Fish and Wildlife researchers have a spotlight on alligator surveys this month

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission scientists are conducting alligator surveys to monitor alligator populations later this month. The surveys are conducted every spring on Newnans, Orange and Lochloosa lakes. FWC spokeswoman Karen Parker says these annual spotlight surveys on airboats at night is the best method to observe alligators.

“They’ll go out at night and they’ll shine across the lake and count the gators. And basically the spotlight surveys are the easiest and best method to observe these gators because you can see their reflective eyes,” she said.

In Alachua County, there is a curfew on airboat usage from 7 PM to 7 AM, except for law enforcement and scientific purposes.