Florida is haphazardly built on top of wild swamps and forests.

As the houses push endlessly out into spaces that once held primordial beasts, encounters with critters and creatures of all stripes have increased exponentially. As such, run-ins with animals frequently make headlines in one of the most prehistoric of American states.

We’ve compiled a few of our favorites from this year.

Sir, this is a Wendy’s: 7-foot alligator scares customers in Florida fast food parking lot
Florida family comes home to 16-foot, 300-pound Burmese python in their yard
A crocodile took up residence at a Florida country club. Officials say it can’t be moved
Florida fisherman runs from large alligator in terrifying video
Florida man finds five-foot boa constrictor inside new couch
Watch this Tampa woman battle a baby gator who snuck into her kitchen
Citizens of Florida, welcome your new ‘river monster’ overlords
WATCH: Florida police officer wards off horny alligator with a broom
Florida woman fights off large alligator while paddleboarding in terrifying video
185-pound Burmese python captured in Naples might be heaviest in Florida history
Florida woman hit in the head when flying turtle shattered her windshield
Watch a squad of cranes chase off a baby alligator in St. Cloud
Video of Walt Disney World gorillas startled by a small snake goes viral
Video shows black bear roaming near Orlando’s Mall at Millenia
Drone video shows surfer passing over shark at Ponce Inlet
Florida Black Bear rescued after spending a month with a jug on its head
Orlando woman finds large python hanging out in her bathroom