While the Florida Panther is considered the state’s official animal, the alligator can easily be seen as the unofficial pick.
With over 1 million alligators estimated to live in Florida, the animal is a huge draw for many, with an entire theme park being created to showcase their scaly features.
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However, one highway in Florida is considered to be among the best places to spot alligators: a stretch of Interstate 75 dubbed “Alligator Alley.”
This toll road — also known as Everglades Parkway — stretches around 80 miles through the Florida Everglades, and it got its moniker thanks to the abundance of neighboring marshes where the eponymous alligators live.
The road is surrounded by wildlife management areas and preserves, where alligators and other Florida wildlife inhabit, making it a great place to spot these creatures.
More specifically, its name stems from the American Automobile Association, which originally believed that the route would be unpopular with drivers, better served as an “alley for alligators,” according to the Florida Weekly.
The road initially opened to drivers in 1968 to link the Atlantic and Gulf coasts in South Florida, though the name was made official during a meeting by the Collier County Commission a couple of years earlier.
“Alley’s a good name,” said then-Commissioner A.C. Hancock. “It’ll attract tourists.”
Despite the muddy terrain and multitude of gators, driving through Alligator Alley is relatively safe thanks to the overpasses and high fences along the road.
Aside from alligators, you can find other types of wildlife native to swamplands, such as turtles, herons and pythons. Even Florida panthers are known to roam the area, as indicated by the number of wildlife crossing signs posted along the roadway.
For a regular 2-axle vehicle, the Sunpass toll rate is approximately $3.18. Meanwhile, the cash rate is $3.75.
A-Z Animals recommends that drivers follow these tips to ensure they get through their trip with minimal hassle:
- Make sure to account for rest stops: There are only three rest areas and a service plaza along Alligator Alley, so be sure to stop when you need to. You don’t want to run out of gas or get caught needing to use the restroom at an inopportune time!
- Be safe on the highway: Don’t tailgate other drivers, and follow the posted speed limit. You don’t want to crash and be stranded on a road named “Alligator Alley,” after all.
- Prepare before you make the drive: Fully charge your cell phone and be sure to have roadside assistance on hand in case of an emergency. While the road is considered safe, it’s still not the kind of place you want to be trapped on late at night.
- Avoid alligators at all costs: If you see a gator on the road, do not get out of your car. Alligators should never be approached or fed. Instead, keep a safe distance from any alligators you come across.
- Is an alligator in your path? Again, don’t mess with it. Drive around if possible, or else wait until the alligator crosses the road before continuing on. Harassing alligators in Florida comes with criminal penalties.
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