Ochopee in Collier County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Big Cypress
Alligators
Imagine alligator relatives dating back to the days of dinosaurs, over 150 million years ago. Gators today still look similar to their 50 foot long relatives. Present day American alligators can grow to over 15 feet and many weigh up to 1,000 pounds. During the twentieth century, American alligators were almost hunted to extinction. Due to increased protection, however alligator number have rebounded. Limited gator hunts are legally permitted in parts of Florida, and throughout the state, they number over one million.
Los Caimanes de Big Cypress
Imagínese que los parientes del caimán se remontan a los días de los dinosaurious, hace más de 150 milliones de años. Los cocodrilos de hoy todavía se parecen a sus parientes de 50 pies (15 m) de largo. En los Estados Unidos los caimanes pueden crecer hasta alcanzar los 15 pies (4,5 m aprox.) de largo y pesar hasta 1.000 libras (450 kg aprox.). Durante el sigie veinte, los caimanes estadounidenses fueron cazados casi hasta su extinción. Sin embargo, gracias a la mayor protección el número de caimanes se ha recuperado. Se permite legalmente la caza limitada de caimanes en algunas zonas de Florida y en todo el estado son más de un millón.
Watch Wildlife Responsibly
While visiting Big Cypress National Preserve, or any other natural area, please remember:
• All wildlife is wild and unpredictable. Stay a safe distance from any wild animal. Fifteen feet is the recommended minimum safe distance for alligators.
• View wildlife with respect. How you behave can save their life and yours.
• Never feed or harass wildlife.
• All plants and animals within national preserve areas are protected, it is illegal to collect any plant or wildlife without special permits.
Observar la vida silvestre con responsabilidad
Durante su visita a Big Cypress National Preserve, o cualquier otra área natural, favor de recordar que:
• Toda la vida silvestre es salvaje e impredecible. Manténgase a una distancia segura de los animales salvajes. La recomendada distancia mínima de seguridad entre los cocodrilos y usted son quince pies (4,6 metros).
• Debe observar la vida silvestre con respeto. La manera en que usted se comporta puede salvar su vida y la de ellos.
• Nunca debe alimentar ni molestar a la vida silvestre.
• Toda la flora y fauna que se encuentra dentro de las reservas nacionales es protegida. Es ilegal recoger plantas o animales silvestres sin permisos especiales.
Erected by Big Cypress National Preserve/ Everglade Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 25° 51.537′ N, 81° 1.992′ W. Marker is in Ochopee, Florida, in Collier County. It is on Florida Trail. Marker is located inside Big Cypress Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee FL 34141, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast and in the Everglades. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of

Photographed by Larry Gertner
3. American Alligators
NPS Big Cypress National Preserve website entry
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Birds of Big Cypress (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wildlife & You (about 300 feet away); H. P. Williams Roadside Park (about 400 feet away); Big Cypress National Preserve (about 400 feet away); Fighting an Invasion (about 500 feet away); Stephen Tyng Mather (about 600 feet away); 1936 Seminole Conference (approx. 5 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 28, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 3. submitted on November 12, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • A full view photo of the marker. • Can you help?

