The Scenic Lake With A Dangerous Claim To Fame Of Having Florida's Largest Population Of Gators Per Acre

Seminole County in Central Florida is home to Lake Jesup, one of the states' largest lakes. This scenic area, filled with birdlife, gorgeous nature, and hikes is popular among travelers seeking a relaxing vacation by the water. And because of the many species such as catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegills that this swampy lake fosters, it is also a popular spot for fishing.

However, there's a somewhat scary reason that has earned Lake Jesup a reputation, and once you learn about it, you may not want to come close to the lake's waters. Why is that, you ask? Well, Lake Jesup is home to thousands of alligators that want to enjoy a peaceful existence in the lake's waters, just like its fishermen and vacation guests.

Wildlife officials at Lake Jesup have estimated that the local gator population ascends to about 12,000 overall. With around 400 alligators per square mile of shoreline, tourist attractions are able to offer airboat rides that take visitors up close to the animals, making this lake a favorite destination for those interested in a breathtaking tropical getaway teeming with wildlife.

Florida is known for its alligator-infested waters, and some are popular destinations. But why is Lake Jesup more densely populated by alligators than anywhere else in the Sunshine State? It all comes down to a bit of Florida's developmental history, which involved a strategy to protect the alligators from being killed when the reptiles were on the endangered species list.

This history goes back to the 20th century when Florida — especially its central region — started to expand. Developers seeking to create new living areas for the growing population drained many swamps, creeks, and wetlands — alligators' natural habitats. At the time, the animals were a protected species that could not be killed, so a decision was made to instead capture and relocate the gators to Lake Jesup, a shallow body of water made up mostly of floodplain wetlands.

Nowadays, Lake Jesup continues to be the main shelter for the descendants of almost every single alligator in Florida that stood in the way of its development. The locals in nearby cities like Winter Springs, Oviedo, and Sanford don't seem to mind the gators, and the reptiles have become one of the best attractions in the area, captivating the many tourists that visit the lake up to this day.

Lake Jesup is part of the St. Johns River system, covering approximately a 25-square-mile area in Seminole County and sheltering a variety of resident and migratory bird species along its marshes, like herons, chickadees, and storks. Because of this, and to protect its many natural resources, the Lake Jesup Conservation Area was created. Several hiking trails along the different segments of the conservation area lead to observation posts overlooking the lake and its marshlands. There are three trails ranging from half a mile to 1.1 miles, which are perfect for birdwatching (just watch your step for any resting alligators on the trails!) 

However, despite being a haven for species such as American White Pelicans and a variety of sparrows and ducks, many tourists would rather opt for the airboat tours, hoping to see the alligators. According to the many reviewers on TripAdvisor, the best way to meet the gators up close and personal is by booking a tour with The Black Hammock. 

The Black Hammock offers several 30-minute boat ride packages ranging from $30 to $38 per person at the time of this writing. Some of the packages include visits to The Historic Bird Island , perfect for avid birders. The Black Hammock also offers 45-minute sunset tours, 1-hour tours and a Small Private Charter Special among its packages. The Black Hammock is also home to a restaurant serving Floridian delicacies such as catfish nuggets and fried gator. It's just another reason why Lake Jesup is one of the many beautiful, wildlife-filled lakes great for travelers seeking alligator-filled adventures in Central Florida.