What Kind of Gators Are in Florida: Tips for Staying Safe

 

Anyone visiting or moving to Florida would have heard about its most famous resident. We're talking about the alligator. The Sunshine State is home to abundant wildlife, like the manatee and black bear. It’s also home to the Florida panther and the American flamingo. But nothing captures the imagination and the occasional fear like the alligator.

If you’re a new resident or a tourist, you might wonder, “What kind of gators are in Florida?” Most will also wonder how they should react if they spot this reptile. This guide will break it down for you.

It’s best to clear up any misconception about the types of alligators in Florida. There is only one species of alligator in the state: the American alligator. It’s also known by its scientific name, Alligator mississippiensis.

The American gator is a large reptile with armored skin, a broad U-shaped snout, and dark coloring. Most alligators grow an average of 6 to 9 feet in length. Adult male gators can grow up to 15 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds, while females are a bit smaller at 8 feet.

You can find American alligators throughout the southeastern United States. Louisiana and Florida have the largest populations. The former has 2 million and the latter has 1.3 million. Thousands of gators are in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas. Alligators live in freshwater habitats across every region of Florida. You might find them in lakes, ponds, and streams. They’re also abundant in rivers, swamps, and marshes.

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