Are there alligators in the Florida Keys?

The answer is yes, there are definitely alligators in the Florida Keys. The type of alligator present in the swamps, ponds, rivers, and lakes of the Keys is the common American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). People often confuse alligators with crocodiles, but there are both in the Florida Keys.

Is there a lot of alligators in the Florida Keys?

American Alligators are very rare in the Keys since they do not like high salinity water. They are generally limited to the few islands here with permanent freshwater lakes such as Big Pine Key where the fresh/brackish water blue hole is, but our canals and beaches are too salty for them.

Does Key West Florida have crocodiles?

“There have been crocodiles in the Keys for a long time. They're more common in the Upper Keys, but they have been spotted as far south as Big Pine Key and the Dry Tortugas,” said Lindsey Hord, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's crocodile response coordinator.

Is there crocodiles in the Keys?

American crocodiles are primarily found in South Florida and can be seen often swimming in Keys canals. They are federally protected after their numbers dwindled in the 1970s. Scientists estimate there are now about 2,000 of them living in South Miami-Dade and the Keys, and they are happy about that.

Are there saltwater crocodiles in the Keys?

Crocodiles are federally and state protected, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's position was that they were “reestablishing themselves in their historic range.” The American saltwater crocodile population, which is found almost exclusively in South Florida and the Keys, went from the hundreds ...

Homeowner Finds Floating Croc In Florida Keys Pool

Can you swim in the Florida Keys?

Anne's Beach, Florida Keys

The swimming area at Anne's Beach is shallow with virtually no waves, making it the perfect spot for young kids to splash, and one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys for swimming.

Do alligators live in Key West?

Probably not. There's simply not enough fresh water in Key West, which has no lakes, no rivers, and gets significantly less rainfall than the Upper Keys, Everglades, or Miami. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles.

Are there sharks in the Florida Keys?

Yes, of course there are sharks in Key West. We're situated on a small island surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico–shark's natural habitat. What kind of sharks can I see at the reef? The most common shark to see at the Key West reef is the docile nurse shark.

How many alligators are in the Florida Keys?

Publishing the results in “Florida Field Naturalist,” Jacobsen found 133 living alligators; more than 50 of these were hatchlings or juveniles, thus demonstrating that the adults were reproducing in the area. Alligators of the Florida Keys most commonly inhabit freshwater habitats away from the coast.

Are there crocodile in Key Largo?

Today, 1,500 to 2,000 crocodiles occupy a core area of Key Largo, Everglades National Park and southeastern Miami-Dade County, with outliers ranging up to Palm Beach County on the east coast and Lee County on the west coast.

Do alligators swim in the ocean?

Alligators are primarily freshwater animals and they do not live in the ocean. An alligator enjoying the sun's rays. Image courtesy of U.S. National Park Service. There are many things you may encounter when swimming in the ocean.

Are there snakes in the Keys?

Three invasive species have been observed in the Florida Keys: red-tailed boa constrictors, Brahminy blind snakes and Burmese pythons.

Are there scorpions in the Keys?

Scorpions! One of the creepier creatures you may encounter is one of several varieties of scorpions. And yes, scorpions can and will sting you, but the sting is similar to a bee sting and not deadly like western scorpions can be. Some homes and properties in the Keys seem more prone to scorpions than others.

Where can I see alligators in the Keys?

Beautiful pond on Big Key. Yes the alligators collect around the viewing area.

Are there bears in Florida Keys?

While Florida black bears once inhabited the entire state including portions of the Florida Keys, the bear's present range is much more sporadic, with isolated populations occurring in various locations throughout the state.

Where are crocodiles in Florida Keys?

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located at the north end of the Florida Keys, is home to many protected species including the American Crocodile.

Are saltwater crocs in Florida?

Habitat. American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are a shy and reclusive species. They live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean, and occur at the northern end of their range in south Florida. They live in brackish or saltwater areas, and can be found in ponds, coves, and creeks in mangrove swamps.

How many shark attacks have there been in the Florida Keys?

Their habitats are being threatened, which leads to them being threatened. There has been one recorded unprovoked tiger shark attack recorded in the Keys that happened in 1980. It was non-fatal.

How common are shark attacks in the Keys?

In Key West, there has never been a fatal shark attack, and there's only been one incident reported in the record books since the 1800s.

What to do if a shark bumps you?

If a shark bumps you and swims off you should quickly, but calmly (?!) exit the water trying to keep facing the shark. When SCUBA diving and you have enough air find a spot with your back against a solid surface or back-to-back with your buddy and try to get back to shore or the boat.

Why are there no beaches in the Keys?

The Keys don't have wide sandy beaches because the coral reefs we enjoy as snorkelers and scuba divers prevent the erosion and sand from building up along the shore. So while the beaches aren't what make the Keys special, there are still some pretty special beaches in the Keys.

Which Florida Key has the clearest water?

Fort Zachary Taylor Park Beach, Key West

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a National Historic Landmark that offers some of the clearest blue waters for snorkeling and diving in Key West.

What is the prettiest beach in the Keys?

Is Key West Florida sinking?

By 2025, Some of the Florida Keys Could Be Submerged Due to Rising Sea Levels. One of the most terrifying aspects of global warming is the fact that our planet could be engulfed by its own oceans within the next few years — and unfortunately, it's already happening to low-lying parts of North America.

Are there tarantulas in the Florida Keys?

The tarantulas in Florida today are not actually native to the area. They're actually rare in the state. Some people do keep them as pets and tarantulas can make their way into Florida as stowaways in cargo boxes. Their bodies can grow to 2 1/2 inches long, and their legs can be up to 7 inches long.