Multiple Sightings Of Monster-Sized Alligators In Florida
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Not one, but two huge alligators were spotted recently taking leisurely strolls in Florida and the videos are going viral.
Now spotting an alligator in Florida isn't difficult. Roughly 1.25 million alligators live in the Sunshine state but when you spot an alligator so big that it resembles a dinosaur, well that's something.
That's exactly what happened to Tyler Stolting last week when he spotted a gigantic alligator near a tee box at the Valencia Golf & Country Club in Naples on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
As many of you may have seen, I filmed a video of quite the gator on Wednesday this week. It's shocking to see the power of social media and the internet make something go viral, and for me to be at the source of it. Needless to say, we're at the part of 2020 where prehistoric monsters are coming back from extinction. Think we all needed this good laugh. #2020 #monstergator #dinogator Media inquiries: please contact TMX News for use of this content at Carlin@tmx.news
Posted by Tyler Stolting on Friday, November 13, 2020
The sheer size of the animal had many on social media questioning whether it was actually real.
Well it is most definitely real.
David Steen, the reptile and amphibian research leader of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there was "nothing unusual" about the size of the alligator.
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"It's an iconic species and conservation success story. But in short, there's nothing unusual about this alligator or the video," he said on Twitter.
The other alligator was seen crossing a flooded road at Everglades National Park in Shark Valley.
Alligator crosses flooded road at Shark ValleyShark Valley is closed for visitor safety as a result of high water levels causing standing and flowing water across the road in some places. As a result from recent tropical weather, we are currently experiencing the highest water levels that we've seen since 1962 during this time of the year. And our water levels are still rising. Wildlife in the area is adapting, too; alligators and snakes are moving and finding new spots to sun bathe. We ask that visitors, too, find new spots to sun bathe and explore the park! High water means a great time for airboat or boat tours available along the Tamiami Trail, in Flamingo and at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. The main Homestead entrance is also open. Thank you for your patience as we work to protect the park, wildlife, and all visitors. NPS Video by Curtis Powell Video: An alligator was across the flooded road at the park entrance of Shark Valley. #evergladesnationalpark #everglades #findyourpark #encuentratuparque
Posted by Everglades National Park on Friday, November 13, 2020
"As a result from recent tropical weather, we are currently experiencing the highest water levels that we've seen since 1962 during this time of the year. And our water levels are still rising. Wildlife in the area is adapting, too; alligators and snakes are moving and finding new spots to sun bathe," said the Everglades National Park in a recent Facebook post. Hopefully next storm, these alligators find a less public spot to walk around."
Parts of South Florida's Everglades National Park were closed due to flooding from Tropical Storm Eta on Friday, November 13, making it easier for the resident alligator to make its way across the flooded road.