See a Lost Alligator Taking a Dip Right on a Popular Florida Beach

Alligators in Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina
© robert c. mosher/Shutterstock.com

Written by Hannah Crawford

Published: November 14, 2023

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There are many places you might assume to see an alligator, perhaps in a swamp, a lake, or basking outside in the sun near a pond. However, these bystanders saw an alligator on the beach in the sand! Yes, you read that correctly at the beach. We guess he took a wrong turn when swimming. Don’t miss the action below!

Click Out the Incredible Video Below! 

@nbcsouthflorida

Officials received a report of an alligator swimming at Hillsboro Beach.⁠ ⁠ The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to the scene before capturing and removing the gator. ⁠ ⁠ While the American alligator typically prefers freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands, they can swim in and tolerate saltwater for short periods of time.⁠ ⁠ #alligator #gator #Florida #FWC

♬ original sound – NBCSouthFlorida

Alligator Sighting in Florida

We say alligator sighting in Florida as if that is some surprise. When it isn’t! Florida is one of the top two leading states in the United States with the highest population of alligators. Stay tuned for the state with the most!

On Monday, October 30, 2023, an alligator was spotted in Hillsboro Beach in Florida. There is always that possibility that an alligator spotted near people might be aggressive, given the circumstances. However, it was reported that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission removed the alligator without incident in the afternoon around 2 p.m. We, the two officials, wrangling this alligator out of the ocean for its safety.

According to the FWC, “Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists. Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, but if you are concerned about an alligator, call FWC…” 

As of 2021, there have been reports of 442 unprovoked alligator attacks. It’s vital to remember that animals that are out of their natural environment by being closer to people have heightened senses. And it is best not to threaten an animal in any way. This video had the best possible outcome by allowing Florida officials to remove the animal safely and without incident. 

Which State Has the Most Alligators?

Large menacing American alligator Alligator mississippiensis in the wetland and marsh at the Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, Florida, USA

Alligators are carnivores that eat fish, snakes, and turtles.

©SunflowerMomma/Shutterstock.com

Florida comes in with over one million alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). This number is quite impressive, with a population of over four million alligators worldwide. However, it is nothing compared to the state of Louisiana, which has over two million alligators!

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries states, “Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes.” Approximately 12% of the entire nation’s coastal wetlands reside in Louisiana. 

With this high number of marshes acreage, it is no wonder that Louisiana sees the most alligators. Regardless, it is still a shock to see an alligator on a beach, no matter which state it’s from!


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About the Author

Hannah Crawford is a writer at A-Z Animals where she focuses on reptiles, mammals, and locations in Africa. Hannah has been researching and writing about animals and various countries for over eight years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication\Performance Studies from Pensacola Christian College, which she earned in 2015. Hannah is a resident in Florida, and enjoys theatre, poetry, and growing her fish tank.

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