Can alligators survive in Lake Michigan?

Alligators won't invade Michigan, but these 5 species already have. A 4-foot alligator was found in Lake Michigan this week, but experts say there should be no worries that the reptiles could take up permanent residence in the Great Lakes the way pythons have made a home in the Florida Everglades.



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Lake Michigan is generally clean and safe for swimming but it can become contaminated with harmful bacteria.

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However, dangerous currents may exist at any time near piers, breakwalls, and river outlets. Always use caution and never swim alone. A Moderate Swim Risk implies that breaking waves and currents are expected at the beach. Stay away from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets at these times.

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“Lake Okeechobee has the most alligators, due to its size and availability of suitable habitat,” an FWC spokesperson said. That lake has about 30,000 alligators, but it's almost 30 times larger than Lake Jesup. So when it comes to population density, Lake Jesup might be No. 1.

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Between 400,000 – 500,000, alligators call Texas home, i.e., slightly less than the entire population of Wyoming (approximately 578,758). Fortunately, they are not commonly found all over the state but rather tend to stick to the eastern half of the state. However, they can be found in a few lakes in northern Texas.

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