Approaching an area where a mother alligator is nursing her babies is offensive and considered a threat. In addition to having alligator farms in southern Alabama, alligators are regularly spotted in the wild. In the United States, only 10 states out of 50 have a native alligator population. Alligator Alley in the town of Daphne is one of the best places to watch alligators. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Although they may not be as abundant or widespread elsewhere as in the USA, its clear that alligators are a global species with many populations living outside of the US boundaries. The answer to this question is no! Lucky for them, Alabama has plenty of sources of fresh water for gators to choose from, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands. ADCNR also issues hunting and fishing licenses for the state. Human/alligator conflicts are rare. With a belly girth of 65", the Tom Grant's alligator was one of the largest . Female alligators max out at nine feet long, while male alligators can reach 15 feet. Just because you don't see the mother doesn't mean she isn't lurking nearby. At one time, the alligators in Alabama were under threat of extinction. Alligators favor warm, lowland waters, like lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and even golf course ponds and irrigation ditches. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. Home FAQ Question: Where Are Alligators In Alabama. These attacks occur because the shark thinks the human is a fish or other sea creature. Colby is a freelance writer from Charlotte, North Carolina. Otherwise, one can easily get lost in the jungle. Splashing and moving around will draw attention to you, and the gator could think youre prey. If telling you not to swim with them isnt enough, you must go in the water, take off all jewelry, and dont wear shiny clothing. Alligators are timid creatures, so they try to stay as far away from humans as possible. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. Just like in the state of Alabama, the applicants in South Carolina are selected randomly by the computer's lottery system. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The creatures have been spotted in parking lots, backyards, and on roads around Daphne, after extreme weather washed them away from their usual habitats. The authorities are warning people to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in the Baldwin County city. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis, Figure 1), often called "gators," are one of 22 crocodilian species worldwide and the most Mama alligator incubates her eggs using nature in a nest built of mud and vegetation. Some female alligators will become aggressive if they are provoked. That's more than those who visit to fish (630,000) or hunt (535,000). Alligators are a top predator species and help keep other animal populations in balance. The temperature inside the mound determines the sex of her babies. But older alligators are very well suited to withstand long periods of cold temperatures, said Hudson. Louisiana us almost 33 1/2 million acres total and 4.5 million acres are alligator habitat with 3 million of it being the coastal marshes. However, increased sightings in these areas may indicate a northern expansion of their historic range. The paved ways will take you through a maritime forest over wetlands, dunes, and lakes. Baby alligators grow a foot yearly in the early four years of life. While hurricanes are massive storms that you can see coming, squalls appear out of nowhere and can threaten swimmers and beachgoers. Dont Throw Fish Scraps in the Water Dispose of fish scraps properly in garbage cans at boat ramps, fish camps, or when cleaning fish near water. It's also a draw-only hunt. Its common to find gators lying in the sun and cooling off by opening their mouths, which release stored internal heat. Alligators seek to stay away from humans and only attack when provoked. Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions . Alabamas climate, geographical features, and vegetation offer a natural habitat conducive to alligators survival. And there have only been 23 fatalities between 1948 and 2016. As a matter of fact, a record-breaking alligator was pulled from Lake Eufaula in August 2015 that weighed in at 920 pounds. But, the Alabama alligator population is nothing compared to the gator populations in Florida and Louisiana. You will easily spot an alligator among the tall grass. These mounds are usually about 2 feet in height and 5 feet in diameter. Alligators are much faster than humans, so its best to remain still and let them pass. Black Bears. Are There Alligators in Jacksonville, Florida? Alligators fingerlings struggle to survive the harsh cold temperatures of the north. 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. The best site to see an alligator north of Alabama is a visit to the Tennessee River in the region. In South Carolina, alligator tags entail a $10 non-refundable fee and a $100 alligator permit fee when successfully selected. Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as well as Arkansas, Georgia and the Carolinas. Providing food may not only make alligators more aggressive and encourage them to seek out people, it may also alter their natural diet in an unhealthy way, said the city. An American alligators diet is comprised of a wide variety of food items. Since the beach is situated on the saltwater coastline and alligators cannot digest salt, they wont hang around for long, returning to their freshwater habitats of inland lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes. Do not swim in water inhabited by alligators. American Alligator. Alligators can be found in the coastal, southeastern states as far north as North Carolina, and as far west as the Rio Grande River in Texas. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. But, how many alligators live in Alabama? You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. Recent fatal alligator attacks in the southern states include a victim being pulled under the water in South Carolina in 2020. Identification . or 454 kilograms), according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. The states large alligator population is largely due to the fact that Alabama first enacted laws to protect alligators all the way back in 1938. And theyve been here for decades. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Lets take a look at Alabamas own native crocodilian, the American alligator. The Largest Crocodile. The colour of this snake varies, but you can expect to find yellow, pink, and black variations of colour on this snake. The alligators in the water will tend to move out of the way of the oncoming boat. A small population is also found in Tamaulipas, in Mexico. What States Have Alligators 2023. Although initially, you could only find alligators in southern Alabama, reports of their sightings in the northern parts are increasing. The conditions in the north of Alabama contribute to the declining growth rate of the gators population. About 1/3 of alligator nests are destroyed by predators (mainly raccoons) or flooding. Alligators have rebounded . History Channel's ' Swamp People ' is a reality series that follows various gator hunters and their activities in swamps of the Atchafalaya River Basin and other swamplands in Louisiana (and Texas). You can also distinguish them by examining the color of their skin. Once they pass, move away from the alligator, or exit the water immediately to avoid a confrontation. On the trail, you will navigate through channels and bayous from which you can watch alligators basking or sliding off the banks. Alligators are commonly mistaken with the American crocodile and caiman but they can be distinguished by their black and yellow-white coloration and more rounded snout. When it comes to dangerous nature in Alabama, this place might take the cake. The waters below Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail are home to many alligators, and while enjoying the opportunity to exercise, you will spot an alligator in the wild. Gulf Shores offers the perfect habitat for freshwater bodies, marshes, and other free-flowing water entities. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Avoid Swimming In Wild Water Bodies Known To Harbor. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. 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. Some residents are calling for the authorities to relocate the alligators. Both inject painful venom into the skin, so if you are stung, seek immediate medical attention. Although South Carolina is warmer, on average, than North Carolina, it can still get quite cold. Leave The Alligators Family Affairs Alone. Avoid any alligator nests, even if they look desertedMom probably isnt too far away. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? Unfortunately, not all of the alligators survived the cold snap at the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, a 5,800-acre (2,300 hectares) refuge in southeastern Oklahoma that's managed by the . The reptiles inhabit similar territoriesalligators and crocodiles exist on other continents. Of the 254 counties in the state, 120 have gators. People are to avoid heavy vegetation in or near the water's edge. Shark attacks occur more than alligator attacks but are uncommon. Reported fatalities in an alligator attack are few and far between. The crocodilian family has 13 species worldwide, whereas the alligator only has American and Chinese species. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are around 70,000 alligators living in Alabama today. Despite the data that shows just how uncommon alligator attacks actually are, these reptiles are often viewed with extreme fear. 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. Alligators have a u-shaped snout with a jaw that closes downward, thus only exposing the top teeth set. The Southwest Zone includes all of Mobile and Baldwin counties north of I-10 and private and public waters in Washington, Clarke and Monroe counties that lie east of U.S. Highway 43 and south . Please use caution when visiting our bay access points and parks, wrote the City of Daphne in Alabama in an official social media post. 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. This area is home to many different types of marine life and the threat is relatively low. Are There Any Lakes with Alligators Near Atlanta, Georgia? 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. Their favorite habitats are those that feature dense vegetation, murky water, and plenty of places to hide. To differentiate the two, you can use some pointers location of sighting, the shape of the snout, color, and observing its closed mouth. Juveniles feed on small fish and crustaceans. If this occurs, dont test the waters and go swimming anyway. Alligators shy away from humans and would rather skater away than attack. So, if youre in gator country, its best to follow a few simple rules to reduce your risk of attack. 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, alligator-infested state in the US in Florida, Texas comes in third for the total population, Epic Battles: The Largest Ever Alligator vs. Alligator jaws exert up to 1,000 pounds of pressure since they are desired to crush prey. Remember, an alligator is more adapted to navigating in water. Registration will open June 7. The chance of someone being attacked is one in 3.2 million. Watch Your Pets Pets are similar in size to natural prey of alligators and their movements will often attract an alligators interest. Both are of the same order but in a different family. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management ofAlabama'snatural resources including state parks, state lands, wildlife and aquatic resources. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Discover the One Place on Earth that Crocodiles and Alligators Coexist. You can visit sites on the following lakes for that dip you long for. 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. Do not disturb a nest of small alligators. Relatively few snakes are venomous. The cost of living in Alabama is low and so are real estate prices. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. Gulf State Park. U.S. Space & Rocket Center is Alabamas Number One Tourism Attraction. During mating season, female alligators lay 30-40 eggs, which incubate for 60-65 days. 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. Gator populations can be found in the Escambia and Perdido Rivers, Big Creek Lake, Lake Forest, and Lake Eufaula. The Sixth Largest Alligator - Tom Grant's Alligator - 13'1.5". Orange Beach. Wild alligators rarely chase people, but they can run up to 35 miles an hour on short land distances. So, you cant harass, feed, or own an alligator in Alabama. The American alligator is one of the largest reptiles in the world. A lot of human-alligator conflicts occur when alligators get provoked, both intentionally and unintentionally, or when alligators go after peoples pets, he said. Florida alligator bite statistics date back to 1948, ranging around three major bites per year. Alabama isnt well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. Lets rank these 10 states to see who has the most! We can swim, and every moment in water is a struggle. Alligators have lived in marshes, swamps, rivers, ponds, and lakes of Texas for centuries. In fact, almost all gators can be found south of the fall line, a line that travels through Columbus, Macon, and Augusta. The mounted 15-foot, 9 . 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. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are around 70,000 alligators living in Alabama today. A hunting season for American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) will be open in five hunt zones of Alabama. Also, getting to Gulf Shores is simple by ferry, car, or airplane. Alabama prohibits harassment or ownership of alligators, as well as illegal hunting. Among the popular sites in Alabama is Alligator Alley in Summerdale and Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne. So for the majority of the year, you can spot alligators on your Florida airboat rides. They can only live in freshwater environments like swamps, wetlands, marshes, and ponds because their body cannot digest salt. In 1967, the American alligator was placed on the Endangered Species List by the U.S. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Alabama Alligator in a river. The current world record alligator was taken by Mandy Stokes, of Thomaston, in August 2014. Alligators are found in 120 of Texas' 254 counties. However, with human populations continuing to expand, interaction between people and alligators can be expected. Thank you for reading! A gator bite can lead to a fatality or inflict a life-changing injury. The timber rattlesnake is one of Alabama's most venomous snakes. An alligator snout is broad and U-shaped at the end, while a crocodile has a narrower, sharp snout. It is easy to confuse the two. Some of the most shaping features include: If youre considering swimming in alligator-infested waters, dont, its not worth it. The Stokes alligator was caught in the Alabama River, bout 100 miles north of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. An alligator is protective of her family. In captivity, alligators can live much longer. Still, 25% of the entire states population lives in the southeastern region. Southern Florida is the only place where both alligators and crocodiles live side by side. If you know there are gators in the water, then stay at least ten feet back from the shoreline. An approach to a territory with such a nest is an intrusion. . How Many People Die Every Year From Alligator Attacks? But, how many alligators live in Alabama? Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. When it comes to gators, Texas comes in third for the total population. Why Are People Prohibited From Feed Alligators? 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. Everything is big in Texas! 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). Alligators. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Do alligators appear on Gulf Shores beaches? It is illegal to kill an alligator without a licence, unless in self-defence. Throwing scraps in the water attracts alligators and provides them with an easy food source. First-time Alabama alligator hunters celebrate record catch 00:24. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. Do not allow pets to swim, exercise, or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. A successful attack by an alligator while in water can cause a critical injury, resulting in an even quick drowning. Handling even small alligators can result in injury. The reptiles can grow to a length of more than 14 Ft, twice the height of the average tallest man, and weigh the weight of a man significantly. Only 50 permits were issued in 2006. They can live 70 to 100 years. 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. Fish and . 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. 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. There are plenty of other dangers when swimming in Gulf Shores than alligators, especially the suns damaging UV rays and pop-up thunderstorms, so focus on having a plan for each of these hazards first. They will cover the eggs with whatever vegetation is available in the habitat in which they live to form a mound. 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. Her nonfiction work focuses on animals, nature, and conservation. Wild Boars. Almost all of the high-density populations of alligators live south of the Albermarle sound, although some individuals have been reported through the entire coastal region of the state. Well also learn a little more about the species in general. How come alligators live in an area far from their natural habitat? Alligator kills 85-year-old woman walking her dog in Florida retirement community, Fox News, the Murdochs and backstage Trump whispers: The damning Dominion revelations, Residents warned as alligators take over Alabama city due to rain, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off & extra perks with Booking.com Genius Membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 10% off selected orders over 100 - eBay discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK March 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this March, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. . Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas have problem or nuisance alligator control programs that allow permitted hunters to kill or facilitate the removal of nuisance alligators. 8.1 Is there alligators in Alabama? An alligators menu grows and widens with agealligators capture when young people feed on insects, tadpoles, fish fingerings, and small creatures. There are swimming holes located along these water bodies in Alabama. 6. While a limited number of hunting tags are offered in the southern portion of Alabama, it is illegal to kill alligators. The American alligator can weigh a mere 170 pounds all the way up to a hefty 800 pounds! When paddling in a canoe, the oars scare away the reptile and prevent an attack. Pratik Handore. Crocs are opportunistic predators, which means they will attack any living creature that moves, considering their prey, even humans. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles, meaning they require external heat in order to regular their internal body temperature. But alligators have also been spotted in the Tennessee and Elk rivers near Tennessee. While they can venture into the saline waters of the Gulf of Mexico for a brief time, its uncommon since their habitat is freshwater. About 18 hours later, the boys intact body was discovered in the water near where he was taken. Alligators are cold-blooded and live in warm areas. The Southwest Zone has the most tags at 100. While its best never to enter the water with gators, hold back on tossing fish guts and other alligator delicacies in the water. HUNTSVILLE, Ala If youre one of the many people who moved to Huntsville recently, it might come as a surprise that we have alligators, lots of them. Permit and alligator trapping license for resident disability hunt/fish license holders: $22. Alabama (70,000) Alligators live through the southern half of Alabama. If you plan to take a dip with alligators, never feed them before entering the water. If you take a tour to the south of Alabama, you will likely see an alligator. Failure to maintain the necessary skills in the water and facing an attacking reptile are two challenging situations. Alligator hunters are selected to hunt these areas through bidding and lotteries. Florida is home to 1.3 million gators, while Louisiana boasts a whopping two million alligators throughout the state. However, dont expect to find them living in the salty waters of the gulf. Experts maintain that a safe distance from an alligator is around 60 feet. Alligator Missippiensis (American) and Alligator Sinesis (Chinese) belong to the Crocodylidae family in the sub-family Alligatorianae. 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. Always remember to use extreme caution while on Lake Eufaula. After 20 years of protection, their population bounced back. Only around four per cent of alligator attacks on humans in the US have been fatal, according to the University of Florida. Call 9-1-1 immediately if the situation is urgent. Approximately 1.25 million alligators live in. A vacation in Alabama will give you and your loved ones a memorable adventure. The Cahaba River boasts of being the most diverse biologically in the country. The average clutch size of an alligator nest is 38. The worst years for fatalities were 2001 and 2006, with three people dying each of those years from Florida alligator attacks. Alligators have had a growing presence in North Alabama dating back to the 70s when more than 50 were introduced to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. At least two people died in 2022 from alligator attacks Credit: Getty How many alligator attacks took place in 2022? The alligators in Alabama are currently around 70,000. Alligator Hunting in Alabama scgerding via Getty Images Alabama is a little different than some other states when it comes to gator hunting. 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 . Alligators attack their prey by staying in the water with only their eyes peeping above the surface. Harmful encounters occur when people do not pay attention to their surroundings. Nuisance alligators have to be removed each year because of this problem. Alligators can be taken legally only by individuals with proper licenses or permits. She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories. Lets discover: The 10 most alligator-infested states: Ranked. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. Of the Carolinas, South Carolina is the most alligator-infested state. Keeping alligators - or any other wild animals - as pets is, to put it bluntly, a horrible idea. Discover Why Alligators Wont Cross Georgias Fall Line, Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida Gator in Most Florida Video Ever, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Available here: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/species/detail/american-alligator#:~:text=Louisiana%20and%20Florida%20have%20the,common%20in%20our%20coastal%20marshes. Since rip currents are an unseen danger, they pose a severe threat to swimmers, especially during storms and inclement weather, in which adults and children can be quickly swept out to sea. The Tennessee River also makes it easy for them to navigate the region. 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. Two decades of protection enabled the species to rebound. Remember to keep your pets on a leash at all times, especially when close to any body of water.. Book an airboat ride today or call us at 407-901-2563 for more information.