Alligators Florida Everglades — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Thierry Eidenweil
Alligators have been living in Florida’s wastewater pipes.
According to a University of Florida research, there were 35 distinct animal species in the stormwater sewer systems beneath Gainesville, including armadillos, frogs, raccoons, and yes, alligators. According to the study, as urbanization and development increase, “human-modified environments” become more prevalent.
The project was led by UF Ph.D. candidate Alan Ivory. Rats’ travel via subterranean systems has been extensively studied, but little is known about the behaviors of other species that use the tunnels as routes to migrate across an urban environment.
Ivory told the New York Times, “It reminds me of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” “It was surprising how many animals there were.”
39 motion-activated trail cameras mounted on manhole covers on 33 stormwater drains were used by the team to conduct the investigation. The cameras gathered data over about two months, albeit some were damaged by storm water or raccoons who preyed on thieves, according to Ivory.
Among the seven reptilian species discovered in the storm sewage systems, the American Alligator—scientifically known as Alligator mississippiensis—was “documented across the greatest number of sites.”
According to the study’s data, a large number of the animals avoid crossing busy roads and other heavily populated areas by using the storm sewer systems. Others, mostly small animals, might have been carried into the sewers by runoff water and ended up there.
The majority of alligator observations (35 out of 50) were of animals swimming from one pond to another, avoiding busy roadways, because “four of the five sites where alligators were observed were simple culverts,” the report stated.
Stories that matter are our priority. At Florida Insider, we make sure that the information we provide our readers is accurate, easy-to-read, and informative. Whether you are interested in business, education, government, history, sports, real estate, nature or travel: we have something for everyone. Follow along for the best stories in the Sunshine State.
Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
