‘Actively made contact with canoes:’ Parts of Juniper Springs closed due to ‘nuisance alligator’

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Portions of Juniper Springs have been closed due to a “nuisance alligator” that has made contact with canoes and kayaks in the area, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Officials posted on social media saying the water input for kayaks and canoes at the Juniper Springs Recreation Area is temporarily closed as of Monday due to a large male alligator estimated to be 13-14 feet long that has “actively made contact with canoes and kayaks” over the last few days.

Although no injuries have been reported, the closure impacts the put-in through the waterway and down to the take-out area on State Road 19.

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“To help prevent human interaction and disruption, the Forest Supervisor and Ocala district ranger decided to give this alligator his space for the time being. Thanks for respecting our wildlife!” the post on social media read in part.

Officials said that alligator mating season runs April through June in Florida, followed by nesting season, which runs June through August.

Female alligators build nests and deposit about 32 to 46 eggs, which hatch around August through September.

Male and female alligators are naturally protective of their breeding and nesting environments, typically found along embankments, officials said.