How Many Alligators Live in Florida’s Lake Manatee?

Tracking how many alligators live in Florida‘s Lake Manatee is difficult. Alligators relocate frequently and can travel up to 1.5 miles by land in a single day. Instead, the State of Florida chooses to monitor the estimated state population. State officials place a high priority on safety measures for both alligators and people. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee (FFWCC) operates a statewide nuisance removal and relocation program. Qualified individuals remove alligators who may pose a threat by living too close to humans. This service provided the relocation and removal of over 7,000 alligators in 2022.

Lake Manatee State Park made headlines in 2022 after Eric Merda survived an alligator attack while swimming. Merda’s experience ignited debate on Florida’s alligators and the safety of coexisting with these spectacular reptiles.

Alligators in Florida’s Lake Manatee State Park gained notoriety following the Medra incident, however, it is no more inhabited by alligators than any other body of water in Florida. All freshwater sources in Florida have the potential to harbor alligators. Fortunately, human-alligator interactions resulting in attacks are rare, as these creatures are naturally timid. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about these captivating creatures to ensure a safe and secure experience while exploring Florida’s wonders.

All About American Alligators

• American alligators are native to the southeast United States. Most people associate alligators with Florida, but they inhabit states from Texas to North Carolina.
• Male alligators are larger than female alligators, growing up to 15 feet in length and reaching weights of 1000 pounds. Female alligators rarely reach a length greater than 10 feet.
• Alligators live in freshwater wetlands and marshes.
• Alligators prey on fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
• Alligators create burrows, or holes, that are vital to the ecosystem. These holes provide shelter for other animals after the alligator abandons them.
• Alligators are territorial by nature. They will protect their chosen area, even if they don’t stay in one place for long.
• Hunting practices nearly made alligators an extinct species. Placed on the endangered species list in 1973, conservation efforts saved the species and they were removed in 1987.
• Alligators run up to 35 miles per hour on land for short periods.
• Female alligators build nests along the banks of waterways for their eggs, using surrounding grasses and vegetation. Each nest can contain 20-50 eggs.
• Wild alligators can live for up to 50 years.

Alligators Have Set Habits

Understanding the habits of these reptiles is the first step to preventing bites. Understanding their preferences and where you’re most likely to encounter one is vital. All reptiles are cold-blooded and need the warmth of the sun to regulate their body temperatures. Alligators bask on sunny spots along water banks, much like a turtle does, during the day. To hunt, alligators stay underwater relatively close to the shore and wait for prey to come close.

Why Attacks Happen

Most alligator attacks occur due to mistaken identity. If an alligator senses prey, they leap onto shore to attack. Alligators take their meal back into the water with a rolling motion to eat. Splashing, vibrations from running on the ground side of the bank or even visual cues of small animals can trick an alligator into thinking pets or people are prey. Alligators tend to hunt at dusk or dawn and spend the greater part of the day either floating or basking in sunny places. Avoid the water’s edge during feeding times, and don’t allow children to splash in the water’s edge. If you’re fishing, never allow caught fish or organic bait to float in the water as you fish.

When not hunting or basking, alligators float in the water. Unlike what we see in cartoons, they float in an upright position. This means just the head of the alligator is visible on the water’s surface, making them difficult to see. You should avoid swimming in shallow, brackish water to avoid sleeping alligators.

Don’t swim by yourself or in areas with overhanging vegetation. Never swim in mangrove forests where not only alligators but other wildlife such as snakes may hide. Most importantly, you should never feed an alligator. This is dangerous for both the alligator and people, as alligators will lose their natural fear of humans. Never try to frighten or scare off an alligator, and instead call for removal. If you do encounter an alligator in the wild, leave the water if you’re swimming. If you encounter one on land, do not approach the alligator and back away slowly.

Alligators of Florida’s Lake Manatee: The Shy, Giant Reptile

Alligators prefer quiet locations away from noise, boats, and activity. City growth is removing more undeveloped land, however, and alligators are coming into contact with humans more frequently. Lake Manatee, protected from growth, acts as a sanctuary for these reptiles.

While noise from a crowd is often enough to frighten alligators away, mother alligators are protective of their eggs and young. Alligators lay eggs in June to July, with hatching typically beginning in August.

Never Approach a Baby Alligator

Never approach or pick up babies you might find in the wild. Baby alligators are cute and have a squeaky, bark-like cry. Alligators stay with their mothers for up to one year, however, and alligator mothers can be very protective. Enjoy their cuteness from a safe distance.

Not only is leaving baby alligators where they are the safest choice, but taking wild alligators is illegal in the state of Florida. Taking one of these cute reptiles as a pet could result in a fine of up to $5,000.

Other Wildlife at Florida’s Lake Manatee

Lake Manatee boasts a broad range of wildlife beyond alligators. Along with showers, camping, trails, and playgrounds, the unique landscape makes it one of the most wildlife-populated parks in Florida. Lake Manatee is home to gopher tortoises. Not only are gopher tortoises protected by law, but their burrows are also, too.

Visitors also enjoy the Giant Woodstork, a threatened species.

The park is also home to marsh rabbits. These small, brown wild rabbits live in swampy environments. Raccoons and the occasional bobcat may be present, while in the water an array of fish swim. Visitors can expect to see snapper, snook, and tarpon.

More Than Wildlife, Endangered Plants

The Florida golden aster is a federally-recognized endangered plant that grows in the wild across Lake Manatee Park. This lovely little flower was nearly lost due to the loss of its natural growing habitat. Through conservation, the flower may soon be removed from the endangered list. With a somewhat late season blooming in late October and early November, this perennial grows up to two feet high on evergreen bushes. Naturally occurring in only a few counties in Florida, it’s well worth the visit to see.

The giant orchid grows in select areas of the park, blooming from August to October. Read more about Lake Manatee State Park’s contributions to environmental protection and conservation plan here.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Joe Pearl Photography