Support Us Button Widget

6 crazy Florida alligator sightings

alligator crossing the road

Photo via Pexels

Table of Contents

Living in Central Florida means spotting an alligator in spring is less of a novelty and more of an expectation.

With an estimated 1.3 million alligators in Florida, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning folks to be aware of heightened alligator activity this time of year (due to nesting + mating) and the possibilities of encountering them.

From gator wrestle-mania + to a bull shark’s best friend, we rounded up 6 of the snappiest stories this spring involving our favorite lizard-like leviathans for you to enjoy. ⤵️

  • Grappling gators | One Lakewood Ranch man got quite the surprise when he found two gators getting rowdy in his backyard.
  • Hungry fella’ | A Florida man who spent his life painting marine life found himself between the pearly white teeth of a hungry gator. 60 stitches later, he tells the tale + says he plans to paint his memory of the gator’s green eyes.
  • #NoBigDeal | Watch this Florida Man wrestle his dog free of an alligator’s jaws in the water. If that’s not cool enough, he does it without dropping his cigar.
  • They see me rollin’ | Usually, when you hear about a gator’s death roll, it’s not in the context of them evading police capture. The escape plan didn’t pan out, but we give this reptile an A for effort and an A+ for choreography.
  • Unlikely pals | If this isn’t the most Florida thing you’ve ever seen, what is? Watch this video of a bull shark + an alligator swimming side-by-side.
  • Won’t you be my Neighbor? | A Tampa family was greeted at their front door by an 8-ft gator with 2 remaining limbs, likely from past fights with gator aggressors.

Quiz

More from LALtoday
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Lakeland?
Wellness
According to Soliant Health, Lakeland ranks low on its list of cities most likely to get sick, and there are precautions you can take this flu season.
The LEDC has been a major driver in Lakeland’s economy since 1984 — but what is it, and how does it affect daily life?
Here’s how you can help restaurant owner Jeannie Weaver-Lopez and her family.
You can help direct Polk County’s future for the next 25 years by leaving your thoughts on the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or aviation fan, these nine museums around Lakeland have it all.
Whether you’re an annual customer or looking for the first time, check out these pies you can bring to Thanksgiving made fresh by Lakeland bakers.
Dining in Lakeland is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
As Lakeland continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.