Guess we better learn more about these critters since we finally moved to coastal South Carolina, lol.
Recently I hit a golf ball near a gator at Argent Lakes. Since we are in mating season when gators get aggressive, needless to say I let it go. Also make sure you take a flashlight with you at night. Gators migrate between ponds at night.
Yes, you should. Some have recently been found in the Tennessee River near me.
We moved from the Everglade area to TN when I started high school. Our winters then were much colder. I still find it hard to believe that they are surviving here now.