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Orange Lake in North Central Florida has a large alligator population, estimated at 2,732, making it second in the state.

Locals and visitors to Orange Lake frequently encounter alligators, but generally view them as a natural part of the Florida environment.

Florida has an estimated 1.3 million alligators statewide, making encounters common and generally accepted by residents.

ORANGE LAKE — Anyone who frequents Orange Lake in North Central Florida can agree: There’s no shortage of alligators there.

Orange Lake is the largest lake in the region, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) , spanning both Alachua and Marion counties. As of August 2024, it ranks second in Florida in terms of number of alligators, with its 12.550 acres

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