Explore Lake Jesup in Seminole County and discover why there are so many alligators

OVIEDO — Few lakes in Seminole County can top the amount of the alligators living in Lake Jesup.

Wildlife officials have estimated that there are over 12,000 alligators in Lake Jesup.

“Lake Jesup has the highest population of alligators, per acre in Florida,” said Black Hammock airboat captain Tim Harrold.

Lake Jesup is part of the St. Johns River waterway.

Many people are surprised to discover that the lake’s water depth is six feet or less. So, what explains the large number of alligators in this shallow body of water?

"Back in the '60s and '70s, alligators were on the endangered species list, so you could not hunt or kill them. They had to relocate all the alligators, and this is where they brought them,” Harrold said.

Jesup became a dumping ground for unwanted reptiles, as Central Florida was developed, according to the guide.

People come from around the world to see gators by airboat and the other wildlife that lives in and around the lake.