Gulf State Park. To find out how many alligators live in Alabama, its important to know how to identify an alligator. Since then, their populations in all 10 southeastern states have both increased and stabilized. The Stokes alligator was caught in the Alabama River, bout 100 miles north of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Call 9-1-1 immediately if the situation is urgent. The river flows for 243 miles (391 km) efore joining the Mobile River. So, you cant harass, feed, or own an alligator in Alabama. Alligators can propel their bodies up and out of the water. Anyone who has any concerns about an alligator that is on their property or in a nearby pond or waterway, please call one of our wildlife district offices. Robinson Island. Gators are critical to the health of their local ecosystem. How many alligators are in the southern half of Alabama? Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com. 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). On the trail, you will navigate through channels and bayous from which you can watch alligators basking or sliding off the banks. Any standing body of water in Florida could house a gator, making swamps, rivers, lakes, and drainage pools all potentially dangerous. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. Alligators prefer water that is 80 to 92 F, but adults have been found in areas where temperatures reach well below that range. How many people are killed by alligators in the US each year? The idea of encountering a giant, predator reptile residing in the waters when swimming is not comforting. or 454 kilograms), according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. You can see an alligator in the Gulf Coast town without going far into the wild. Therefore, when theres no lifeguard on duty, you should not be swimming. The chance of encountering an alligator in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is uncommon but can occur if you dont follow the tips. Facebook user Joan said: I have lived here for over 30 years and never seen so many gators as we have now.. The trail is for use by cyclists, hikers, and joggers alike. Handling even small alligators can result in injury. Bites of a few species of the rear-fanged snakes sometimes cause harm, but the effects vary. You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. Shark attacks occur more than alligator attacks but are uncommon. Adult alligators are opportunistic and will feed on anything from fish, snakes, turtles, birds, muskrats, nutria, and otters, to raccoons, feral pigs, deer, and even other alligators. Permit and alligator trapping license for non-residents: $1,022. In Texas, alligators live in the eastern portion . Males can grow to 19 feet in length and weigh up to 900 pounds, while females tend to be somewhat smaller on average. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Any alligator you will see during your visit to Alabama is the American Alligator. Gators typically only attack if they feel cornered and threatened. Lottery applications are . Always Be Alert When in or near fresh or brackish water, always be aware of possible encounters with alligators. The more wildlife, the more exciting for me to come over here and immerse myself in it, said Wall. 8.2 Are there saltwater crocodiles in Alabama? Reported fatalities in an alligator attack are few and far between. Do not allow pets to swim, exercise, or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. Range and Habitat Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Wild Boars. AllOutdoor // Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Humans capabilities of staying in water have limitations. Lake Forest, Eufala, and Big creek are other water bodies where alligators have found a home in Alabama. A lot of human-alligator conflicts occur when alligators get provoked, both intentionally and unintentionally, or when alligators go after peoples pets, he said. Fatality Rate: Alligator Attacks = 4.3% Shark Attacks = 1.5%. Pratik Handore. The Mobile-Tensaw river delta offers you a lifetime experience of paddling the Bartram Canoe Trail. 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 prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. Absolutely leave it alone. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. What is the most dangerous animal in Alabama? Therefore, if you notice a difference in watercolors, foam lines moving away from shore, choppy waters at acute angles, or a break in the standard wave patterns, there is likely a rip current in that area, so you should stay away. Alligator hunters are selected to hunt these areas through bidding and lotteries. Recently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel in West Tennessee at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. Among the popular sites in Alabama is Alligator Alley in Summerdale and Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne. Small alligators, less than three feet, mainly feed on spiders, minnows, crawfish, shrimp, and crabs. Selection results will be posted immediately thereafter and applicants can check their selection status on the same . But alligators have also been spotted in the Tennessee and Elk rivers near Tennessee. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, alligators cant stomach salt water and spend only brief periods of time in brackish water. The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is by looking at their snouts. While its best never to enter the water with gators, hold back on tossing fish guts and other alligator delicacies in the water. Crocs like in salty waters but can also live in freshwater marshes and wetlands. First, dont try to feed or touch any alligator. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) There have been several reports of alligators in north Alabama in recent weeks, including in the Tennessee River. Dauphin Island. Remember to keep your pets on a leash at all times, especially when close to any body of water.. An alligator lacks the necessary glands to excrete salt and cant survive in salty waters. Both are of the same order but in a different family. The paved ways will take you through a maritime forest over wetlands, dunes, and lakes. Alligators are cold-blooded and live in warm areas. Alligators like to feast on a variety of amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles and small mammals, including raccoons and rabbits. This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. A visit to the southern half of Alabama will give you a high chance of seeing an alligator. Alligators are a protected species in the state, anyone who has a problem with a reptile is advised to contact the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Photograph at A Distance Always keep safety in mind and observe and photograph alligators only froma distance. 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. In fact, almost all gators can be found south of the fall line, a line that travels through Columbus, Macon, and Augusta. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. Both inject painful venom into the skin, so if you are stung, seek immediate medical attention. 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. Alligators shy away from humans and would rather skater away than attack. An alligator mother lays 30 70 eggs for her brood. There are legitimate environmental issues affecting our Bay and our communities, but the data available does not support the belief that our Bay is not safe for swimming or for fishing. That type of wildlife is alligators. Georgia is home to between 200-250,000 alligators, primarily in the southern region of the state. Relatively few snakes are venomous. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabamas natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Mississippi is home to just under 50,000 alligators. Fish and Wildlife Service placed the American alligator on the Endangered Species List. The American alligator has been hunted for its hide, and its young have been sold in large numbers as pets. No alcoholic beverages. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. Throwing scraps in the water attracts alligators and provides them with an easy food source. A small population is also found in Tamaulipas, in Mexico. Please do not allow misinformation and the fear it causes to prevent you and your children from experiencing the magic of Mobile Bay. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. 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). Here, well find out just how many alligators live in Alabama, and where exactly you can find them. Although in Alabama, alligators have the freedom to live freely in nature. This large alligator was seen at Test Area 1 in the early-2000s. In 1938, Alabama was the first state to protect alligators. John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. Jonas N. Jordan Public Domain by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Otherwise, one can easily get lost in the jungle. However, when swimming in the Gulf of Mexico or at inland lagoons, rivers, and lakes, there are a variety of other dangers to be aware of, including: Rip currents occur underneath the waterline and are areas of fast-moving water away from the shore. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Thank you for reading! The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only species of alligator that exists in Alabama. American Alligator - Alligator mississippiensis. A vacation in Alabama will give you and your loved ones a memorable adventure. However, there are tips for swimming with these creatures. Alligators have rebounded . Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida Gator in Most Florida Video Ever, Discover the One Place on Earth that Crocodiles and Alligators Coexist. Leave Alligators Alone State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators. It's estimated that 79 per cent of Louisiana's coastal marshes are privately owned alligator habitat. Some areas it does get too cold for young alligators to survive. Alligators . Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Can you drink alcohol on Alabama beaches? This snake has a distinctive broadhead that is much larger than its narrow body. The authorities are warning people to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in the Baldwin County city. Through the Lottery Alligator Harvest Program, LDWF provides more than 400 resident alligator hunters the opportunity to harvest approximately 1,245 alligators on over 40 wildlife management areas and public lakes throughout the state. Alabama DCNR 12.14.12. About 70,000 alligators live in Alabama. Along the river are swimming holes where you can splash the summer heat away. First-time Alabama alligator hunters celebrate record catch 00:24. These attacks occur because the shark thinks the human is a fish or other sea creature. Their entire bodies are covered with large horny plates which protect them from predators and other alligators. Alabama residents and Alabama lifetime license holders older than 16 years old can apply for a drawing of the 260 alligator tags that will be issued. Adult alligators consider baby alligators a delicacy, and so do other predators. A stranger to the southern parts of the United States may develop a phobia of the water bodies. DALLAS COUNTY, Alabama Jamie Thomas of Selma and his friends caught this mammoth alligator at 8:45 p.m. last Saturday night in Dallas County, south of Selma. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). There are four designated zones permitted by the state for hunting alligators. 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. Although initially, you could only find alligators in southern Alabama, reports of their sightings in the northern parts are increasing. Interesting Alligator Facts in Gulf Shores, 4 Safety Tips for Swimming in Alligator-Infested Waters, Tip One: Dont wear shiny jewelry or clothing. Permit for 2 CITES tags (for those who already have a license): $62. Alligator Hunting in Alabama scgerding via Getty Images Alabama is a little different than some other states when it comes to gator hunting. It is easy to confuse the two. If you are a regular viewer of the series, you might be aware that alligator hunting is not only common in . Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. Some residents are calling for the authorities to relocate the alligators. That's more than those who visit to fish (630,000) or hunt (535,000). As a matter of fact, a record-breaking alligator was pulled from Lake Eufaula in August 2015 that weighed in at 920 pounds. Blacktips grow up to 6 feet and eat a diet of fish. Why Are People Prohibited From Feed Alligators? An alligators menu grows and widens with agealligators capture when young people feed on insects, tadpoles, fish fingerings, and small creatures. Alligators are timid creatures, so they try to stay as far away from humans as possible. Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. Some of the application fees include: Permit and alligator trapping license for Florida residents: $272. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. The Tennessee River also makes it easy for them to navigate the region. You can visit sites on the following lakes for that dip you long for. Fish scales reflect in the sun, which helps alligators hunt their prey. For this year's hunting season, which starts Aug. 11, the state will issue 260 permits. Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) Three large sharks are being tracked this week off the coast of Alabama. Furthermore, although both species are carnivorous apex predators that hunt for food on land and in water alike, alligators prefer smaller prey like fish, whereas crocodiles often feed on larger animals such as deer or pigs. Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as well as Arkansas, Georgia and the Carolinas. After a recent sighting at the greenway off Haysland Road in Huntsville, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says increased sightings can be attributed to any number of things. Alligators have wide, U-shaped snouts, while crocodiles have long, V-shaped ones. In Alabama, there are no crocodiles. The American alligator is one of the largest reptiles in the world. Alligators can be taken legally only by individuals with proper licenses or permits. Experts maintain that a safe distance from an alligator is around 60 feet. Hunters can apply for a hunting permit, though, with only a few hundred given out every year, chances of getting one are small. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Village Point Park Preserve boardwalks have designs to guarantee safety even for young children. Another person posted a picture of an alligator in their backyard. Florida is home to 1.3 million gators, while Louisiana boasts a whopping two million alligators throughout the state. The state is quite famous for alligator farming and harvesting, accounting for hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue brought to the state. Alligators will attack or defend themselves by biting their victim. 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. They can live 70 to 100 years. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. As of 2006, alligator hunting season in Alabama had been reinstated . Are There Any Lakes with Alligators Near Atlanta, Georgia? Alligators are an important part of Alabamas landscape and play a valuable role in the ecology of our states wetlands. The larger the reptile, the more daring it becomes when targeting prey. Estimates indicate that there are about 70,000 gators in the state. The 15-foot, half-ton monster broke a record set in 2007 in Texas. While hurricanes are massive storms that you can see coming, squalls appear out of nowhere and can threaten swimmers and beachgoers. There is no way you can come across an alligator in the ocean. Theyre the only crocodilian in Alabama waters and can grow to a whopping 19 feet long. By comparison the Atchafalaya Basin swamp (the Landry's gator hunting area) is about 207,000 acres. Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. You can swim near waterboards or have artificial pools in different recreation facilities. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. After fighting with this angry gator for more than an hour, Tom Grant and his buddies were able to wrestle it to shore. Mama alligator incubates her eggs using nature in a nest built of mud and vegetation. OutdoorHub // An alligator is protective of her family. Do alligators appear on Gulf Shores beaches? The mounted 15-foot, 9 . When it comes to dangerous nature in Alabama, this place might take the cake. Crocs are opportunistic predators, which means they will attack any living creature that moves, considering their prey, even humans. In South Carolina, alligator tags entail a $10 non-refundable fee and a $100 alligator permit fee when successfully selected. The alligators are large, and their attack in water can cause an injury, making you face two desperate battles: drowning and fending off the animal. The American alligator population in Alabama has changed dramatically over the years. West Beach. To differentiate the two, you can use some pointers location of sighting, the shape of the snout, color, and observing its closed mouth. It's also a draw-only hunt. How come alligators live in an area far from their natural habitat? The city has also advised that under no circumstances should residents feed the reptiles, as providing food will help them to make the link between humans and food and cause further danger. Alligator mating season is April through May, with breeding occurring openly in water. According to scientific classification, the commonly identified alligators are the American Alligator, a native only in America, and the Chinese Alligators roaming in Chinese waters. Fish and . But, how many alligators live in Alabama? An alligator snout is broad and U-shaped at the end, while a crocodile has a narrower, sharp snout. Please use caution when visiting our bay access points and parks, wrote the City of Daphne in Alabama in an official social media post. Are There Alligators in the Mississippi River? However, there are occasional sightings in more northerly latitudes, though the population of gators in the northern half of the state is minimal. In captivity, alligators can live much longer. If you take a tour to the south of Alabama, you will likely see an alligator. On Tom Grant's last gator hunt, he caught an alligator that was 12'9" in length. Get the latest Offers, Outdoor News, Stories, and Reviews delivered to your inbox. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Alligators feature dark green color with small black spots near their jaw. Lets discover: The 10 most alligator-infested states: Ranked. Thunderstorms, rain squalls, hurricanes, and other inclement weather occur regularly due to the airs moisture. Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. Black Bears. Alligators are some of the most interesting animals that live in the United States. You can also distinguish them by examining the color of their skin. Understanding the natural behavior of this species can help prevent negative encounters for yourself and others. alligators that allow hunters with permits to kill or facilitate the removal of alligators. The American alligator can weigh a mere 170 pounds all the way up to a hefty 800 pounds! There is an estimated population of 1,000+ alligators that live in North Carolina, with that number seemingly increasing a bit each year. The state has great natural beauty including inland waterways and forests. 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. In addition to having alligator farms in southern Alabama, alligators are regularly spotted in the wild. She keeps guard of her nest, awaiting the eggs to hatch. Louisiana has the most alligators of all of the states, with over two million gators residing there. There are swimming holes located along these water bodies in Alabama. The alligators cant just be traced back to the refuge. 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 . Avoid Swimming In Wild Water Bodies Known To Harbor. Its common to find gators lying in the sun and cooling off by opening their mouths, which release stored internal heat. Its well understood that people have relocated alligators from the southern reaches of the state. The region is estimated to have 70,000 of the total Alabama alligator population. While many dont know it, gators live through many regions of North Carolina. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. 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. Louisiana has the largest alligator population. The alligators in the water will tend to move out of the way of the oncoming boat. So, in Alabama, they live exclusively in the southern half of the state. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. Permit and alligator trapping license for resident disability hunt/fish license holders: $22. Therefore, an alligator attack is rare unless they feel threatened or provoked. 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. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are around 70,000 alligators living in Alabama today. Do not swim in water inhabited by alligators. Watch Your Pets Pets are similar in size to natural prey of alligators and their movements will often attract an alligators interest. 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. This popular swimming hole, which is named Blue Hole, is located within the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, in Pinson, Alabamajust 15 miles from Birmingham. Unregulated alligator harvest throughout the South in the early 1900s threatened the species with extinction.