Are There Alligators in Destin, Florida?

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Destin is a city located in the northwest region of Florida.

One of the things that this city is most known for is its Gulf of Mexico beaches.

The city is fondly referred to and known as the Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast.

You just need to stand on one of the many world-renowned beaches to know why it’s earned this name. 

Two states in the US are known to be home to the largest populations of alligators in the country:

Florida and Louisiana. Being that Destin is located in Florida, you may be wondering:

Are there alligators in Destin, Florida?

So… Are There Alligators in Destin, Florida?

Yes, it’s true; there are alligators in Destin, Florida.

The question should be rephrased: How many alligators are there in Destin, Florida?

Due to its location in the Gulf of Mexico, where a large number of alligators reside, Destin, Florida, is a prime location for alligators.

Destin has so many alligators that they have an alligator park named after the reptile, where you can view the alligators from a cane pole. 

Gator Beach is an alligator park located in the heart of Destin, beneath Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill.

The facility has over 80 alligators roaming the park.

There have been reports of alligators spotted in downtown Destin, and this report is about an alligator in Destin’s East Pass.

There is an alligator hunting season that takes place in many different regions of Florida, including Destin.

The recreational hunting season starts on 15 August and runs through the 1st of November each year. 

Hunters require a permit stipulating the harvest area, hunting dates, and limitations. 

Alligators are found in freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams.

From the rivers and streams, the alligators make their way into other areas, such as Choctawhatchee Bay. 

About an hour northeast of the city is the Choctawhatchee River, a body of fresh water and home to the American Alligator.

The river runs into Choctawhatchee Bay, which borders Destin.

 Choctawhatchee Bay is a body of brackish water.

Both the bay and the river are home to alligators.

A small population of alligators lives in Destin’s heart, and a more significant population lives in the surrounding areas. 

Alligator Species in Destin, Florida

The alligator in Destin, Florida, is the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).

There are only two alligator species in the world: the American Alligator and the Chinese Alligator.

The American Alligator is native to the Northern United States and can be found from central Texas to North Carolina and down from Louisiana to Florida.

The two largest populations of alligators reside in Louisiana and Florida.

There was a period when the American Alligator was hunted to near extinction and made it onto the endangered list.

Today, the species thrives and is listed as of least concern by the IUCN Red List.

Is it safe to swim in Destin, Florida?

Destin, Florida, is surrounded by water.

The city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.

The beaches in Destin are saltwater bodies that are not ideal for alligator habitats.

Therefore, you are safe from alligator attacks if you want to swim in the ocean in Destin.

However, as with any large body of water, reasonable caution should still be practiced when swimming in the ocean. 

Many people are concerned about shark attacks when swimming in the ocean.

And rightfully so.

However, according to the International Shark Attack File, only four shark attacks were reported in Destin, and the last shark attack was recorded in 1882.

In addition, no fatalities were reported in any shark attacks. 

There is the risk of a rip current pulling swimmers into the ocean.

Again, reasonable caution should be practiced when swimming in the ocean in Destin.

Only swim in designated areas that have lifeguards and never go swimming alone.

However, Destin has had several drownings over the past few years. 

In addition to the beautiful beaches, there are several large lakes around Destin, where swimmers can enjoy a relaxing summer afternoon.

But the question is, are these freshwater lakes, and if so, are there any alligators living in these lakes?

Destin has three freshwater lakes: Stewart Lake, Four Prong Lake, and Western Lake.

These coastal dune lakes are home to many birds and wildlife, including alligators.

There are no warnings that prevent people from swimming in the lake.

Still, it is best advised to practice caution when swinging in a water body that hosts alligators or other dangerous predators. 

Many other lakes surrounding Destin have high salinity levels and are unsuitable habitats for alligators who prefer freshwater lakes. 

Interesting Alligator Facts in Destin, Florida

The American Alligator is a cold-blooded reptile.

The alligator looks for outside heat sources to regulate its body temperature.

That’s why alligators prefer semi-tropical and tropical climates.

You’ll often see alligators basking in the sun for many hours, attempting to regulate their body temperatures.

Alligators are some of the oldest reptiles on the planet, following turtles and tortoises.

Alligators have not evolved much since the time of the dinosaurs and have been on earth for more than 200 million years. 

There are reports of some alligators that grow to be 1,000 pounds in weight.

The biggest alligator in the world grew to fifteen feet and weighed just over a thousand pounds. 

Alligators can sprint up to 35 mph, but they get tired very quickly and can only run for short bursts at a time.

If an alligator ever chases you, it’s best to run straight ahead, not in a zigzag motion.

Alligators are blind right in front of their nose, so chances are they won’t be able to see you.

In addition, when an alligator bites, they move its head from left to right or vice versa.

If you run in a zigzag motion, there’s a bigger chance the alligator might catch you. 

Scientists and biologists conduct an annual census of alligators to determine their population size.

When they do this, the team has to venture out at night onto the water and count the red eyes when they shine their torches on the water.

The alligator’s eyes shine red at night.

The census determines how many hunting permits should be allocated for the next hunting season. 

Alligators vs. Crocodiles

There are a few critical differences between alligators and crocodiles.

The first is the snout. An alligator has a long U-shaped snout, and a crocodile has a V-shaped snout.

Weight and size are other factors.

Crocodiles are generally larger than alligators.

A crocodile will grow to 10 to 20 feet in length, while an alligator will grow to eight to 11 feet.

Crocodiles weigh between 300 and 2,000 pounds, while alligators weigh between 400 and 800 pounds. 

The color is another giveaway.

Crocodiles are light green to light brown with a molted pattern over their bodies, alligators are dark gray, and some are black with cream-colored bellies. 

Crocodiles do not have webbed feet but do have a jagged edge around their feet.

Alligators do have webbed feet that help them to swim better.  

And lastly, crocodiles have the same size upper and lower jaws.

When they close their mouth, all 66 of their teeth are visible.

An alligator has a larger upper jaw that covers the lower jaw.

Of their 88 teeth, only the upper jaw teeth are visible when they close their mouth.

3 Safety Tips for Swiming in Alligator-infested Waters 

1. Avoid alligator-infested water. The first and most crucial tip is to avoid swimming in alligator water altogether. Alligators are opportunistic hunters. They will wait for their prey to get close enough before they attack. And swimmers are hardly alert enough to avoid an alligator attack. In addition, alligators may confuse the splashing in the water as a sign of food. Keep small children and animals away from the water’s edge in areas where you know alligators are known to live. 
2. Never swim alone. If you find yourself in alligator-infested water, the best chance is to get out of the water as quickly as possible and practice extreme caution. Whenever you plan to go swimming, make sure you are part of a group. Never swim alone. If anything happens, someone can still call for help if you are in a group. 
3. Do your research. If you plan to go swimming in a body of water you are unfamiliar with, do your research before swimming. It’s best to be fully aware of any risks or dangers lurking in the water and be fully prepared rather than risk swimming in dangerous water. 

Summary

There are, without a doubt, alligators in Destin, Florida.

An alligator park in the heart of Destin attracts tourists from all over the world to the city.

It boasts about being the best alligator park in the world.

Apart from the alligators that can be found in the park, there are several freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers in and around Destin that are home to alligators. 

Always practice extreme caution when going to areas such as lakes or rivers that host alligators.

These predators are opportunistic hunters and will attack, albeit very rare for the alligators to attack unprovoked.

Always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. 

Florida Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Florida Safety Review

Safety Index:

70

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW