I went to high school here in North Florida. There was a canal between my school and an elementary school. I saw a 5-6 foot gator beside the canal. This is not an uncommon sight. This was in a residential neighborhood.
Another reason that I do NOT live in Florida, LOL! I’d take on a Wisconsin Black Bear before a ‘gator!
Mindless eating machines. With a Black Bear, mostly they want to just get away from you! :)