If seeing viral videos of alligators on front porches, golf courses, in pools or at the beach while scrolling through social media feels normal to you, you just might be a Floridian.
About 1.3 million alligators call Florida home — but where do they live when they aren't popping up where they aren't welcome?
If you live here, you likely know you have to coexist with alligators. So long as you keep your distance and never feed one if it crosses your path, you should be fine.
There are, however, risks, especially when it comes to water. The largest and most alligator-infested lake in the state has more than 9,000 alligators confirmed to be living in it, with another 21,000 estimated to be lurking in the same water.
Here's an estimate of how many alligators live in Florida, a list of the top five most alligator-infested lakes in the state and some safety tips.
How common is it to see an alligator in Florida?
Alligators are very common in Florida, with more than a million living in the state.
Each year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission takes a census of 50 alligator-infested places in Florida to gauge how many alligators are living in the state. The FWC says it enlists the help of scientists and biologists who go out on airboats at night to count how many glowing sets of red eyes they see floating in the water.
Counting every gator is not possible, so the exact count and some math magic are used to estimate what the total population likely is for some lakes.
"Alligators occur in all 67 counties in Florida and can be found in practically all fresh and brackish water bodies and occasionally in salt water," according to the FWC. "Although exact population figures are not known, Florida has a healthy and stable population of about 1.3 million alligators of every size. This population estimate is based on an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat."
Top 5 most alligator-infested lakes in Florida
Here is a list of the five most gator-infested lakes in the Sunshine State, according to an August 2024 post on A-Z Animals blog:
Lake Okeechobee: More than 9,300 counted alligators, with an estimated population of around 30,000. Lake Okeechobee is Florida's largest freshwater lake and borders Palm Beach County, Martin County, Glades County, Okeechobee County, and Hendry County. It's about 30 miles from Lake Okeechobee, or "Lake O," to Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Orange Lake: More than 2,700 alligators. Orange Lake is in Alachua County and about 20 miles from Gainesville. Coincidentally, the University of Florida mascot is an alligator, the school is home to the Florida Gators, and its colors are orange and blue.
Lake George: More than 2,600 alligators. Lake George, or Lake Welaka to some, is in Volusia County on the St. Johns River, north of Orlando and south of Jacksonville. It's about 15 miles from Crescent City, Florida.
Lake Jesup: More than 2,400 counted alligators, with an estimated population of around 13,000. Lake Jesup is in Seminole County and about 12 miles from Orlando Sanford International Airport.
Lake Kissimmee: More than 2,000 alligators. Lake Kissimmee is in Osceola County and Polk County and about 20 miles from Lake Wales, Florida. Though Kissimmee is in its name, Lake Kissimmee is about 55 miles away from Kissimmee, Florida.
Alligator attacks: Woman killed by alligator in Florida lake ranked No. 2 in state for number of gators
Safety tips: What to do if you see an alligator in Florida
Though Florida residents have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The wildlife commission recommends people avoid feeding alligators and to keep their distance if they see one. "Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water," FWC's site says.
While they aren't nonexistent, serious injuries caused by alligators are rare here. If you are concerned about a gator, call the nuisance alligator hotline at 866-392-4286 or visit myfwc.com.
Alligator myths debunked: Running zigzag won't help you and gators can climb
Can you run away from an alligator? Running zig-zag debunked
Most native Floridians learn as early as preschool to run away in a zig-zag line if they encounter a gator, but this has been debunked. Gators can run fast on land, but only for short distances before they get tired. Simply run away in a straight line.
If you find yourself tempted to take a night swim in a lake, river, pond or any natural body of fresh water, just don't. If the sun is down, the gators are out.
If you're walking or relaxing beside a lake, pond or river with your dog or cat, keep them at least 10 feet away from the shore and on a leash.
This should go without saying, but never feed an alligator. You definitely don't want this wild animal to associate you with food.
Can you shoot an alligator in your yard in Florida?
Don't try to "take care" of any gators yourself. If you don't have a permit to be hunting gators, you can't shoot one. And, depending on where you live, just by firing a gun you may be breaking other local laws.
Under Florida law, it's a third-degree felony to "intentionally kill, injure, possess or capture, or attempt to kill, injure, possess or capture an alligator or other crocodilian, or the eggs of an alligator or other crocodilian, unless authorized by rules of the commission."
The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program trappers relocate gators under 4 feet long and kill nuisance gators that are longer than 4 feet.
"Relocated alligators often try to return to their capture site," according to the SNAP website. "They can create problems for people or other alligators along the way. If an alligator successfully returns, capturing it again would be necessary and likely more difficult the second time."
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: 5 Florida lakes that are home to the most alligators in the state
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