Alligators are present in Lakeland, Florida. The state’s subtropical climate and abundant freshwater bodies create an ideal habitat for these native reptiles. Lakeland’s numerous lakes, ponds, and canals provide the necessary conditions for alligators to thrive.
Alligator Habitats in Lakeland
Alligators are commonly found throughout Lakeland’s diverse aquatic environments. These include the city’s numerous freshwater lakes, such as Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Morton, Lake Mirror, and Lake Wire, along with canals, retention ponds, and drainage ditches. Alligators inhabit these water bodies because they offer crucial elements for their survival, including freshwater access, abundant food sources, and suitable basking areas. They are often observed sunning themselves on banks or floating just below the water’s surface.
American alligators require frequent access to low-salinity freshwater because, unlike crocodiles, they lack specialized salt-excreting glands. While they can tolerate brackish water for short periods, they return to freshwater to rebalance their internal systems. Their presence in these varied water systems indicates a healthy ecosystem, as these apex predators help maintain ecological balance. Lakeland’s Circle B Bar Reserve is renowned for its significant alligator population, with large individuals frequently observed. Gator Creek Reserve also provides suitable habitats within its marshes and cypress swamps.
Living Safely Alongside Alligators
Coexisting with alligators in Lakeland requires adhering to safety guidelines to minimize potential conflicts. It is important to always keep a safe distance from alligators and never feed them. Feeding alligators is not only illegal but also dangerous, as it causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food, which can lead to hazardous situations.
Pet owners should exercise particular caution by keeping dogs and other pets on leashes and away from the water’s edge. Alligators may perceive pets as natural prey, making waterfront areas risky for unsupervised animals. Swimming should only occur in designated swimming areas and exclusively during daylight hours. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, making these periods less safe for water activities.
If an alligator is perceived as a threat to people, pets, or property, it may be considered a nuisance. Alligators at least four feet in length that exhibit aggressive behavior or approach people are classified as nuisances. In such instances, residents should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). The FWC administers the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), which dispatches contracted trappers to address these situations. Nuisance alligators are typically harvested rather than relocated, as relocated alligators often attempt to return to their capture site, potentially creating issues for other communities. Smaller alligators, under four feet, are not considered dangerous unless handled, but may be removed if they appear in inappropriate locations like swimming pools or garages.