As cyclists, it’s common to come across wildlife, especially in the great state of Florida. However, coming across an alligator, although not uncommon in Florida, is probably not something you want to come across on a bicycle.
Alligator Sighting in Port St. Lucie
On Saturday, October 30, 2023, a bicyclist was cycling in Port St. Lucie, Florida. They came across a large eight-foot alligator in the way! He did the only thing he knew to do and called 911.
Sgt. Shane Freeman and Officers Steven Chip and Ryan Arbig responded and reportedly found this eight-foot alligator near Southwest Cadima Street and Southwest Galiano Road, near Interstate 95. They called the FWC, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to come out and trap this animal safely so it could be relocated. The FWC offers its comments on alligators found in Florida.
“People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, FWC will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.”
One Facebook user comically commented on the Facebook post, “Always makes me laugh when people call 911 for an alligator. In Florida.” Given how many alligators are in Florida, it’s not that uncommon for Floridians to wonder if they should just take care of it themselves. However, perhaps we should just leave that to the professionals!
How Many Alligators Are in Florida?
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Lake Jesup is the most infested lake in the United States, with up to 13,000 alligators.
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) of the family Alligatoridae are reptiles that can weigh anywhere from 400-800 pounds (181-363 kilograms). They can also range anywhere from 8-15 feet in length. And while when we see the number 15, we may not be impressed with eight feet; however, imagine coming across an animal that is two feet taller than most adult men.
The alligator population is over four million, and it spans Asia and North America. Oddly enough, Florida is among the top three states with the most alligators in them. Although Florida has a lot, Louisiana takes the lead with the most alligators.
There are estimated to be 2 million alligators in Louisiana, 1.3 million in Florida, and Texas with about 500,000. Even though Florida has so many that it’s common to run into them, it’s still not advisable to go after them yourself.
