CarverChris

Hi all, I know somewhat silly question as I've heard there is chance a gator can be in any body of water in FL. Main question is there a lot of them since is it is brackish tidal river?

Yet to see one but like I said above I assume there are some? Just wondering if anyone has local knowledge or first hand experience

kpaulhus

We have seen gators in Tampa Bay and on the beach. They wont "normally" be there, but any body of water in Florida is possible

treadlife

No first hand knowledge sorry, but heck yeah there are gators in there! I'd be surprised if a crock hasn't made a home in there at one time as well...and maybe a bull shark too!

Eye8atoad

The trifecta.

CJFL

100% there are both American Saltwater Crocodiles and American Alligators in that river. During periods of heavy rain, you will see alligators on the grass flats just off the beaches. Saltwater crocs have been spotted as far north as Tampa Bay.

gfretwell

There used to be a 12 footer on Sanibel that took a dip in the gulf at least once a week before heading over to the Dairy Queen for a tourist supplied burger. He ate a landscaper and they sent him off to the handbag factory.

acme54321

It's not a chance...

tcpip95

I remember that. They actually felt that the gator was stalking the woman, as she made multiple trips to the same location to discard clippings from landscaping.

I found an article on it.

Eye8atoad

Sanibel also had an 11’ croc that was like 30 years old. Saw it in Ding Darling once. I think it died of old age.

arctic_f250

Yes for sure. I regularly see them north of the Wiggins pass area.

CarverChris

Thanks I figured there were, but just curious about concentration. I sure do see a lot of folks swimming in the Imperial though

tcpip95

This one happened on the Caloosahatchee River about 10 years ago. Kids swimming in the river. Kid lost his arm to a gator. Quite the story.

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/articl...news/812029544

Tingum

They love those little white piss and shiver dogs. Reminds them of marshmallows.

Bailey Boat

Here's a formula that will determine if there's alligators, Florida + water = Alligators... Hasn't failed me yet.....

billinstuart

Be careful of crabs in the Lickasnatchee..........

treadlife

No doubt, you think you are taking a quick dip in the water and it turns out your summer is ruined!

gfretwell

I had a 5 footer sneaking up on my 120 pound yellow lab in the Estero River. I am not sure if the dog jumping or me coming after the gator with my home made boat hook (Hoe handle with a 7/16" SS bold bent into a hook) but he took off. I planned on burying that hook between his beady little eyes.

treadlife

...

CarverChris

Great, now were going to need a bigger boat!!