Lake George, Florida, is home to many alligators. As the second-largest lake in Florida, its expansive waters provide a suitable environment for these reptiles.
Lake George’s Alligator Habitat
Lake George spans over 43,000 acres, averaging 10 feet deep. Part of the St. Johns River system, its brackish waters result from the river’s slow flow and Atlantic Ocean influence. This allows it to support diverse freshwater and marine species like mullet, striped bass, blue crabs, and Atlantic stingrays.
The lake features extensive vegetation, particularly reeds and eelgrass, offering ample cover and nesting sites for alligators. This rich plant life, combined with abundant fish, turtles, and wading birds, provides a consistent food supply. Several freshwater springs, including Silver Glen Springs and Salt Springs, contribute to the lake’s ecosystem. These factors lead to Lake George hosting one of Florida’s highest alligator concentrations, with estimates ranging from over 2,300 to more than 4,200 individuals.
Understanding Alligator Habits
Alligators are ectothermic, relying on external heat sources to regulate body temperature. They bask to warm up and seek cooler water or shade to prevent overheating. Gaping, where they open their mouths, facilitates evaporative cooling. Alligators are most active between 82°F and 92°F (28°C and 33°C), with activity decreasing below 70°F (21°C) and leading to dormancy below 55°F (13°C). They are most active during dusk and dawn.
As opportunistic predators, their diet primarily consists of fish, frogs, and other small aquatic animals. Mating season begins in April, with mating occurring in May or June. During this period, males can exhibit increased territoriality and aggression. Females construct nests from vegetation in early summer, laying an average of 20 to 50 eggs and guarding them diligently. While generally reclusive, alligators can lose their natural wariness and associate humans with food if fed, altering their behavior.
Safety When Near Alligators
When in areas with alligators, safety guidelines are crucial. Never feed alligators; this practice is illegal in Florida and causes them to lose their natural fear of humans, leading to dangerous encounters. Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge, as they can resemble an alligator’s natural prey. Swim only in designated areas and during daylight hours, as alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
Maintaining a safe distance from any alligator observed is crucial. Report nuisance alligators—those at least four feet long and posing a threat to people, pets, or property—to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Alligators smaller than four feet are generally not a threat unless in an unusual location like a swimming pool or garage.