March 10 (UPI) — A large number of alligators have made a home out of a massive sinkhole near a lake in Florida.
Witnesses have reported seeing as many as hundreds of alligators gathering in the “Deep Hole” sinkhole at Myakka Lake State Park in Sarasota.
The sinkhole measures 200 feet wide and between 130 and 140 feet deep and has become a popular location for observing the alligators found around the park.
“On a typical day in the dry season you can see 50, 150, 200 alligators,” park manager Stephen Giguere told WTSP. “They congregate to this area only deep water left during dry season and a good source of food.”
Giguere added that permits are required to enter the nature preserve and advised it is best for guests to observe the gators from a distance.
“Do not approach the alligator. Please keep a safe distance…General rule: 100-foot minimum should be safe,” he said. “Alligators can run 35 miles per hour in short bursts.”
