'Gators Everywhere': Boater Stumbles Upon Dozens Of Gators In GA Swamp

FARGO, GA — A boater on his way to Billy's Lake in Fargo was met with a scaly surprise when he came across dozens of alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp this past weekend.

Fargo resident Marty Welch shared on Tuesday video footage on his Facebook account that seemingly shows several alligators in the water and on the banks. The nearly 2 minute-long viral video secured at least 374,000 views as of late Friday morning.

A man and woman onboard the boat were heard in the footage surmising a minimum of 50 alligators were in the water.

"Look at the gators. Man, there's a lot of them. ... There's gators everywhere," the man is heard saying in the video. The man was not immediately identified as Welch.

According to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the alligators were swimming in a canal. Wildlife officials said this congregation is normal during periods of low water levels and food source concentration.

The Okefenokee includes areas of deeper water, known as "gator holes," that can hold water for longer time periods, according to Okefenokee Adventures, which provides tours and rentals at the refuge entrance.

Okefenokee Adventures, which considers alligators to be a keystone species, said the purpose of these reptiles congregating in certain areas is because they similar to an "all-you-can-eat buffet."

A keystone species offers support to other species and assists in binding together the ecosystem, refuge officials said.

"What animal wouldn’t want to go where there is bountiful and easy-to-catch food," Okefenokee Adventures posted on Facebook.

The alligator hisses, bellows and growls are due to the animals practicing social hierarchies, the group said.

"So, should we be worried? No. This behavior is completely normal. We would like to remind all swamp visitors to keep alligators at a safe distance, no matter how many are congregated, and always give them a 'wet way to get away,'" Okefenokee Adventures said.

Refuge officials noted the absence of an alligator attack in the refuge's 87-year history.

Billy's Lake, located in Ware County, is part of Billy's Island. The launch onto Billy's Island is located at Stephen C. Foster State Park, according to Florida Paddle Notes. The Okefenokee shelters about 10,000-13,000 American alligators, according to FPN.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources offered the following tips for safety against alligators:

• Treat all wildlife with respect. Feeding, harassing, injuring or removing wildlife, including alligators, is against the law.
• Never feed an alligator.
• Never approach alligators. They are extremely fast and will defend themselves when cornered. They rarely chase people, but they can outrun or out swim the fastest person for the first 30 feet.
• Keep pets and children away from the banks of lakes and streams.
• Do not fish near an alligator that seems interested in you. If an alligator takes your bait, cut your line and move away. Do not use a stringer for fish. Do not throw fish scraps in water.
• Swim only in designated areas. If you see an alligator near a swimming area, immediately notify park staff.
• Let park staff know if you encounter an aggressive gator or see anyone feeding an alligator.