Buy Now. Grassbeds, alligators and Jack Wingate are icons on this 37,500 acre Corps of Engineers lake. Let us examine three of the lakes where these attacks occurred. The first thing you notice when you see American alligators is their dark scales. The lake will usually have 110 or so lake lots and land for sale. Charles was his guide as he took a gator that was almost 12 feet long. Does Tybee Island have alligators? Georgia’s Most Alligator-Infested Lake. Another spot is Lake Hancock, which is at the center of the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. If you’re walking near the water and an alligator approaches you, especially if it emerges from the water, it’s most likely a nuisance. By Mr. Five individuals were attacked, with two fatalities. ifas. June 14, 2016. The Everglades National Park is the third-largest national park in the United States! With over 200,000 wild alligators calling this park their home, this is one of the best places to. He was identified as Lane Graves of. If an alligator charges after you, the first step you should take is to run. Spread the love. The biologists said they issued permits based upon a the number of gators in an area over 4 feet long. m. Globally, alligators account for less than 6% of crocodilian attacks that resulted in fatality (IUCN). In addition to the 13-foot one caught in 2022, there have also been several 12-foot-long ones. The gater at harding wont let you get close to him, when you get about 50 yards from him he will bolt. - This is the stuff nightmares are made of! A Florida wildlife photographer. Even still, there have been. Our list of the most dangerous places in Georgia begins in Lake Country. Herons and alligators can be seen along the way, and a lucky sighting of a bald eagle is possible. Chris Christie rises in New. 18) of the 2023 season almost slipped by them—but not quite. Cordray’s Processing and Taxidermy said they received the most alligators they’ve ever gotten on opening weekend, which included a 13-foot, 625 pound gator caught in Lake Marion. NEW ORLEANS — Some New Orleans East neighbors were out along the Lake Pontchartrain seawall between Marconi Drive and Canal Boulevard when an 8-foot alligator suddenly appeared. 6 inches. Table of Contents show. This peculiar behavior helps it survive through the cold months. Merda’s account, he started out by exploring the swamp, but the. Table of Contents show. Porterdale, GA Local - News Break · October 25, 2021 ·. Alligators are not typically found in West Texas due to the lack of water and the region’s more arid climate. He was the eighth-largest alligator ever killed in the state and the biggest trapped. The boy, visiting with his family of five, was wading in ankle-deep water near posted “no swimming” signs around 9:20 p. Lake Blackshear just might be the most alligator-infested lake in Georgia, if news reports are any indication. Yes, alligators live in Houston and the surrounding areas. ABSTRACT: The American alligator inhabits bodies of fresh water in Florida and other southeastern states. American alligators are a protected species under the Endangered Species Act as a Threatened species. The park might be closed, but the gators still must be fed. Updated September 30, 2021 9:20 AM. By Eduardo Peters / August 15, 2022. Food/Eating Habits. Two remaining alligator species still exist in the world, one of which can be found in North Carolina, most in the Outer Banks or the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The female will build a nest in the vegetation in or around the water and lay a clutch of 20-50 eggs. Alligators like swampy areas, and they like rivers too. It gets very crowded in warm weather but bass can be caught on long points and main lake structure on worms. . Nature: Alligators in Florida 02:56. Authorities responded to a call in Largo, in the Tampa Bay area, about a gator in the. The Bartlett’s Ferry Dam forms the lake, which flows into both the states of. The 13-foot alligator was trapped and killed Sept. That gator was 12-feet, 6-inches long and weighed 750 pounds. by Krishnan Collins. The only exception is the Lake Eufaula Zone where hunters must release any alligator that is less than 8 feet in total length. There are cases of stray alligators captured in Dallas, but that doesn’t mean they are widening their territory north of Texas. The average adult alligator measures around 11 feet for males and 8 feet for females. A majority of these attacks occurred while the person was swimming, wading, or at the water’s edge (CrocBITE database). With plenty of opportunities for camping, boating, fishing, and water activities, most descriptions of this lake also note that its fingerlike structures. Darla Miles has the story. This home was built in 1930 and. The saline levels in Lake Pontchartrain have dropped over the last few decades, so there might be more alligators showing up. Do not intentionally feed an alligator no matter what its size. Yes, alligators can be found in Arkansas lakes. When an alligator's mouth is shut, you can only see the top teeth. Lake Harding. Late in 2000, reports of alligators in Lake Norman began to surface. Lake Alligator Population Lake George 4,200+ Lake Okeechobee 3,800 Lake Kissimmee 3,300 Lake Trafford 2,900 . Michael Burstein, 75, was pulled into a pond by an alligator in Myrtle Beach in June, and Nancy Becker, 88, was assaulted by an alligator in August after she slipped into a pond while. Globally, alligators account for less than 6% of crocodilian attacks that resulted in fatality (IUCN). Yes, naturally, alligators do live in Lake Lanier. About Lake Harding Measuring a depth of over 100 feet at the dam itself, Lake Harding is also home to diverse wildlife, such as alligator snapping turtles, muskrats, and beavers. Prices for a holiday home in Lake Harding start at $20. 84 km)². Atlanta7 contributions. Deputies said that around 1:50 p. Mating for alligators occurs during late spring and early summer, with the female alligators laying eggs mid-June to July. In the southern half of Alabama, there is an estimated population of about 70,000 alligators. The Bear Lake Monster is like a snake but has legs and a big head, which sounds sort of vaguely like an alligator. McGuinness was known for searching throughout Taylor Lake for Frisbee golf discs, hoping to. View listing photos and property details. In all other alligator hunting zones, culling is prohibited by law. Statewide, 6,700 nuisance alligators w ere killed or relocated in 2017. SMITH LAKE – Residents and sport fishers around Smith Lake appear to be coming into increasing contact with alligators in the lake. Alligators are not known for appearing along large bodies of water, especially as big as Lake Michigan. Lake Worth, a popular lake in the Fort Worth Nature Center in Fort Worth, TX has signs posted around it warning that alligators have been spotted there. A Florida man put on quite a show for a crowd of nearly 200 people gathered outside a Jacksonville elementary school as he wrangled a 10-foot alligator. Your neighborhood: The latest. I seen 3 at oliver (small bout 2 1/2 feet) 1 at goatrock (bout 3 feet) and 1 big un at harding up river (8 1/2 feet), I have seen a few in mountain oak creek in the back, there is a swamp in the back on the right side that they come out of. That type of wildlife is alligators. These are all over 9 feet in length. The Denison Dam creates this. Their entire bodies are covered with large horny plates which protect them from predators and other alligators. Spread the love. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. They’ve discovered that some of the largest alligators in the country live right there in Lake Okeechobee. It is believed that alligators may go through thousands of teeth. Cal Culpepper, a 16 year old from. What city is Lay Lake in? This story originally published on Aug. The couple had been in pursuit of the alligator since. Lake Harding, Ga | Lake Harding, Al. 6 ft (1. ”. No wonder their mascot is the Gators! This small lake has a boardwalk viewing area where guests can see alligators as well as turtles and bats. 5-footer from Georgia’s Lake Harding. Swimming areas close at sunset. American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in Florida. In 2021, a three-foot-long alligator was found in a pond in Bradley County, in East Tennessee. SMITH LAKE – Residents and sport fishers around Smith Lake appear to be coming into increasing contact with alligators in the lake. Lake Seminole has a 365-mile shoreline and covers 37,500 acres of real estate. Don't Edit Goat Rock Lake is a 940-acre reservoir that serves many locals for fishing. Some massive, scaly creatures ruined festivities for swimmers at Huntsville State Park, located north. In North Carolina, wild alligators’ range isn’t entirely known, which is why the NC Wildlife Resources Commission wants residents to report sightings. In the southern half of Alabama, there is an estimated population of about 70,000 alligators. To report alligator sightings, contact the Fort Worth City’s Marshall office at Lake Worth, 817-237-9090. It is also in the Panhandle of Florida, where cypress swamps make a great habitat for alligators. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find that there are coarse scales all the way down the length of the animals. Adult male American alligators. If you come across an alligator in this area, slowly move away from them and. Alligators, endocrine disruption and eutrophic lakes. The draining of wetlands from 1860 to 1960 led to the destruction of the gator’s habitat. To report alligator sightings, contact the Fort Worth City’s Marshall office at Lake Worth, 817-237-9090. m. Recently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel in West Tennessee at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. Cars backed up as the alligator made its way across State Road 417. If we assume there are 60 alligator s in Lake Seminole, that would make one alligator for every 625 mi² (1,005. They are omnivores and end both meat and fruits. 271 Listings $4K-$8. The gators, which were. A roughly 13-foot, 700-pound alligator was recently found in an irrigation ditch, officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said this week. Habitat and Environment. U. Taylor Lake is a five-acre freshwater lake connected to the 156-acre John S. Taylor Lake, Florida. The claim: An alligator killed in Florida measured over 28 feet in length. However, these reptiles are not native species to the waters here. 091°W Lake Harding, also known as Bartlett's Ferry Lake, is a 5,850-acre (23. Alligators can live up to 60 years in captivity but in the wild they rarely live more than 50 years. View listing photos and property details. m. 2. Most popular short term in Lake Harding is La Quinta by Wyndham Columbus State University. Indigenous species of fish include burbot, least cisco, and slimy sculpin. Dr. Alligators also don’t grow as long as a crocodile does. Since there are so few alligators in the area, the lake is still deemed safe to swim in and is encouraged. Because of the rarity of attacks on humans, the pathologic findings and pathophysiology of death in such. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there have been a total of 413 unprovoked alligator attacks on humans in Florida between 1948 and 2021. While some are real skulls, some are plastic. Lake Ray Hubbard is a 35-square mile, 21,671 acre reservoir located within Dallas, Rockwall, Collin and Kaufman Counties in Texas. Do not swim in Lake Apopka and reduce your risk of getting hurt or killed when observing alligators. In such cases, it's likely the alligator was released into the lake by someone who had been keeping the animal in captivity. Even if the bite doesn’t seem bad, an alligator’s mouth is packed with bacteria that will lead to infection. The Middle Lake and Little Lake join Lake Shelby to form a massive marshland home to many alligators, turtles, and other habitats. (Video: The. 8:00 a. But, Lake Keowee still has wildlife. The post, showing a massive alligator, gained some attention and collected over 2,500 shares on the app since being shared Saturday. Lake Jocassee is famous for its exquisite views, clean water, and brilliant fishing opportunities. 25 million alligators live in Florida. Massive 705-Pound Alligator Caught From Georgia’s Lake Harding. Bassfishing72. Another great place to view alligators is at Lake Alice in Gainesville, Florida, right on the campus of the University of Florida. The title for the lake with the most alligators is a tightly contested one, but according to recent studies, Lake George in Northwest Florida holds the title with a count of over 2300. Get fishing reports for waters in AL. Signs are up to alert people of an alligator sighting. Alabama DCNR 12. com has 46 lake properties for sale on Lake Harding, as well as lakefront homes, lots, land and acreage in Hamilton, Valley, Fortson. 2 m) long and weighed over 1,000 pounds (455 kg), discovered in Orange Lake in Alachua County. Alligators are not typically found in West Texas due to the lack of water and the region’s more arid. Feb. A nuisance alligator trapper removed two alligators — 6 feet and 9 feet long — from Lake Manatee on July 21, she said. Also known as Lake Harding, this Georgia Power lake of 850 acres and is lined with boat docks. The species was not known to exist in either Lake Norman or the Catawba River. Weather today, Sunny, with a high near 75. The incubation of the 15-60 eggs lasts 65-70 days, which means usual hatching is in late August to early. Porterdale, GA Local - News Break ·. Neighbors say the 10-foot alligator lunged out the water and grabbed her. It’s been in operation since 1971. 20, 2023. Males can grow to 19 feet in length and weigh up to 900 pounds, while females tend to be somewhat smaller on average. 6 km²) of water. 6:15 AM on Sep 30, 2021 CDT. Smith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, United States, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. A roughly 13-foot, 700-pound alligator was recently found in an irrigation ditch, officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said this week. Before then, people resided in a town called Oscarville, which was primarily an African American community. Lake Texoma, located on the Texas-Oklahoma border, provides a suitable habitat for alligators. A Georgia man may have just broken a state record after bagging a massive 14-foot alligator . Caddo Lake has one of the largest alligator populations compared to other Texas lakes. Indigenous species of fish include burbot, least cisco, and slimy sculpin. Lake Harding has turned into a famous recreational area and home to many residents that have built. However, it’s on the very edge of the American alligator’s range. There are an estimated 1,200 alligators in the entire chain of lakes, making swimming unpopular. At Doctors Lake in Clay County along the 11 miles surveyed, FWC estimated 70 alligators live in those waters. Several tributaries, such as Halawakee Creek, define the Lake and small islands dot the Lake with unique landmarks. They are primarily located in the southeastern portion of the state and Lake Lewisville is a. With a surface area of 730 square miles, it is the largest lake in the southeastern United States. About Lake Harris There are definitely alligators in Lake Harris, Florida. It is the most alligator-infested lake in Florida, with close to 30,000 alligators in its waters. Take a look at a few we’ve come up with. And, in fact, it has an estimated population of 13,000 alligators!Mosley was charged with two counts of first-degree murder after his 2-year-old son Taylen's body was found inside the jaws of an alligator in Lake Maggiore. It’s known as Big Al — and Cody Quirk. An alligator pokes its snout above a frozen lake in Oklahoma. Their entire bodies are covered with large horny plates which protect them from predators and other alligators. Located twenty-five miles due north of the city of Montgomery in central Alabama, Lake Jordan is a 6,800-acre impoundment on the Coosa River with 188 miles of shoreline. The FWC lists it as 1 of Florida’s Top 10 Bass Lakes. They live along rivers such as the Escambia and Perdido and also in lakes such as Lake Eufala, Lake Forest, or Big Creek Lake. What rivers in Georgia have alligators?Summary. Edward Harding Obituary. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. J. The many lakes, bayous, and rivers in and around Houston contain an environment that is favorable to alligators. Are There Alligators in Lake Pontchartrain? Yes, as are sharks. Contents [ show] So…. The alligators were transported to DEC officials inside a ramen noodle box. Some specific areas where you might spot these fascinating reptiles are the lower Cape Fear and Neuse River Valleys, as well as parts of. An alligator described by witnesses as maybe 12 feet long, was seen in the water at Huntsville State Park while several children were swimming. Caddo Lake is only eight to ten-feet deep on average with a maximum depth of 20-feet and is chock-full of alligator food sources. Lake Apopka is known for seeing alligators, where you can see more than 20 at a time of all different sizes. An autopsy later determined he drowned after he was attacked by an alligator . The American alligator can be found in Lake Okeechobee. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 Monday through Friday, 9 a. 048 m]), while 182 were less than 6 feet (<1. Last season, his 74-year-old father Charlie drew a tag on Lake Seminole. Sep 28, 2022 at 9:36 AM EDT. The alligators in Texas are found mainly on the coast and in East Texas, with a population of about 15,000. In North Carolina, alligators are most commonly seen in the. Zillow has 13 homes for sale in 36854 matching Lake Harding. The first time you see an alligator in person, whether at a zoo or basking in the sun. Caddo Lake is only eight to ten-feet deep on average with a maximum depth of 20-feet and is chock-full of alligator food sources. Furthermore, lakes serve as an ideal habitat for gators to breed and raise their young. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Lake Harding (also known as Bartlett’s Ferry Lake) is another lake on the Alabama, and Georgia state line. Lake George, which is also in Florida, comes in at number two, with over 2,300. Anyway, about the weight of alligators versus crocodiles: Alligators don’t usually weigh more than 500-800 points – 1,000 maximum. Lake Marion. Incubation is 60-65 days and hatchlings will stay with the mother for up to 2 years. While there is no official count for the number of alligators in Lake Seminole, Florida, the rough estimates are generally between 55 and 65. This is no different from swimming in an ocean or river that has wild animals in it. Ellis captures a 6'4 alligator from a golf course in St. The largest alligator ever documented in Florida was 14 feet (4. These conditions make for an ideal alligator habitat. Alligators’ presence is in freshwater lakes, ponds, marshy areas, and streams. Yes, there are alligators in North Carolina! While they aren’t as common as in states further south like Louisiana, southeast Texas, or Florida, they are here. Nestled on a 5,850-acre reservoir on the Chattahoochee River, beautiful Lake Harding sprawls out over Harris. Alligators are native to Arkansas, having lived there for thousands of years. Do not throw food into waters where alligators may be found. The gator was found hiding under a travel trailer when the homeowner stepped. Serving as a wild alligator habitat, Cypress Lake is an alligator-infested lake. It covers an area of approximately 13,788 acres and is approximately 12 miles long. Female alligators are fiercely protective of the nest and hatchlings and are especially dangerous. It had a chest girth of 57 inches. Located on the Chattahoochee River, Lake Harding in Georgia is a fantastic fishing destination known for its diverse fish population and scenic beauty. Throughout the years, alligators have been spotted on Lake Athens and Cedar Creek Lake. It is a known area for the large amounts of bass it holds. American Alligator. Yes, alligators live in Houston and the surrounding areas. A 6-foot-long alligator was found in a in a downtown Beaumont storm drain Tuesday morning, May 9, 2023 after heavy rains. American alligators may live in Lake Norman but are not widespread there. Depending on your perspective, it might be good to know that the greater part of the Chattahoochee River is alligator free. The history of alligators in Arkansas exemplifies how a man can destroy and build. November 7, 2023 / 3:51 PM EST / CBS News. com has 15 lake properties for sale on Lake Harding, as well as lakefront homes, lots, land and acreage in Hamilton, Valley, Fortson. One of the more recent encounters, according to committee members, involved an alligator lunging at a pet in East End Park. Beautiful quiet lake. Coordinates: 32. “Do not corner alligators. The Major Alligator Attacks of 2022. Texas is home to an estimated population of 500,000 alligators. Does Lake Harding alligators? Photos and videos of alligators in Lake Harding have brought safety into question over social media. A New Jersey lake became the unlikely home of an alligator, sparking a. Several alligator attacks were recorded in Florida in 2022, but only three happened in lakes. Table of Contents show. Two brothers from Harris County have caught what is believed to be the largest alligator harvested from Lake Harding. Alligators can be found in just about any body of water in Florida, including lakes, rivers, and swamps. Alligators living in several Florida lakes have endocrine alterations that are worse if the animals remain in a polluted lake versus being held in clean water after hatching (Guillette et al. Are there alligators or crocodiles in Houston Texas? HOUSTON – Alligators have been spotted recently along Buffalo Bayou in downtown Houston. Log In. 13 hours ago · The alligator weighed 346 pounds when it died July 30, 1970. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife information specialist Matt Cameron offered some details on why the presence of alligators in East. Updated: May 9, 2018 / 09:41 PM EDT Photos and videos of alligators in Lake Harding have brought safety into question over social media. For more information about alligators and. 26 in a small lake north of the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. And some have even weight as much as 800 pounds. The gator was found in Lake Blackshear on the. Feeding or offering food, including fish or bait, to alligators in Texas. In 2015, a 9-foot alligator made Lake Lewisville its new home. S. June 14, 2016. mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (A. Crocodiles have longer and pointier. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game stocks the lake with trout, Coho salmon, sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, sheefish, and Arctic char. Lake access is limited to the Goat Rock Marina, located on the Alabama side of this lake. Warning: Large alligator spotted in Lake Harding DETAILS → A Miami-Dade County neighborhood was caught off guard after residents discovered a large alligator stuck in a storm drain. Functionally, the crocodilian esophagus is similar. Indigenous species of fish include burbot, least cisco, and slimy sculpin. A man looking for Frisbees in a Florida lake on Tuesday was killed by an alligator, according to authorities and media reports. The lake was created in 1963 by the Smith. , 2000; Rooney, 1998). Contact a real estate agent to help you with buying or selling. There are an estimated 1,200 alligators in the entire chain of lakes, making swimming unpopular. Fish around the. The weight of the alligator was determined in 74 cases and ranged from 2 pounds to 520 pounds. As if murder hornets and megabats weren't enough to haunt people's dreams, claims of a massive, 28-foot alligator said to. If you believe an alligator is posing a threat to humans, contact Texas Parks and Wildlife’s district office, 817-831-3128 or after hours or weekends 800-792-4263. Spend a day on Lake Fort Phantom Hill. As if murder hornets and megabats weren't enough to haunt people's dreams, claims of a massive, 28-foot alligator said to. Alligators like to live along the coast, and there are about 100,000 of them in South Carolina. Also known as Lake Harding, this Georgia Power lake of 850 acres and is lined with boat docks. Key Points. The lake is formed by Bartlett's Ferry Dam, and the lake is located in Harris County, Georgia with some portions of the lake going into Alabama. The couple had been in pursuit of the alligator since the beginning of the season in August, and after several near misses, finally caught the behemoth on Saturday, September 16. Alligators in Lake Harris primarily eat fish, turtles, snakes, small mammals, birds, and carrion. Massive 705-Pound Alligator Caught From Georgia’s Lake Harding. These types of alligators have what is referred to as an armored body with a flat tail. The American alligator is located in the state, and the further south you travel, the larger they become. Within a secluded oak forest, it’s hard not to feel well- rested on this trail, even though you. However, if you would like to enjoy a swimming hole, lake, or river in Louisiana, here are a couple of safety guidelines to follow: Don’t swim at dusk or night. Lake Marion. With the majority of Florida’s populationLocated on the Oklahoma – Texas border on the Red River, Lake Texoma is the 12th largest U. An adult alligator has between 74 and 84 teeth that are mostly hollow. Written June 22, 2023. It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator. Although initially, you could only find alligators in southern Alabama. An alligator, 4 to 7 feet long, dragged the victim under water in the Seven Seas Lagoon about 9:00 p. Two people were injured by alligators in separate incidents within the same week at a recreation center in Florida. American alligators occur naturally in North Carolina. Just be careful when swimming or boating in the lake, and watch out for submerged logs or rocks. A Miami-Dade County neighborhood was taken by surprise after residents discovered a large alligator stuck in a storm drain. 7 km 2) reservoir on the Chattahoochee River . However, after the last remaining swan had a run-in with an alligator in 1954, the lake was left swanless — until a concerned resident. Published on August 30, 2023 04:23PM EDT. In fact, the state of Texas is an alligator hot spot. Then, the presence of two different alligators was confirmed, and one of them was 5. No alligators in the man-made Lake Keowee! Duke Energy created it by building an earthen dam on the Keowee River in the early 70s. He was the eighth-largest alligator ever killed in the state and the biggest trapped. Also known as Chatuge Lake and the Chatuga Reservoir, this TVA reservoir lake in Hiawassee encompasses 7,050 acres along the northern Georgia and western North Carolina borders. A video of a 5. Lucie County Sheriff's Office helicopter helped. 1576W Map It: Lake Type: Reservoir Surface Area. Massive 705-Pound Alligator Caught From Georgia’s Lake Harding. 048 m]), while 182 were less than 6 feet (<1. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Harding Lake is known for its hearty fish population of both introduced and native fish. Published May 9, 2022. The only alligator story happened in 2019. Alligators are large reptiles that live in both water and dry land, however, they thrive in slow moving water. Hinesville, GA Local - News Break · October 25, 2021 · October 25, 2021 · The alligators were transported to DEC officials inside a ramen noodle box. The alligator hunting team of Tony Wrye, his brother Joey and hunting buddy Tommy Sorrow have been at it since 2005. Let us examine three of the lakes where these attacks occurred. m. The. Lakehouse. The Bear Lake Monster is a legend that is at least 100 years old and concerns this small lake on the Utah-Idaho border. CNN affiliate KPRC has the details. Lake Harding is a deep lake with a depth of over 100 feet (30 m) at the dam itself. SUMMARY. 1M Total Value. While some are real skulls, some are plastic. Derrick Snelson and his daughter, Shelby, were on Lake Eufaula with Lethal Guide Service, a hunting. Harding Road Trail - 5. There was a large population of black carpenters, bricklayers, and. Arkansas is home to some alligators, but not here. These are all over 9 feet in length. With at least 1,700 of these largest alligators in Lake Okeechobee, there’s a resounding answer to the question: no, it is not safe to swim in Lake Okeechobee. There are 1. , stepping on a 10-inch ‘gator in the front yard of his home. Even still, there have been occasional individuals in. In June, an alligator dragged Michael Burstein, 75, into a pond in Myrtle. Kansas City,. m. Good thing. Occasionally, an alligator will show up in a pond or lake in Oklahoma where one would not expect to find it, like Claremore. And last year their 74-year-old father Charlie had a Lake Seminole tag and bagged a 12-foot gator. In all other alligator hunting zones, culling is prohibited by law. One study of American alligators in north-central Florida found the males preferred open lake water during the spring, while females used both swampy and open-water areas.