Unveiling the Thrills of Gatorland Orlando Florida

 Spending a day at Gatorland in Orlando Florida, is an adventure filled with wildlife, entertainment, and excitement. Alligator capital of the world, Gatorland offers a variety of attractions that cater to all ages. 

I live in Florida and we see gators everywhere. I have hiked in many parts of the state and they are always a thing to see. I have never had a bad experience with them. Some may say otherwise. Did you know Alligators are very intelligent creatures. While I was on an air boat ride, part of the program was an alligator show, I learnt so much about them and got to carry one of them too.

• Alligators are semi-aquatic reptiles that inhibit freshwater environments such as swamps, mashes and lakes. Hence Florida is ideal for their existence.
• They are cold-blooded and rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. So you would often see them out of water and on the hiking pathways sunbathing. The vibration of your steps however always gets them in the water in a hurry.
• Alligators are primarily active during warm weather and become less active in cooler temperatures. 

• Alligators have a broad, rounded snout, while crocodiles have a more pointed snout. 
• Their skin is covered in tough, bony plates called Scutes. 
• Alligators have jaws with sharp teeth which they use for catching prey.
• They are carnivorous and primarily eat fish, birds, mammals and other small animals.
• It is an opportunistic feeder and will consume whatever is available.

Alligators communicate through various vocalizations including grunts, hisses and bellows. During mating season, males produce loud, deep bellows to attract females. Female alligators build nests made with vegetation and mud. They lay eggs in the nest and cover them to keep it warm. After hatching, baby alligators - called hatchlings make high pitched sounds to communicate with their mother. Alligators were once endangered due to habitat loss and hunting for their skin. Conservation efforts have helped increase their population and they are now considered a species of least concern. 

Alligators can be hunted in Florida, but there are specific regulations and requirements that must be followed. Here’s a summary of the key points: This information and more can be found at  coyotehunting.us website.

• Hunting License: All hunters must have a valid hunting license
• Permit: A permit is required to hunt alligators, and it’s typically specific to certain areas and times.
• Hunting Season: There is an annual statewide recreational alligator harvest season established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
• Quotas: Harvest quotas are set for each management unit to maintain alligator populations at targeted levels
• Age Requirement: Hunters must be 18 years of age or older
• Legal Methods: Alligators may only be hunted at night, and only with artificial light
• Humane Dispatch: Alligators must be killed humanely, with a clean shot to the brain or spine
• Reporting: All harvested alligators must be reported to the FWC within 24 hours

It’s important to note that these regulations are in place to ensure the sustainable use of alligators as a renewable natural resource and to maintain their population levels. 

Some fun facts about Alligators:

• At birth they could be trained just like any other domestic pet.
• Just by talking to them they would know who you are and follow instructions.

Here’s what you can expect at Gatorland:

• Alligator Encounters: Witness thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including the rare white leucistic alligators. The albinos. We were wowed by the shear number of alligators that you can see over there. 
  
  
  
• Bird Rookery: Explore the aviary and the breeding marsh with its natural Cypress swamp.

• Petting Zoo: Interact with domestic animals at the petting zoo.

• Unique Shows: Enjoy shows like the Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show.
• Zip Line Adventure: Experience the thrill of the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, voted the Top Zip Line in the U.S.
• Stompin’ Gator Off-road Adventure: Take a rugged ride through the park’s wilderness.
• Splash Park: Cool off at Gator Gully Splash Park, perfect for a hot day.
• Conservation Efforts: Learn about Gatorland’s conservation programs for alligators and endangered species like the Cuban Crocodile.

Gatorland is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it’s recommended to check their official website for any updates on hours or special events. With a 4.5-star rating based on thousands of reviews, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a slice of Florida’s wild side.