A tourist recorded the moment when he was filming a “race” of two broad-faced alligators that were in a stream at the entrance to Praia do Forte, in the north of the island, in Florianopolis. The bather, accompanied by his son, was amazed at the size of the animals: “Let’s get away from them,” he said.

Alligators were spotted on the fort’s beach and the swimmers were frightened – Video: Jefferson Moraes/Personal Archive/ND

The video was posted online by Jefferson Moraes of Paraná on November 15, when he was in the capital of Santa Catarina. In the post, the tourist said, “I’ll admit I was scared (sic), I was scared lol.” First, Jefferson films animals in the water. When the reptiles leave, he leaves. At the end of the video, you can see another alligator inside the stream.

Floram (Florianopolis Municipal Fund for the Environment) reported that alligators can often be found in the streams and mangroves of Florianopolis, as this is their natural habitat. But on the beaches, it is really not customary to register the presence of reptiles.

However, the agency explains that the animals may appear if there are other ecosystems, such as mangroves and streams, near the sandy strips characteristic of Praia do Forte.

“Floram advises the public to keep their distance and not feed wild animals such as alligators and capybaras. If you find these species outside their natural habitat or in a risk zone, contact environmental authorities, such as the environmental police, ”the fund’s guide says.

See post:

I confess I was scared and I was scared lol#swear #priadoforte #Floripa pic.twitter.com/LYziWgZhE6

— Jefferson Moraes (@jeffmoraes37) November 15, 2022

The species is distributed in Florianopolis.

Broad-faced alligators are emblematic of the Atlantic Forest, an ecosystem that dominates most of the island’s landscapes. In adulthood, they can reach three meters in length and 100 kg of body weight.

Florianopolis City Hall confirms on the official website the presence of animals in some parks and beaches in the region and explains what causes the reptiles to leave their natural habitat.

The animals that can often be seen in the urban areas of Florianopolis, such as in the Santa Monica area or on the Praia do Forte and Daniela canals, are impressive.

“The largest occurrence of alligators in this place is due, among other things, to the lack of natural predators and the increase in food supplies, especially fish. Unfortunately, the spread of marmosets is also responsible for the increase as they feed on lizard eggs, limiting the alligator population.