Study: Gators, bats, raccoons lurk in Gainesville’s stormwater sewer system

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Sewer gators are just some of the thousands of animals making Gainesville’s stormwater sewer systems their home according to a newly published study.

Alan Ivory, a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida, led the research published in the journal Urban Naturalist. The study reveals alligators and dozens of other species live in the sewers.

The researchers placed 39 cameras in the system throughout Gainesville including in manholes, grates, and outside open pipes.

The study documented 3,789 animals from February to July 2024. Some of the animals include more than 1,800 raccoons, nearly 700 bats, and 50 alligators. The cameras also captured video of rats, opossums, and snakes.

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The study’s goal was to understand how urbanization impacts the wildlife population. It lays the groundwork for future studies.

Ivory was most surprised to learn how many bats roost in the sewers. He hopes to continue the research in the winter months to understand the impacts of cold weather on the animals.

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