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Group of dead alligators found at Myakka State Park
FOX 13's Evan Axelbank reports on what could be behind the deaths of at least three alligators at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County.
SARASOTA, Fla. - What is behind the deaths of at least three alligators at Myakka River State Park?
What we know
State officials are looking into it after tourists started noticing the gator bodies along the park's main road.
Florida state officials are looking into the deaths of at least three alligators at Myakka River State Park.
"I'm just surprised," said park visitor Bob Clark. "I've never seen one floating around dead like that on this bridge."
It's not just one.
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There was another floating on the other side of the bridge along Park Drive, and a third along the shore, with buzzards or vultures completing the circle of life.
"It's sad to see that our little friend here isn't living another day," said tourist Joshua Watkins. "They deserve to be here. They deserve to live."
Florida state officials are looking into the deaths of at least three alligators at Myakka River State Park.
Myakka State Park staff told Fox 13 there is an investigation to figure out what went wrong.
Did the gators die of old age, or was there a battle royale over territory, or did the quality of the water impact them?
"I'm hoping Mother Nature was his cause of death, not human," said Watkins.
Indeed, staff also told Fox 13 that there is no suspicion that human activity caused the deaths, and FWC says there is no criminal investigation into the issue.
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Water levels
There are notices at the park that say water levels are low, which is typical for this time of year, and boat tours are not currently happening.
There are also signs that urge visitors to use bottled water because running water at the park is not currently drinkable.
"I've never thought about them having a problem," said Clark. "They seem to prosper in this part of the Gulf."
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