Florida is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, but sometimes the animals in the Sunshine State can surprise us with their strange behaviors. In this article, we will explore some of the most bizarre and fascinating animal stories that have emerged from Florida in 2022. From alligators eating footballs to iguanas falling from trees, these tales showcase the unpredictable, entertaining, and sometimes tragic nature of Florida’s animal kingdom. Read to the end to discover the identity of a strange-looking mystery creature photographed in Tampa . . . was it a new species?

Florida has over 1.3 million alligators all over the state. With so many gators, and so many Floridians with cameras, it’s not surprising to find some jaw-dropping images. Like the photographer in Big Cypress National Preserve who snapped a pic of an alligator chomping on a football! It wasn’t clear whether the animal was playing with the pigskin or trying to eat it . . . but our bet is the latter. The real question, as one commenter pointed out, is: “Everyone worried about the football and not the person that was holding it?”

2. Alligator Does Not Love Flying Disc

Tragically, on May 31, 2022 a 47-year-old man died trying to retrieve a flying disc from an alligator-infested lake in John S. Taylor Park in Tampa Bay. The park has an 18-hole flying disc golf course adjacent to the lake, and multiple signs warn against swimming due to the presence of gators. This isn’t the first time this has happened: another man searching for a lost flying disc was bitten in the face in the same lake and later died. Both incidents happened during the alligators’ spring mating season when they become more aggressive and territorial.

3. Falling Iguanas for Christmas

Just before Christmas 2022 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission warned that a predicted blast of cold air could cause iguanas to lose all muscle control and fall from trees. Iguanas are not indigenous to Florida, but are an invasive species that can damage residential and commercial landscaping – as well as the good Samaritans who try to help them. The FFWC warned: “Whatever you do, don’t bring wild green iguanas into your home or your car to warm up! They can recover more quickly than you think and become defensive, using their long tails and sharp teeth & claws.”