Move over, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—Florida’s storm drains are officially the hottest underground real estate for wildlife. A recent study by the University of Florida revealed that the state’s sewer systems are basically a five-star resort for alligators, raccoons, armadillos, and more.
That’s right. While most of us avoid sewer systems like, well, sewers, Florida’s critters are treating them like luxury condos. Researchers set up cameras in Gainesville’s storm drains and discovered 35 different species just vibing underground.
The Sewer’s Most Exclusive Residents
Leading the VIP list? Alligators. Because of course they are. The study found gators casually swimming through the tunnels like they own the place—which, let’s be honest, they probably do.
Other notable tenants include:
– Raccoons (probably stealing the cameras because Florida raccoons are basically tiny burglars).
– Armadillos (because why walk above ground when you can roll through a sewer?).
– Frogs (living their best Frogger arc, dodging stormwater like it’s traffic).
Why Are They Down There?
Turns out, Florida’s wildlife has figured out that storm drains are the ultimate life hack. Instead of playing Frogger across busy roads, animals just take the underground express lane. Some, like the gators, use the tunnels to swim between ponds without dealing with traffic. Others, like unlucky frogs, probably got swept in by storm runoff and just went with it.
One researcher described it as “something out of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” which raises the real question: Have we been lied to? Are the Turtles actually in Florida sewers?
Meanwhile, Florida Man Is Still Unaware
While scientists were busy documenting this underground zoo, Florida’s human residents were probably just chilling, completely unaware that an alligator might be swimming beneath their driveway. Classic Florida.
So next time you’re walking down the street, just remember—there’s a whole ecosystem under your feet. And at least one gator judging your life choices.
(This article originally appeared on TalesFromFlorida.com.)