Avoid swimming at night, outside of posted swimming areas, or in waters that might be inhabited by alligators. People are also discouraged from feeding ducks, turtles and other animals inhabiting the water with alligators as the food source attracts the reptiles and trains them to associate humans with foods. The conditions in the north of Alabama contribute to the declining growth rate of the gators population. Its a common misconception that they are limited to water, said Hudson. In addition to creating unpredictable rip currents in the water, flash flooding and the chance of being struck by lightning are real threats when visiting. Adhere to set down rules and caution when near waters infested with alligators. Always remember to use extreme caution while on Lake Eufaula. The alligators will eventually change their behavior, and instead of shying away from men, they can begin to approach men aiming to get a meal. Lake Forest, Eufala, and Big creek are other water bodies where alligators have found a home in Alabama. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? How Many Alligators Live in Alabama? - AZ Animals Alligator (American) - Facts, Diet & Habitat Information Louisiana alligators in the Swamps - NewOrleansWebsites A few sources claim that alligators can be found in every county of the state, although they arent as densely populated as some of the other states on the list. Here, well find out just how many alligators live in Alabama, and where exactly you can find them. This large alligator was seen at Test Area 1 in the early-2000s. An alligator lacks the necessary glands to excrete salt and cant survive in salty waters. Alligators typically have dark gray or black skin with white or yellow markings, while crocodiles are usually tan in color with darker stripes and spots. Cannibalism is common among alligators in areas where they are more populated. Absolutely leave it alone. Living with Alligators | Outdoor Alabama Have some feedback for us? Some female alligators will become aggressive if they are provoked. Alabama prohibits harassment or ownership of alligators, as well as illegal hunting. Get the latest Offers, Outdoor News, Stories, and Reviews delivered to your inbox. Like the rest of the southeastern U.S., the only alligator species in Gulf Shores is the American alligator, which is only one of two species worldwide. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. Of these yearlings, 8 will become subadults (reach 4 feet in . The Stokes alligator was caught in the Alabama River, bout 100 miles north of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Are there safe places where I can swim in Alabama? Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. Given the development of Gulf Shores over the years, its rare to encounter an alligator unless in a more remote area. Splashing and moving around will draw attention to you, and the gator could think youre prey. Human/alligator conflicts are rare. Its well understood that people have relocated alligators from the southern reaches of the state. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, I have lived here for over 30 years and never seen so many gators, says one Daphne resident, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. The 15-foot, half-ton monster broke a record set in 2007 in Texas. Range and Habitat Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. Therefore, an alligator attack is rare unless they feel threatened or provoked. Among the popular sites in Alabama is Alligator Alley in Summerdale and Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne. Residents warned as alligators take over Alabama town after heavy rain Alabama (70,000) Alligators live through the southern half of Alabama. Splashing means a possible food source for alligators. Alligators have been sighted in Tennessee This is particularly true in Alabama, where large numbers of gators can be seen at places like Gator Boardwalk in Daphne, and Alligator Alley in Summerdale. Despite the data that shows just how uncommon alligator attacks actually are, these reptiles are often viewed with extreme fear. Lets rank these 10 states to see who has the most! Are There Alligators in the Mississippi River? UV rays from the sun are a danger to beachgoers, even on cloudy days. But in 2014, the "Stokes alligator" was caught in the Alabama River, bout 100 miles north of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. You will easily spot an alligator among the tall grass. Stokes and her crew took the gator in Mill Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River. Because of this stiff protection, the population of alligators in Alabamas waterways has become so plentiful that they are frequently a nuisance. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. Most of the gators fall in the lower half of the state, with populations in the northern half being nearly non-existent. Alligator mating season is April through May, with breeding occurring openly in water. The trail is safe even for young children, having erected measures in place to prevent young ones from straying. Situated on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico (hence the name), Gulf Shores, Alabama, boasts mild and comfortable off-season temperatures, colorful sunsets, and warm water, making it a popular tourist destination. People are to avoid heavy vegetation in or near the water's edge. The crocodilian family has 13 species worldwide, whereas the alligator only has American and Chinese species. In fact, alligators live in approximately half of the states fresh waters. Alligators are common in alabama. West Beach. What Biden might try next if student loan plan struck, Family of cold-case victim gets justice after 40, Suspect at-large after Dothan bar shooting injures, WATCH: Carjacking suspect caught after wild chase, 2 inmates found unresponsive at Limestone Correctional, 3 arrested for large quantity of methamphetamines, Moulton man allegedly found with meth, xanax, Taco Bell murder suspect pens second letter to, PHOTOS: Storm damage, road closures across North, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Fish scales reflect in the sun, which helps alligators hunt their prey. More than 1.1 million people come to Alabama to view wildlife each year, according to a 2013 report by the Environmental Defense Fund and the Walton Family Foundation. Gators typically only attack if they feel cornered and threatened. The 194 miles long river is the longest free-flowing river in Alabama. Pratik Handore. If this occurs, dont test the waters and go swimming anyway. A coastal city in Alabama is warning residents to watch out for alligators when they go about everyday activities, as the reptiles have been sighted in large numbers in unlikely places, following heavy rain. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? All rights reserved (About Us). Alligator Hunting Seasons, All the States That Have One - Wide Open Spaces Alligators are carnivores and feed on whatever food is available. In South Carolina, alligator tags entail a $10 non-refundable fee and a $100 alligator permit fee when successfully selected. OUTDOORS: Growing gator population allows for limited hunting Alligator lifespan depends on a variety of factors such as food availability and climate conditions, but the average life expectancy is still quite long compared to most other animals. One can find . They can live 70 to 100 years. Swim Responsibly Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Mississippi is home to just under 50,000 alligators. Alligator jaws exert up to 1,000 pounds of pressure since they are desired to crush prey. The full-grown alligators can, and did, make it through the colder north Alabama winters and a population of them has managed to hang on in the Tennessee River 37 years after the U.S. Texas has 400-500,000 alligators within its borders. Best Alabama Beaches Gulf Shores. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Does the Alabama River have alligators? Of the 254 counties in the state, 120 have gators. The alligators in the water will tend to move out of the way of the oncoming boat. What States Have Alligators 2023. About 18 hours later, the boys intact body was discovered in the water near where he was taken. The Alabama River is a river located in the U.S. state of Alabama. Understanding the natural behavior of this species can help prevent negative encounters for yourself and others. Through LDWF's extensive research and wise management that includes sustainable wild harvest and alligator farming, Louisiana's wild alligator population has increased from less than 100,000 to more than 2 million in the past 50 years.There are also nearly 1 million alligators on farms in Louisiana. Also, crocs require hotter temperatures to survive, while alligators can withstand freezing lakes. The alleys wide boardwalk snakes around the banks of Mobile Bay and over DOlive Creek. How Many Alligators Live in Alabama? - AZ Animals When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. Thunderstorms, rain squalls, hurricanes, and other inclement weather occur regularly due to the airs moisture. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Are There Alligators in Smith Lake Alabama (Explained) Fish and . jaimie tuchman/Shutterstock.com. The state's large alligator population is largely due to the fact that Alabama first enacted laws to protect alligators all the way back in 1938. The aim is to discourage human interaction and to maintain the respect alligators accord humans. You can also distinguish them by examining the color of their skin. Alligators feature dark green color with small black spots near their jaw. If you are looking for someplace closer to town, Village Point Park Preserve in Daphne will allow you to see gators. The lakes in Alabama have swimming sites where you can enjoy your strokes and water maneuvers. With a belly girth of 65", the Tom Grant's alligator was one of the largest . What Do Swamp People Do With the Alligators? - The Cinemaholic Other states use state wildlife officials to remove alligators that are causing problems. Here Are The Most Dangerous Places In Alabama Nature - OnlyInYourState If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. By comparison the Atchafalaya Basin swamp (the Landry's gator hunting area) is about 207,000 acres. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Selection results will be posted immediately thereafter and applicants can check their selection status on the same . The Southwest Zone has the most tags at 100. Only 50 permits were issued in 2006. But, issuing a few hunting permits every year helps manage alligator populations to better keep both humans and gators safe. Gator populations can be found in the Escambia and Perdido Rivers, Big Creek Lake, Lake Forest, and Lake Eufaula. Recently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel in West Tennessee at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. The Dauphin Island area is home to a variety of sea creatures, including common sharks including blacktip and bull sharks. Oh snap! City asks residents to observe alligators from a safe distance