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Boaters, water skiers, and swimmers alike enjoy the clear waters, as well as fishermen looking to catch bass, bluegill, and walleye. An adult alligator may grow up to 14 feet, and weigh over 1,000 pounds; theyre not animals to be messed with. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. While the average cost of a wedding in 2020 was $20,300, this cost can quickly rise as the wedding becomes more extravagant. . In Georgia, they typically live along and south of the fall line (which roughly traverses the cities of Columbus, Macon and Augusta). Georgia is home to only one, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Brandi is a professional writer by day and a fiction writer by night. From 8 a.m. to dusk, players of all skill levels can enjoy picturesque lake views and the magic of the region's mild climate. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Unfortunately, there have been many cases over the years of people straying too close to the waters edge, and being taken by a large gator. Discover Why Alligators Wont Cross Georgias Fall Line, Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida Gator in Most Florida Video Ever. Alligators just might be one of the most physically impressive reptiles on the planet. To find out exactly what, read on. Alligators are fast in the water, but their short, powerful legs allow them to run surprisingly fast on dry land. Here, well discover what makes an alligator an alligator and whether or not they live in Georgias lakes. Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia is home to about 13,000 of them. This license does not have to be renewed, and is valid for your lifetime. #6 California. He originally expected the animal to be 10 or 11 feet long, but was shocked by its size when he arrived with two other DNR wildlife technicians, Graham Rhone and Owen Jenkins. Are There Alligators in the Mississippi River? Alligators are a uniquely North American species; their range extends from the coast of North Carolina south to the Florida panhandle, and west to the southern coast of Texas. Additionally, never feed alligators, and never, ever approach an alligator nest. Are there alligators in northern Georgia? Both are members of the Crocodilia Order of animals, which also includes gharials, caimans, saltwater crocodiles, Nile crocodiles, and all other types of crocodiles. Dogs of all sizes are allowed at no additional fee. Their scales are dark green, with yellow and brown highlights that make these apex predators truly beautiful to behold. Since 1980, there has been only one fatality and eight known attacks. 7 Is there a fishing tournament at Lake Blackshear? It took three people to move the gator, "with several injuries," out of the ditch, which is located off Lake Blackshear, per WALB. But, if youre traveling through any part of southern Georgia, here are the places youre most likely to encounter a gator: Alligators may be cute when theyre little, but they grow up to be incredibly deadly predators. Alligators have very thick skin and powerful jaws. Woman shot near DeKalb gas station; police say person cut her off, pulled out handgun, Local McDonald's franchisee creates internship at Morehouse College, Forecast | Bright sunshine returns for the weekend, Metro Atlanta, north Georgia hit with widespread damage after storms produce powerful winds. They were almost certainly brought here by someone. To answer the question: is Lake Blackshear Georgias Alligator capital? From, After the constant rain that has plagued the state of Georgia, officials said. Alligators are semi-aquatic, predatory reptiles in the Crocodilia order. She enjoys discovering new places and currently calls North Alabama home. In The golden state, water is one of the most priceless product. This could include anything from the photographer posting 1-2 photos on social media, to emailing a small . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Their eyes are located on the top of their head, and their bodies are long and streamlined, ending in rudder-like tails. Hazards: There are alligators and probably Cottonmouth snakes, along with biting/stinging insects in warmer months (watch for wasps' nests in the shrubs) - towards evening, you may want to spray down . Allow your dogs or children to swim in alligator-inhabited waters, drink or play at the edge of the water. The massive reptile was found in the . Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Ken Riddleberger of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources discusses an alligator, which has been sighted in Lake Lanier. Once it moved to land, biologists noticed several old gunshot wounds on the animal. Huge pieces of metal or jagged wood break off the vessels and float into the main waterways. However, its on the very edge of the American alligators range. Alligators might be cute when theyre little, but they dont stay little for long. . The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is one of 22 crocodilian species worldwide. They can withstand periods of ice by sticking their snout out of . It is important to remember one thing: caution. Their scales are dark green, with yellow and brown highlights that make these apex predators truly beautiful to behold. Alligators prefer warm, shallow bodies of water with plenty of food and cover. Approaching you for food (in the case of habituated alligators). January 1, 2023 August 28, 2022 by Erin Krespan Boating, skiing, trophy fishing, swimming, and other water sports are available at Lake Blackshear. Lake Blackshear offers boating, skiing, trophy fishing, swimming, and other watersports. Where You're Most Likely to See Gators If you're going to Georgia specifically to see alligators, you might want to skip Lake . Alligators have been around for at least 30 million years. Lake Blackshear covers over 8,000 acres in south-central Georgia. Lets take a look at a few of the things you can do to stay safe around these incredible creatures. 27 febrero, 2023 . Additionally, never feed alligators, and never, ever approach an alligator nest. It was found in Lake Walter F. George and harvested in 2015. lakes in georgia without alligators. Lake blackshear is said to be the most alligator-infested lake in georgia. The gator had been living in an irrigation ditch near the lake for about a week prior to the DNR's involvement. Large indentations or gouges in the ground, as well as sliding marks where they reentered the water, may be some of these markings. Lets take a look at a few of the things you can do to stay safe around these incredible creatures. Boating, skiing, trophy fishing, swimming, and other water sports are available at Lake Blackshear. Target the tree line in the late spring. If youre planning a wedding in Georgia and don't want to break the bank, look no further than Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. I swim in my pond and there is usually 7 or 8 in it. 2. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is one of 22 crocodilian species worldwide. The Flint River has an unusual source. However, because of its poor health, the alligator had to be put down, Cummings said. Alligators are at home in the waters of the southeastern United States, and they are wild, carnivorous animals. The Biggest Alligator Ever Found in Georgia. It had a chest girth of 57 inches. According to Howze, the alligator was 13 feet 4 inches long, with an estimated weight of around 700-750 pounds. Only two other species occur in North America the native American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus ) found in extreme southern Florida and the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus ), an introduced species. If you follow the above rules and stay out of alligator-infested lakes in Georgia, then you should have no reason to bother a wild alligator. In truth, they aren't. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Can alligators live in Lake Erie? The alligator was found in an irrigation ditch off of Lake Blackshear, according to Melissa Cummings with the Georgia DNR. Do alligators live in Lake Lanier? They tend to stay away from busy, urban areas, though they do sometimes stray into human-occupied bodies of water. Swimming in areas where large alligators can be found is best avoided, but never swim alone at the very least. #4 New Mexico. The wait was certainly worth it when Brian was able to harvest a 600-lb., 11-foot, 3-inch alligator the night of Aug. 20 while hunting in the Oconee River near Toomsboro in Wilkinson County. THE ANSWER: This park of more than 1,300 acres on Lake Blackshear was established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, featuring a museum with artifacts from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. You have just come across an article on the topic Are there alligators in Lake Oconee?. Lake Blackshear borders five counties and contains approximately 8,700 acres. Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida Gator in Most Florida Video Ever, Discover the One Place on Earth that Crocodiles and Alligators Coexist. What should be included in a wedding package? Finally, well take a look at a few things you should never do if you find an alligator-infested lake in Georgia. If you plan to spend any time outdoors in the southern half of Georgia, its important to know a few basic rules about interacting with alligators. The body of Gwen Williams, 83, was found the following day in a lagoon at The Landings, a gated community on Skidaway, east of Savannah. We allow pets for $75 per stay in some of the Villas and Cabins. The majority of Georgia's alligators are found in the largest freshwater refuge east of the Mississippi River, the Okefenokee Swamp. If youre going to Georgia specifically to see alligators, you might want to skip Lake Blackshear and head straight to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. This scalpel is for diamond surgery. Squarespace allows photographers to quickly build an online portfolio and begin showcasing their work. Louisiana Alligator In 1890, the alligator, which is said to be the largest ever recorded, was discovered on Marsh Island, Louisiana. The ackie monitor has a spiny tail which it uses as in self-defense. No lodge rooms are able to accommodate pets at this time. Female alligators will act to protect their nests and babies. It was there that, in 2019, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) harvested a 700-pound, 13-foot, 4-inch alligator. Alligators, on the other hand, have a tendency to be afraid of humans. Boating, skiing, trophy fishing, swimming, and other water sports are available at Lake Blackshear. Never capture an alligator for a pet. There are two extant (living) species of gator; the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). Howze said that the alligator had several previous injuries including what appeared to be old gunshot wounds when he was found. According to Howze, the alligator was 13 feet 4 inches long, with an estimated weight of around 700-750 pounds. This large marshland is home to at least 10,000 wild alligators. All lengths are Total Length (see Finfish, Seasons, Limits and Sizes). The lake serves as flood control, a source of hydroelectric power, and a drinking water supply for the surrounding area. Lake Blackshear. In addition to its on-the-water amenities, Lake Blackshear is surrounded by a variety of popular local restaurants and a golf club. In 2015, Erin decided to pursue her passion for writing and launched "Erin Krespan". Lake Allatoona is a huge lake that offers many areas for recreation. However, visitors of Lake Eufaula might encounter more than just fish during their time on the water. Whether or not the species vanishes entirely will be determined by a series of decisions made in Georgia in the coming months. Unlike crocodiles, when alligators close their mouths, all of their teeth disappear into specially designed sockets. It has, What is the location of Sql Server Configuration Manager? They have very long jaws, which can clamp down with enough force to sever limbs and crush bone. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. By Associated Press. Freshwater spring-fed rivers are some of Central Floridas more popular areas that arent populated by alligators or sharks. Are There Alligators in the Mississippi River? The pampiniform plexus is involved in the temperature regulation of the testes in addition to its role, Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Cordele is in the 10th percentile for safety, meaning 90% of cities are safer and 10% of cities are more dangerous. Today, there are 21 species of crocodilians found throughout the world. Georgia's alligator hunting season lasts from August 17 to October 8 and can be trapped by nuisance alligator trappers contracted through the state, so most alligators won't live long enough to become 700 pounds. But, they also have thick, scaly hides that protect them from attacks by other gators. 11 The Estimated Alligator Population In Florida Is Around One Million. A favorite summer swimming hole in Georgia, Lake Blackshear is also an amazing destination, with the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club one of the state's swankiest resorts! Alligators rely on water to live and eat, so theyre almost always found in or near a source of permanent water. The lakes usually were murky and dirty and just not a good place to swim. If you have ever dreamed of battling a monster gator ,y . Williams was house-sitting for her son, who was . Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The photo showed a DNR wildlife biologist posing next to the giant animal lying along a cleared pathway in Sumter County near Lake Blackshear. This alligator got pretty close to being the largest ever found in Georgia. As shown below, the, The pampiniform plexus is the cords main mass. Alligators are more active between dusk and dawn, so plan ahead to avoid colliding with them. Wherever this alligator came from, it spent its last days in one of Georgias most alligator-infested lakes. What would a real diamond sword look like? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". There have been alligators spotted in the Oconee River that eventually flows into Lake Oconee, but sightings are rare. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Table of Contents show The springs ar. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". We first need to determine if there are any gators living in the lake. There are alligator-infested lakes in Georgia; you just have to know where to find them. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Alligators rely on water to live and eat, so theyre almost always found in or near a source of permanent water. Georgia is home to only one, Recognized as one of middle and south Georgia's finest courses with the best value for play, Vets Course is open seven days a week throughout the year. Are There Any Lakes with Alligators Near Atlanta, Georgia? Get more stories delivered right to your email. But, if youre traveling through any part of southern Georgia, here are the places youre most likely to encounter a gator: 1. Alligators have been around for at least 30 million years. Alligators are a uniquely North American species; their range extends from the coast of North Carolina south to the Florida panhandle, and west to the southern coast of Texas. March 2, 2019 / 8:31 PM 13 plus feet gators are caught in lake blackshear and there is no history of anyone ever being attacked there. Lake Blackshear can be called the most alligator-infested lake in Georgia. The reservoir encompasses 3,300-acre (1,300 ha) of water, and a full summer pool of approximately 1,686 feet (514 m) above mean sea level. According to Melissa Cummings with the Georgia DNR, the alligator was discovered in an irrigation ditch near Lake Blackshear. Note: There are no minimum length limits on freshwater game fish unless they are listed below, or on pages 19-23. June 18, 2016. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. They have very long jaws, which can clamp down with enough force to sever limbs and crush bone. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Your email address will not be published. Occasionally they will feed on larger animals such as possums, raccoons, and deer. A massive alligator was found in southwest Georgia last weekend and due to its size, the viral images of the giant gator initially generated speculation online as to whether the animal was actually real. Read on to learn more about alligators in Georgia! The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Where was David Beckham son , Many photographers provide a sneak peek of a small set of wedding photos within a week, said Inge. According to the Georgia Wildlife alligator fact sheet, male alligators can grow up to 16 feet in length, although 14 foot long gators are rare. Do blue light-blocking glasses protect your eyes? Today, there are 21 species of crocodilians found throughout the world. The gator was picked up by about three people Monday on the West side of Lake Blackshear off Stathem Lakefront Road in Sumter County. Are there alligators in the Lake Blackshear area? It had been in the ditch for almost a week before it was rescued, "which is very unusual behavior for an alligator," Howze told CBS News on Saturday. It was there that, in 2019, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) harvested a 700-pound, 13-foot, 4-inch alligator. The last thing you want to do is enrage a mother alligator. It features cypress flats, flooded timber and all of the hidden coves and secret fishing holes that make a one-of-a-kind experience for anglers of all skill levels. Alligators are opportunistic feeders that prey on fish, turtles, snakes, frogs, and waterfowl. The habitat of these two species differs, as well. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The fall line is a geological boundary, about twenty miles wide, running northeast across Georgia from Columbus to Augusta. It was 19.2 feet tall. Lets take a look at a few of the things you can do to stay safe around these incredible creatures. However, its on the very edge of the American alligators range. Erin Krespan is the founder and author of the popular lifestyle blog "Erin Krespan". Love Alabama? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the lake is home to more than 1,000 alligators. Research Marriage License Requirements. The gator was found in Lake Blackshear on the . If youre going to Georgia specifically to see alligators, you might want to skip Lake Blackshear and head straight to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. One of the best things you can do to stay safe around alligators is to stay at least ten feet back from the water, this goes for pets too. Brian said he has long had an interest in going alligator hunting. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, they cant survive in saltwater, so you wont find them living in the ocean. The gator had been living in an irrigation ditch near the lake for about a week prior to the DNRs involvement. #2 Rhode Island. Alligators are at home in the waters of the southeastern United States, and they are wild, carnivorous animals. Alligators occur from the southern tip of Texas to the northeastern part of North Carolina. Is this alligator real and was it really living along Lake Blackshear? What is the function of the Pampiniform plexus of testicular vein. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". "We have captured quite a few alligators, but none this large," Howze said. In fact, wildlife biologists discovered a 13-foot gator living along the shores of Lake Blackshear in 2020. Lake Blackshear might be the most alligator-infested lake in Georgia. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Erin's engaging writing style and keen eye for fashion. Despite the fact that many Floridians have learned how to coexist with alligators, there is always the possibility of conflict. Which lake in Georgia has the clearest water? Published: Mar. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? Despite this, alligators are indeed present in the lake. There are approximately 000 alligators in the state of Georgia. But I swam frequently in rivers. The majority of Georgia's alligators are found in the largest freshwater refuge east of the Mississippi River, the Okefenokee Swamp. Are there saltwater alligators in Alabama? Home | Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club - Cordele, GA. Today, there are 21 species of crocodilians found throughout the world. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Alligators have historically been known to resist winters as far north as Atlanta, preferring the southern half of the state, but other species, such as armadillos, coyotes, nutria, and feral hogs, have been migrating northward. Interest. . Because the alligator they killed after a four-hour fight last week was nearly a foot shorter than the record-setting lizard taken last year.But the alligator that hunters took Oct. 2 from Lake . An alligator that was approximately 13 feet 4 inches long and 700 pounds was discovered in an irrigation ditch near Lake Blackshear. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, they cant survive in saltwater, so you wont find them living in the ocean. Located on 8,700-acre Lake Blackshear, the parks sandy swimming beach is the perfect place to cool off during Georgia summers. What lakes have alligators in Georgia? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Have some feedback for us? "Without them, this would not have been possible," Howze said of Rhone and Jenkins. SUMTER COUNTY, Ga. A viral photo of a man posing next to a giant alligator has been making the rounds on social media and many are wondering if it is fake. Additionally, never feed alligators, and never, ever approach an alligator nest. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". All alligators start out life as eggs, emerging from their nests when they hatch. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lake Eufaula is formed on the Chattahoochee River near Eufaula, Alabama. Wild alligators are extremely rare to chase people, but for short distances on land, they can run up to 35 miles per hour. Their eyes are located on the top of their head, and their bodies are long and streamlined, ending in rudder-like tails. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. An alligator, which is estimated to be about 2-to-3-feet long, has been seen on the north end of Lake Lanier near Don Carter State Park. The largest alligator ever recorded during Georgias alligator hunting season was 14 feet long. Where does the Flint River start in Georgia? There are likely many, smaller, alligators living in Lake Blackshear. 4, 2019 at 9:03 AM PST. Crocodiles, preferring saltwater or brackish habitats, are found in coastal areas. Recognized as one of middle and south Georgia's finest courses with the best value for play, Vets Course is open seven days a week throughout the year. See more. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. According to the biologist, the animal had been in the irrigation ditch for close to a week, which Cummings said was very unusual behavior. It's hard to believe that Lake Blackshear is actually a man-made lake on the Flint River created by a dam! The heaviest alligator that was hunted in 2011 was 860 pounds and 13 feet 4 inches long, Cummings said. The lake borders five counties in Southwest Georgia: Crisp, Dooly, Lee, Sumter and Worth. Unfortunately, the massive alligator was in very poor health due to unhealed gunshot wounds and had to be humanely euthanized. It was named for Charles Frederick Crisp, a jurist and Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives between 1891 and 1893. In fact, an estimated 10,000-13,000 . Create a Courthouse Wedding Checklist. Lake Blackshear just might be the most alligator-infested lake in Georgia, if news reports are any indication. Current Wolf Population, Trend, Status Number of wolves: According to this report from 2010, there are 1,000 to 2,000 wolves in Georgia. A 700-pound hulk, it measured 13 feet 4 inches in length. The rate of violent crime in Cordele is 6.46 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. Lying on the sunny bank of a lake or river. Alligators, on the other hand, cause them to lose their natural fear of humans. Instead, alligators make their homes in lush, heavily vegetated sources of permanent water, like swamps, lakes, rivers, and even irrigation canals. Lake Blackshear covers over 8,000 acres in south-central Georgia. In fact, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuges 396,000 acres are estimated to be home to 10,000-13,000 gators. The other native crocodilian is the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Made famous by their toothy smiles, alligators are all scales, teeth, and claws. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? Invite Your Closest Family Members , Is Squarespace good for photographers? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The black bear is a symbol of Georgias natural diversity as it is the only bear found in the state and is a conservation success story. Due to its size and availability of suitable habitat, Lake Okeechobee has the most alligators, an FWC spokesperson said. This beautiful lake attracts numerous people all year long for its amazing fishing opportunities. Here, well discover whether or not Lake Blackshear is home to the infamous American alligator. In the last 70 years, not only has the lake served Crisp County with power but has also become a valuable recreational and wildlife facility in southwest Georgia. Largemouth Bass. Due to his poor conditions and old age, the team decided to euthanize him. An image of a giant alligator in Georgia has been getting a lot of attention on social media. Where Is Sql Server Configuration Manager Located? Make an Appointment or Nominate a Day. Brent Howze, a Wildlife Biologist with the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, confirmed to CBS News that the gator was, in fact, real. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. . Georgia Alligator Guides is a 2 man team with over 40 years combined gator hunting experience. DNR reports that the number of gators has increased dramatically in the past few years, and that it is not uncommon to see up to 100 gator sightings on any . She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories. Capture the Event on Film. Georgias alligators can be found primarily south of the fall line (roughly from Columbus to Macon to Augusta), their natural geographic range in this state. A South Georgia man hit the jackpot on his first alligator hunt, taking a 12 foot monster gator in Lake Blackshear early Wednesday morning. Do you have a claim you'd like our VERIFY team to look into? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Never capture an alligator for a pet. The exception was an attack at Lake Seminole, near Bainbridge, in the summer of 2000. Alligators are fast in the water, but their short, powerful legs allow them to run surprisingly fast on dry land. Alligators are not found in North Georgia as natural habitat. A small alligator recently spotted in Lake Lanier has been causing such a stir, youd think someone had seen the Loch Ness monster. They have very long jaws, which can clamp down with enough force to sever limbs and crush bone. It does not store any personal data. We first need to determine if there are any gators living in the lake. If so, did you spot an alligator? They arent real aggressive. Despite this, alligators are indeed present in the lake. The season for this year began at sunset on August 16 and runs until sunrise on October 7. No lodge rooms are able to accommodate pets at this time. What are the biggest expenses for a wedding? The black bear, the only bear found in Georgia and a conservation success story, is a symbol of Georgias natural diversity. According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding costs $33,900, including the engagement ring. Only three (3) credible mountain lion sightings have occurred in Georgia in the last 25 years. tiny black tadpole looking bug in bathroom; ff14 plasmoid iron lake location; top 10 most dangerous areas in cape town; cockapoo rescue michigan; floris nicolas ali, baron van pallandt cause of death; A national bass fishing tournament is hosted annually. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. And, its one of the largest gators ever recorded in the state. Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida, has the most, with over 2,300 people, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife.