Florida is well known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and abundance of wildlife. While many visitors enjoy the opportunity to spot an alligator in the wild, few get the chance to see one as big as the one recently spotted in Sebring, Florida.
The photo, taken by Rich Louty at a Sebring golf course, shows a massive alligator spread out on the golf course with its head facing the photographer. WINK Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt described the image as “Welcome to Florida, home to Jurassic Park”.
While the exact size of the alligator is unclear, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states that the longest alligator ever recorded in the state was 14 feet, 3-1/2 inches and the heaviest weighed an incredible 1,043 pounds.
Adult alligators primarily feed on fish, snakes, small mammals, turtles, and birds, but golfers thankfully aren’t on the menu. The image has generated a buzz across social media with people commenting on the colossal size of the reptile.
In addition to being an impressive sight, the alligator serves as a reminder that Florida is a wild place and that visitors should always be aware of their surroundings. If you do happen to spot an alligator while out and about, it’s best to keep your distance and give it plenty of space.
