Lake Superior and Alligators
The Great Lakes of North America are among the largest lakes in the world, and they are known for their ample wildlife, with many species of fish, birds and even mammals calling them home. But do any of the Great Lakes also house alligators, the renowned reptiles that can be found all over the southeastern United States? Unfortunately, the answer is no – alligators are not, and never have been, native to Lake Superior, Ontario or Michigan.
That doesn’t mean that no alligators have ever been seen in these Great Lakes, though. Every now and again, a “lake alligator” story surfaces from one of these body of water, usually with claims of alligators sightings. In most cases, the individual making the claim either mistakes a different type of creature or animal for an alligator or deliberately lies. This was again proven in 2006, when supposed alligator sightings in Lake Michigan received media attention, only to be debunked after a few days.
It doesn’t help matters much that people, primarily in the Chicago area, have also been releasing their pet alligators into lake over the past few decades. According to experts, this practice has been growing in popularity, much to the detriment of these animals. They are unable to survive the frigid waters, and so any alligators released in this area will likely die, making them a poor decision for an owner to make.
So why don’t these lakes have alligators, despite the conditions potentially being hospitable for them to live? Well, it is believed that the colder waters found in the Great Lakes simply haven’t been around long enough for alligators to evolve and inhabit them. Alligators and crocodiles evolved under warm climates and while they have adapted over the centuries, they still cannot tolerate the cold weather which Lake Superior is home to.
The good news is that some locals have opened their homes and hearts to displaced alligators. Fostering abandoned or mistreated alligators gives these professionals the chance to study these reptiles while also providing the animals with a safe home. Without such homes and the dedicated care of these employees, the alligators likely wouldn’t have much of a life, if at all.
The History Of Alligators
Alligators are ancient creatures, having roamed the Earth for more than 37 million years as part of the archosaur family. This family also includes the dinosaurs, and scientists believe that the creatures may have evolved from the small, semi-aquatic creature that would soon come to be known as the “codasa” – the first-known ancestor of all modern crocodylians.
Fossil records indicate that the alligator first appeared during the Oligocene epoch, between 34 million and 23 million years ago. Since then, four distinct species of alligator have been identified, two in Africa and two in the Americas. This indicates that the creatures traveled fairly quickly amongst these continents around the same time, and it is believed that the last common ancestor of all modern species lived somewhere in North Africa.
We now know that this abundance of species diversified over the centuries, and that the creatures remained mostly unchanged until the last 1 million or so years, when it is believed that the alligators we recognize today began to take form.
Are Alligators Dangerous?
Despite the intensity that the alligator is often associated with, these creatures are generally not considered to be an overly dangerous species – assuming people don’t bother them. This is primarily because alligators tend to stay away from humans and will only become aggressive when threatened or startled – thus it is imperative that those who spot these creatures exercise extreme caution and do not approach them.
The best advice for anyone who spots an alligator is to observe from a safe distance. Alligators, much like crocodiles and other reptiles, are amazing animals and should not be disturbed as it can lead to potential danger. Instead, be aware of your surroundings and use caution if you come into contact with one.
The Importance Of Preservation
Alligators, while not native to the Great Lakes, are a crucial species to the environment and the planet as a whole. They act as a signal species, indicating ecosystem health, and they play a critical role in the overall food chain, as they are both predators and prey. By conserving and protecting alligator populations, we are preserving a valuable species and protecting the entire ecosystem.
Taking this into account, it is easy to see why conservation practices are crucial for preserving alligators, allowing for thriving populations throughout their natural habitat. Conservation allows us to protect the habitats of alligators, preserve the animal’s populations, and make sure that their dispersal, nesting and feeding sites remain intact.
Furthermore, such conservation practices make it possible for humans to observe and study these amazing creatures safely. Local organizations like zoos and aquariums also provide the opportunity to learn more about reptiles like the alligator and how they function in the world.
How Can We Help?
Despite its inaccessibility, Lake Superior is often home to many animals and birds, including a few species that can be found in the U.S. states and territories near it. Much has been done for the preservation of these species and the overall Great Lakes ecosystem, but a significant amount of work remains.
In order to help as much as possible, it is essential to volunteer at local organizations that are devoted to helping protect the species in Lake Superior and its surroundings. From conserving shorelines to removing pollution, such organizations provide an invaluable service to the lake and its inhabiting wildlife, and many of them are in need of volunteers to help with their efforts.
Additionally, the local governments and organizations can take the lead in creating detailed plans to help protect shorelines, reduce runoff pollution and provide protective measures for native species. Doing these things will not only help protect the natural habitats and species of Lake Superior, but also help support the economy, tourism and recreation near the lake as well.
The International Role
Helping protect Lake Superior extends well beyond doing what can be done locally – it’s a global task that requires international co-operation. In the form of reducing global carbon emissions and other pollutants, governments across the globe can help protect the environment and curbing the factors that are leading to climate change.
And as an international effort, it is important that the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change provides a platform for countries to address the much-needed solutions for global warming. This agreement is essential for raising public awareness and encouraging countries to take action on reducing emissions and working toward a more clean and sustainable future.
Investment Opportunities
Investing in sustainable energy solutions and startups is another great way to help protect Lake Superior and the environment as a whole. Sustainable and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, amongst many others, are becoming increasingly popular and are gradually becoming more cost-effective as well.
By investing in such solutions, people can help to steer the world toward cleaner and more sustainable solutions. Furthermore, investing in companies that develop water-cleaning technologies can also help mitigate pollution and keep the lake clean.
The good news is that these technologies are becoming more and more accessible, provided that you have the resources to invest. Many of these investments have the potential to bring a good return, and not to mention you will also be doing your part in helping protect the environment too.
The Ripple Effect
The preservation of Lake Superior and its wildlife is essential for a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Thus, when it comes to protecting the lake and its species, a ripple effect is triggered that can benefit the entire environment and its inhabitants.
The lake’s creatures, such as fish and birds, play an integral part in the food chain, and if one species is endangered this can affect their entire environment. Moreover, when these species are endangered or in need of protection, it also has an effect on the local economies.
Furthermore, protection and conservation of Lake Superior also helps to preserve the environment and keep the climate in balance. And with numerous species of birds and fish, as well as spectacular views, the lake is also an ideal spot for those who love to spend time outdoors and participate in recreational activities like swimming, fishing and boating.
