Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. As one of the largest lakes in the state, it has many gators that enjoy the 16,000 acres of lake coverage. Distribution of the American alligator in Alabama is typically limited to the southern half of the state, mostly due to habitat and temperature requirements. Alligators feature dark green color with small black spots near their jaw. You can swim near waterboards or have artificial pools in different recreation facilities. There are plenty of safe places where you can swim without worrying about the reptiles. While baby alligators are just about six to eight inches long, shorter than a human forearm, an adult male alligator can be up to 15 feet long and can weigh up to 1000 pounds, even though a weight between 500 and 600 pounds is more common. Watch This Florida Woman Feed an Alligator, Are There Any Lakes with Alligators Near, Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida, The Biggest Alligator Ever Found In Louisiana, The 10 Best Childrens Books About Alligators Reviewed and Ranked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Alligators also display remarkable resilience against disease and are able to adapt quickly when their environment changes. . Alligators have rebounded . And there have only been 23 fatalities between 1948 and 2016. To differentiate the two, you can use some pointers location of sighting, the shape of the snout, color, and observing its closed mouth. A visit to the southern half of Alabama will give you a high chance of seeing an alligator. What is the biggest alligator ever caught in Alabama? Timber Rattlesnake. Although in Alabama, alligators have the freedom to live freely in nature. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. Any standing body of water in Florida could house a gator, making swamps, rivers, lakes, and drainage pools all potentially dangerous. The Mobile-Tensaw river delta offers you a lifetime experience of paddling the Bartram Canoe Trail. If an alligator passes in front of you, remain as still as possible and exit the water immediately. Are there alligators on Dauphin Island Alabama? The maximum length is about 5.8 metres (19 feet), but it more typically ranges from about 1.8 to 3.7 metres (6 to 12 feet). On the other hand, alligators feature cone-shaped teeth and a powerful jaw, which is meant for crushing games. Gator populations can be found in the Escambia and Perdido Rivers, Big Creek Lake, Lake Forest, and Lake Eufaula. Even though they were removed from the Endangered Species List in 1987, the American alligator remains federally protected due to similarity in appearance to other species. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Do not swim in water inhabited by alligators. Are there alligators in Alabama Gulf Shores? Generally absent above Fall Line Hills except for an introduced Tennessee River population near Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. In captivity, alligators can live much longer. These spots are receptors that help them regulate water pressure and detect ripples. And theyve been here for decades. May 13, 2021. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Of course, you can always cool off and swim in one of north Alabamas beautiful eight lakes: Bear Creek Lakes, Lake Guntersville, Neely Henry Lake, Pickwick Lake, Smith Lake, Weiss Lake, Wheeler Lake, and Wilson Lake. With the opening of the newly renovated Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne, it's time to review some facts about Alabama alligators along with some tips in being safe around the reptile's habitat. 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. Lake Forest, Eufala, and Big creek are other water bodies where alligators have found a home in Alabama. Alligators are a top predator species and help keep other animal populations in balance. Being exposed to the sun all day and swimming in salt water can cause your body to become rapidly dehydrated, which can cause considerable damage to your body. Alligators can propel their bodies up and out of the water. Remember, an alligator is more adapted to navigating in water. So how is it that we have a precise record of 19 feet, 2 inches and yet somehow . Two decades of protection enabled the species to rebound. AgDaily, OutdoorHub All Rights Reserved Carbon Media Group Outdoors. However, with human populations continuing to expand, interaction between people and alligators can be expected. But, how many alligators live in Alabama? You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. At one time, the alligators in Alabama were under threat of extinction. Therefore, an alligator attack is rare unless they feel threatened or provoked. Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. A hike in the park will also allow you to see blue crabs, the great blue heron, and snakes dangling from trees near the water. Never Feed Alligators Feeding an alligator is dangerous and illegal. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. 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. Gators typically only attack if they feel cornered and threatened. The Largest Crocodile. Interesting Alligator Facts in Gulf Shores, 4 Safety Tips for Swimming in Alligator-Infested Waters, Tip One: Dont wear shiny jewelry or clothing. There are swimming holes located along these water bodies in Alabama. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Alligators seek to stay away from humans and only attack when provoked. At six feet, an alligator matures sexually, and since the males grow much faster, they tend to mature earlier than females. Alligators arent just big lizards, theyre actually ancient predators that have remained basically the same for over 60 million years. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. The reptile can play maneuvers in water to directly attack the source of such a promising venture. Florida is home to 1.3 million gators, while Louisiana boasts a whopping two million alligators throughout the state. Ten out of the fifty US states have alligators. So for the majority of the year, you can spot alligators on your Florida airboat rides. Now we know how many alligators live in Alabama, but just where can you find them? Harmful encounters occur when people do not pay attention to their surroundings. You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. The state has great natural beauty including inland waterways and forests. Alligators are present in most southern states of U.S. water bodies. It's like clockwork: the weather begins getting warmer, and rumors about North Alabama alligators begin making the rounds on social media again. While they can venture into the saline waters of the Gulf of Mexico for a brief time, its uncommon since their habitat is freshwater. Given the development of Gulf Shores over the years, its rare to encounter an alligator unless in a more remote area. In 1995, as many as 50 American alligators were released in the Alabama portion of the Tennessee River in an effort to keep the beaver population under control. According to the Alabama Extension Service, there are two types of crocodilian species in the U.S: crocodiles and alligators. While alligators also live in freshwater marshes, wetlands, and swamps, their bodies cannot digest salt, so they stay away from saline waters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Prohibited Items Pets are welcome at Gulf Place, but they may not travel on the sand beaches. ADCNR also issues hunting and fishing licenses for the state. Alabama enjoys great weather all year round. Talk to one of our biologist about whether or not theres an issue that needs to be addressed as far as protecting human property or human safety, said Hudson. However, there are many dangerous animals in Alabama.Table of Contents show Spiders. A gator bite can lead to a fatality or inflict a life-changing injury. There are 9 states that have alligators: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Chinese . Children and Pets Are A No In Waters Infested With Alligators. In addition to this physical difference, its important to note that alligators primarily live in freshwater habitats such as swamps and marshes, while crocodiles tend to inhabit brackish wetlands like estuaries and saltwater lakes. They prefer water sources that do not go dry in the summer months and that provide an abundance of food. Small alligators, less than three feet, mainly feed on spiders, minnows, crawfish, shrimp, and crabs. The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is by looking at their snouts. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles, meaning they require external heat in order to regular their internal body temperature. On May 31, 2022, a 47-year-old man, later identified as Sean Thomas McGuinness, was found dead in John S. Taylor Park in Largo, Florida, with one arm torn off.. Paul Cozzie, the director of Parks and Conservation Resources in Pinellas County, told The New York Times that "he . Only around four per cent of alligator attacks on humans in the US have been fatal, according to the University of Florida. You can find these snakes in all 67 Alabama counties. Alligators are timid creatures, so they try to stay as far away from humans as possible. The American alligator is one of the largest reptiles in the world. 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. Please do not allow misinformation and the fear it causes to prevent you and your children from experiencing the magic of Mobile Bay. The state that is probably least known for alligator populations in Oklahoma. Alligators are some of the most interesting animals that live in the United States. The current world record alligator was taken by Mandy Stokes, of Thomaston, in August 2014. Alligator jaws exert up to 1,000 pounds of pressure since they are desired to crush prey. Lifespan: Wild alligators live around 30 years and 50 years in captivity. If you are looking for someplace closer to town, Village Point Park Preserve in Daphne will allow you to see gators. Alabama Alligator in a river. Range and Habitat Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. While its best never to enter the water with gators, hold back on tossing fish guts and other alligator delicacies in the water. These attacks occur because the shark thinks the human is a fish or other sea creature. Alligators in Alabama begin courtship in April and breed in late May and early June. If you come across an alligator, stay around 60 feet away from it, dont run away on land, and swim away if in the water. Theyre the only crocodilian in Alabama waters and can grow to a whopping 19 feet long. Louisiana 2 3000-4000 (1500-2000 alligators removed) 1.5 million Mississippi is home to just under 50,000 alligators. In South Carolina, alligator tags entail a $10 non-refundable fee and a $100 alligator permit fee when successfully selected. There is no way you can come across an alligator in the ocean. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are around 70,000 alligators living in Alabama today. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? It is one of two living species in the genus Alligator within the family Alligatoridae; it is larger than the other extant alligator species, the Chinese alligator. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. Lets take a look at Alabamas own native crocodilian, the American alligator. Keeping alligators - or any other wild animals - as pets is, to put it bluntly, a horrible idea. The answer to this question is a definite yes. Thankfully, not every state has a native population of alligators. Alligators attack their prey by staying in the water with only their eyes peeping above the surface. Some of the most shaping features include: If youre considering swimming in alligator-infested waters, dont, its not worth it. They are a freshwater animal and live in lakes, rivers, marshes, and brackish swamps. Just like in the state of Alabama, the applicants in South Carolina are selected randomly by the computer's lottery system. 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. Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida Gator in Most Florida Video Ever, Discover the One Place on Earth that Crocodiles and Alligators Coexist. The home of the Mississippi River has its fair share of gators too! Feeding alligators will make the reptiles start to see man as a food source. Alligators are found in 120 of Texas' 254 counties. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). Alabama DCNR 12.14.12. Alligators are common in alabama. The region is estimated to have 70,000 of the total Alabama alligator population. Humans capabilities of staying in water have limitations. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. and were asked how many cases of alligator attacks on humans they were aware of in their state, how many . But older alligators are very well suited to withstand long periods of cold temperatures, said Hudson. While in Alabama, take the chance to swim in one of the top-ranking swimming holes in the state, Little River Canyon. If this occurs, dont test the waters and go swimming anyway. Alligators like to feast on a variety of amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles and small mammals, including raccoons and rabbits. Crocodiles are considerably more aggressive than alligators, which are shy. This large alligator was seen at Test Area 1 in the early-2000s. Alabama isn't well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! What States Have Alligators 2023. Other states soon followed, and in 1967, the U.S. For more information on Alabamas alligators, contact Justin Monk, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 30571 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort, AL 36527; phone 251-626-5474. Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions. Failure to maintain the necessary skills in the water and facing an attacking reptile are two challenging situations. The trail is for use by cyclists, hikers, and joggers alike. Unregulated alligator harvest throughout the South in the early 1900s threatened the species with extinction. Call 9-1-1 immediately if the situation is urgent. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States.It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator.Females are smaller, measuring 2.6 to 3 m (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in . Photograph at A Distance Always keep safety in mind and observe and photograph alligators only froma distance. The American alligator has been hunted for its hide, and its young have been sold in large numbers as pets. John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. Approximately 1.25 million alligators live in Florida, with around 200,000 in the Everglades. or 454 kilograms), according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. The other gator species is the Chinese alligator, which is becoming extinct due to the overdevelopment of its habitat. Recent fatal alligator attacks in the southern states include a victim being pulled under the water in South Carolina in 2020. American Alligator - Alligator mississippiensis. How come alligators live in an area far from their natural habitat? Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. Alligators have had a growing presence in North Alabama dating back to the 70s when more than 50 were introduced to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. In 1938, Alabama was thefirst state to protect alligators. If you are a regular viewer of the series, you might be aware that alligator hunting is not only common in . Along the river are swimming holes where you can splash the summer heat away. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Their favorite habitats are those that feature dense vegetation, murky water, and plenty of places to hide. Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. As a matter of fact, a record-breaking alligator was pulled from Lake Eufaula in August 2015 that weighed in at 920 pounds. Do not disturb a nest of small alligators. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Gator Country is also the home of Big Tex, who holds the national record as the largest alligator ever caught in the US at nearly 14 feet long and weighing in at 1,000 pounds. So if an alligator hisses or lunges toward you, you are much too close for their comfort and should move away. ActionHub // Alabama played a leading role in the restoration of the American alligatora national conservation success story. During mating season, female alligators lay 30-40 eggs, which incubate for 60-65 days. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. Providing food for wild alligators can make them bolder and more apt to seek out humans. In the northern parts of Alabama, you can visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to glimpse these gigantic reptiles. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, alligators cant stomach salt water and spend only brief periods of time in brackish water. The Biggest Alligator Ever Found in Alabama, Heres Why Alligator Populations are Exploding Across Alabama. Home FAQ Question: Where Are Alligators In Alabama. In fact, alligators live in approximately half of the states fresh waters. They are native to China, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. This will only give them more of a drive to attack, thinking that you provided the food, so you become the food! 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. An alligator bite can be fatal, and you should seek medical help. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. Alligators are incredibly adept hunters; theyre more than capable of attacking and killing an adult human. You will easily spot an alligator among the tall grass. An Associated Press report from 2019 said alligator reports in the Tennessee River date back to 1894. She will respond by fending you off before you even get near her children. The conditions in the north of Alabama contribute to the declining growth rate of the gators population. Since then, their populations in all 10 southeastern states have both increased and stabilized. Permit and alligator trapping license for resident disability hunt/fish license holders: $22. Alligators have wide, U-shaped snouts, while crocodiles have long, V-shaped ones. An alligator is larger than you in all ways, especially in water. They can live 70 to 100 years. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. About 1/3 of alligator nests are destroyed by predators (mainly raccoons) or flooding. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in. Alligators shy away from humans and would rather skater away than attack. 1 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 2 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 3 Georgia Department of Natural Resources 4 South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 5 University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Wildlife Damage Management 6 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department . But, the Alabama alligator population is nothing compared to the gator populations in Florida and Louisiana. South Carolina 9 750 (200-250 alligators removed) 100000 Alabama 5 150-250 Thousands? The most common problem in Alabama pertaining to alligators is the mindset of humans who think they need to feed them. On 15 June 2016, a two-year-old boy was dragged into the water by an American alligator in Orlando, Florida. In addition, alligators have been introduced to several locations outside of their natural range, including parts of North America, Hawaii, Iran, Japan, the Cayman Islands, and even France. When this occurs these alligators typically must be euthanized due to future safety concerns. Also, getting to Gulf Shores is simple by ferry, car, or airplane. Alligators generally live for around 30 to 50 years in the wild, although they have been known to reach ages of up to 70 or 80. Contents1 Where do alligators live in Alabama?2 Does [] On Tom Grant's last gator hunt, he caught an alligator that was 12'9" in length. Watch Your Pets Pets are similar in size to natural prey of alligators and their movements will often attract an alligators interest. One of the places where one can find many gators is Lake Jessup. The registration for that closes in July. An effort in 1979 to expand their territory north, aiming to protect and increase the alligator population, saw 56 of the animals given sanctuary at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. On the trail, you will navigate through channels and bayous from which you can watch alligators basking or sliding off the banks. With that being said, theres a particular swimming hole here in Alabama thats considered to be one of the clearest and bluest bodies of water in the state. A hunting season for American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) will be open in five hunt zones of Alabama. In Alabama, there are no crocodiles. Do alligators appear on Gulf Shores beaches? Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Stokes and her crew took the gator in Mill Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River. You can also distinguish them by examining the color of their skin. Although alligators are naturally shy of humans, they can become aggressive if harassed, provoked, or purposely fed. Why Are People Prohibited From Feed Alligators? It is black with yellow banding when young and is generally brownish when adult. After fighting with this angry gator for more than an hour, Tom Grant and his buddies were able to wrestle it to shore. Only 10 alligator hatchlings will live to one year. The best site to see an alligator north of Alabama is a visit to the Tennessee River in the region. Most of the state gets much too cold for gators to survive the winter, but there are some regions that allow for a small population of alligators. The world's largest American alligator ever killed in the wild is on display for the first time since it was caught on the Alabama River. Brown Recluse Spider. Finally, if youre watching alligators from the safety of a boat, remember to never reach your hand out over the water. Another person posted a picture of an alligator in their backyard. Hunters can apply for a hunting permit, though, with only a few hundred given out every year, chances of getting one are small. In the more populated beach areas of Gulf Shores, sharks tend to stay away from humans, similar to the mindset of alligators; however, if you see the fin above the water, exit immediately and notify a lifeguard. Alabama prohibits harassment or ownership of alligators, as well as illegal hunting. Both inject painful venom into the skin, so if you are stung, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The chance of encountering an alligator in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is uncommon but can occur if you dont follow the tips. Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions . A successful attack by an alligator while in water can cause a critical injury, resulting in an even quick drowning. Fort Morgan. With age, they target other prey, including water birds, rodents, and deer. Some female alligators will become aggressive if they are provoked. In addition to having alligator farms in southern Alabama, alligators are regularly spotted in the wild. The temperature inside the mound determines the sex of her babies. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. You can spot large gator groups in April, May, and June because of mating. American Alligator. The river is named after the Alabama Territory, which was named for the Alabamian tribe. How Many People Die Every Year From Alligator Attacks? Crocs are opportunistic predators, which means they will attack any living creature that moves, considering their prey, even humans. Once they pass, move away from the alligator, or exit the water immediately to avoid a confrontation. Like Louisiana, Florida has a massive area of swampland (the Everglades), and the year-round sun makes for ideal conditions for the gators. 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. Please use caution when visiting our bay access points and parks, wrote the City of Daphne in Alabama in an official social media post. Swim Responsibly Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. What is the most dangerous animal in Alabama? Alabama has five alligator hunting zones in South Alabama, the traditional range of alligators in the state. Gators in the state prefer wetlands, lakes, rivers, and even a few reservoirs. Permit and alligator trapping license for non-residents: $1,022. Females usually lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time from early June to mid-July. An alligator is protective of her family. According to conservation organization Share the Beach, the gator was seen on the far west end of the island and was most likely hunting for sea turtle eggs. Its well understood that people have relocated alligators from the southern reaches of the state. The alligator populations in Alabama remain healthy. Dont try to get closer to take photos, said Marianne Hudson with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Permit for 2 CITES tags (for those who already have a license): $62. Their most distinctive feature is their head, which is long and filled with up to 80 teeth at a time. jaimie tuchman/Shutterstock.com. Alligator hunters are selected to hunt these areas through bidding and lotteries. Juveniles feed on small fish and crustaceans. Check out the following swimming halls on your summer vacation in Alabama. Ensuring you have the proper beach gear, such as a hat, umbrella, towels, and other coverings, and a high SPF sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from the intense and harmful sun rays. the opening of the newly renovated Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more.