Lake Apopka alligator attack: Florida is home to 1.3 million alligators, with these five lakes teeming with thousands

In Central Florida, a 71-year-old man has been killed by an alligator while fishing in a park. The man was fishing near Lake Apopka in the town of Winter Garden when the 3.7m (12ft) alligator came up to the shoreline and attacked him. The deadly attack by alligator at Lake Apopka in Florida has raised questions about how common alligators are in the state's lakes and waterways. Hamilton’s death marked the second deadly alligator attack in Florida this year.

The attack has once again brought back attention on Florida's large alligator population and the risks people face when fishing, boating or spending time near freshwater. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the state is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators. They can be found in all 67 Florida counties, including lakes, rivers, marshes and swamps. Alligators are a common site in many parts of Florida, particularly in and around lakes, rivers, and grassy areas.

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Lake Apopka alligator attack

Located northwest of Orlando, Lake Apopka is famous for its alligator population. After attacking the man on shoreline, the alligator then dragged him into the water, the FWC said, with local officials saying that active alligators in the water made rescue efforts even more difficult. A contracted trapper later captured and removed the alligator believed to be responsible for the attack.

The incident highlights the need for caution around Florida's waterways. In Florida, alligators can be found anywhere there is water and that includes lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, swamps and man-made canals. Since they remain near to the shoreline, it is important for visitors that they maintain a safe distance even when they cannot see a reptile in the water. People should refrain from giving them food or approach them for photographs.

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Which Florida lakes have the most alligators?

A report by WorldAtlas identifies several Florida waterways with large alligator populations. A fundamental part of Florida’s ecosystem, there are approximately 1.3 million alligators throughout the state. They are also an important part of Florida's culture and tourism industry, but theor coexistence with humans is complicated. Lake Okeechobee, Lake Kissimmee and Lake Jesup are among the locations where there are largest alligator populations in Florida, where you should exercise extra alertness.

Lake Okeechobee

The largest lake in Florida, Lake Okeechobee, is also home to the state's largest alligator population. These apex predators number in the tens of thousands, making the lake an important habitat. The 730-square-mile lake is shallow, densely vegetated, and has plenty of marshy areas. Alligators are found throughout the lake. The wetlands and low water levels are ideal for basking and mating spots. The alligators are particularly active during mating season and can be found basking in sunny, sandy spots. With the sheer number of alligators, the lake has become a major tourist destination.

Lake Jesup

At about 14,500 alligators within Lake Jesup’s 16.7 square mile area, this lake, located near Orlando, has the highest concentration of alligators per acre in the state, and maybe the world. It is a very popular destination for tourists to see wild alligators, with airboat tours operating regularly, according to World Atlas. The alligators are most active at water temperatures around 90°F and are often seen basking in the sun on warmer winter days. Due to its high alligator population, officials recommend no swimming in Lake Jesup.

Lake Kissimmee

With an estimated population of around 16,000, Lake Kissimmee has a large alligator population. A popular lake for boating and other activities, encounters with alligators do happen, sometimes with tragic results. Officials remind visitors that the area is active with alligators, especially during the spring mating season. Even if you don’t go into the water, the lake remains dangerous. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance, keep pets on leashes and away from the water's edge, and to only swim in designated areas. If you swim, dusk and dawn are the most dangerous times.

Orange Lake

Located in north central Florida, Orange Lake has one of the highest concentrations of alligators in the state. Within the lake’s 12,500 acres, up to 12,000 individuals reside. Orange Lake is popular for alligator hunting. Regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), hunting alligators runs from August through November, with permits issued by lottery. The lake is particularly a prime habitat for large males that grow over 10 feet. It is also a key location for observing hatchlings. Officials caution visitors to keep a distance and not to feed the hatchlings.

The Everglades

Florida’s Everglades is a 1.5 million-acre subtropical wetland ecosystem. Located in the southern part of the state, it flows from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay, and is often described as a river of grass because of its dense water vegetation.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Everglades is critical for its biodiversity, and in its entirety, it contains 200,000 alligators, around 15% of all the alligators in Florida.