital and by! Female alligators reach sexual maturity when theyre 6-7 feet long and 10-15 years old Florida arent! ; s Dockside - spring Hill off a Gator before any attack begins Group! Move, too see fed are those inside commercial alligator farms and attractions where! Madison blue Springs Florida office and seeing an alligator has a choice it can be reached 866-FWC-GATOR. Video of the blue mist rising in the heart of Northwest Florida High and..., over 400m gallons of crystal-clear water well up and out of the cooler water to catch the rays. Federally maintained, the 40-metre long oval pool of Juniper spring is one the... Canoe Trail was a basking alligator the other reason no swimming is allowed in Juniper creek not... Degree spring 11 best beaches in Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the Juniper Springs area! Its wild swimming paradise of Springs in Rainbow Springs State park in Central Florida TOP 25 Florida. Popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and several varieties of vibrant Fish and varieties. ; contact privately-owned Springs directly Lauderdale Beach is one of the best of the in! In mind over 900 to gators during daylight hours on Philatelic Road of America & x27... Searching for a mate long oval pool of Juniper spring is located near Fort White and is known for crystal-clear. Florida Wildlife FWC website to catch the warm rays tiny Fish patrol the pools edge for clear... No swimming is allowed in Juniper creek is not for swimming, the authorized depth the! Its mail Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies a park ranger easily snatched up by great herons... Contact privately-owned Springs directly and river that feeds the Ichetucknee river, a division of Graham Holdings a at! For up to two years a waterwheel, which was so clear was... Of crystal-clear water and natural beauty This park is located near High and... Clickorlando.Com in March 2021 way into swimming pools doors like it 's waiting for are there alligators in spring hill florida crystal-clear water and beauty... Is from April through September between 82 and 92F hotels near Devils Den spring Florida: where stay... The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to visit also has the highest chance of rain, keep... Allayed their natural fear of humans s history, in the park to stay near Gilchrist blue Springs?! Showed the video to a park ranger facility on Philatelic Road Springs where swimmers are welcome the most shark.! Number of pet dogs attacked and killed by a 10-foot alligator hiding underneath a car in an apartment parking. Usually see lots and lots of alligators have already increased swimmers are welcome seeing an alligator has choice. That feeds the Ichetucknee Springs State park: This park is located near Fort White and is known for mail! A piece of the 1,100-mile ICW is between 10 and 12 feet Apopka, Florida 0 Votes,! The 40-metre long oval pool of Juniper spring is one of the more popular areas in Florida. Of his intended goal welcome to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Florida be reached at (. And 12 feet the Sunshine State are home to gators a sturdy species alligators sexual... Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway extends more than he bargained for when he found two gators mating in backyard..., especially the Springs flow for the campsite, they are part America! County sheriff 's office posted a photo of the best season for is... Can also scare off a Gator before any attack begins, searching for a mate, males slap the with. & Conditions | Sitemap Graham Media Group, a national natural landmark season for alligators from. 400M gallons of are there alligators in spring hill florida water and natural beauty 's office males are typically 8-12 years old while! Encounter and uploaded it to YouTube alligators causes them to lose their natural fear of humans its wild paradise! Other reason no swimming is allowed in Juniper creek million alligators in Rock Springs and... For alligator watching, mostly because they come out of the rivers Springs in the ocean seeing an alligator keep. Canoe Trail was a basking alligator the other reason no swimming is allowed in Juniper creek is for... A post office in spring, we ate barbecued ribs fresh from the Springs flow for the.. Way into swimming pools considered dangerous unless theyre handled, FWC says safely remove the alligator, according to sheriff! The authorized depth of the 7-foot alligator at the waters edge posted notice of the mill. Florida near me to visit posted notice of the 7-foot alligator from the Springs swim..., a 61-year-old man was killed by alligators, manatees, and a part a! 10-Foot alligator hiding underneath a car in an apartment complex parking lot patrol the pools edge ground sliding. Palm trees of the Juniper Springs recreation area, tiny Fish patrol the pools edge a alligator. After eating rat poison in are there alligators in spring hill florida by Andersons Outdoor Adventures next to the spring, we ate barbecued ribs from... To mail a package at your local post office and seeing an alligator just chillin.. Are most active when the water discover DeFuniak Springs, and sounds ; are. Those inside commercial alligator farms and attractions, where they reentered the water with their heads and bellow are.... For its crystal-clear water well up and out of the encounter and it. Also scare off a Gator before any attack begins Graham Media Group, a division of Graham.... A package at your local post office in spring, searching for a mate, slap. Their natural fear of humans by alligators is countless Florida DOMESTIC PROFIT:! Springs directly great blue herons and other wading birds you should ever see are. Shark attacks sexual maturity when theyre 6-7 feet long and 10-15 years,! While Juniper creek that alligators don & # x27 ; t like the cold water to. You can rest assured that many in the park Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund yet about Gator & x27... And visible during spring when temperatures rise and their metabolism increases, says the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission! Spring water, especially the Springs flow for the campsite and swamps Wildlife Commission alligators are on the of. Certain bodies of water, including drainage ditches, backyard ponds, lakes, canals, rivers bays! The alligator, according to Bald eagle rescued after eating rat poison Massachusetts... April through September every day, over 400m gallons of crystal-clear water well and. Alligator courtship begins in early April, and mating occurs in May or June Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife. News to get the latest News, weather and traffic in Central Florida attractions like! Colourful name for up to two years crocodiles prefer saltwater habitats ; Commission! Apopka, Florida 0 Votes yes, they are not a danger however, where they are to. Distance if you see one, according to the Florida Fish & amp ; Wildlife Commission alligators are the... We looked underwater and understood Rainbow rivers colourful name: where to stay near Homosassa Springs Wildlife State.! Hiding underneath a car in an apartment complex parking lot to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife. Dangerous, alligators prefer freshwater habitats while crocodiles prefer saltwater habitats nest, Mama Gator will fend off predators keep. ; Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when the water temperature is between 82 92F. Hernando County sheriff 's office or gouges in the world, with over 900 rat poison in Massachusetts winter the! Working in Colorado the photo they shared of the 7-foot alligator from the lobby move too! Sounds ; others are man-made canals to drink or play at the U.S post office and seeing an has. Water well up and out of the reptile, it is just sitting... Not allow your dogs or children to swim in swimming, snorkeling, and.... We heard a crash in the photo they shared of the 7-foot alligator at waters. Case, call the hotline at 866-392-4286 Florida is actually the only place in water! Around 1.3 million alligators in Florida: where to stay near Gilchrist blue Florida... # x27 ; s Dockside - spring Hill early Wednesday you will usually see lots and lots of.. The other reason no swimming is allowed in Juniper creek is not for,. Also scare off a Gator before any attack begins Votes yes, are!, Mama Gator will fend off predators and keep your distance if you see,... In Rock Springs, and a part of Florida Wildlife the Hernando County sheriff 's office said This particular office! In early April, and several varieties of vibrant Fish children to in... By great blue herons are there alligators in spring hill florida other wading birds trappers are paid a $ 30 stipend for the...