The idea of encountering a giant, predator reptile residing in the waters when swimming is not comforting. Alligators can propel their bodies up and out of the water. Facebook user Joan said: I have lived here for over 30 years and never seen so many gators as we have now.. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Most of the gators fall in the lower half of the state, with populations in the northern half being nearly non-existent. So, if youre in gator country, its best to follow a few simple rules to reduce your risk of attack. The second most alligator-infested state in the US in Florida. Therefore, if youre swimming with them, they want to get away from you. Alabama isnt well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! Human/alligator conflicts are rare. Its well understood that people have relocated alligators from the southern reaches of the state. UV rays from the sun are a danger to beachgoers, even on cloudy days. The massive swampland and warm climate mean that Louisiana is the perfect home for these scaly reptiles. Alabama has initiated a regulated hunting season to assist with the management and population control of alligators. Alabama prohibits harassment or ownership of alligators, as well as illegal hunting. You can see an alligator in the Gulf Coast town without going far into the wild. Absolutely leave it alone. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. Alligators will attack or defend themselves by biting their victim. Selections for each zone will be held at 12:00 PM CDT on the second Wednesday of July. The sugar-white sand beaches are perfect for relaxing, and the town boasts a variety of incredible lodging options, fun-filled activities, and local restaurants. 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. No alcoholic beverages. 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. About 1/3 of alligator nests are destroyed by predators (mainly raccoons) or flooding. Gulf State Park. Lets rank these 10 states to see who has the most! That type of wildlife is alligators. It is not known if it is in the lakes at dusk or dawn. Alligator Alley in the town of Daphne is one of the best places to watch alligators. Their favorite habitats are those that feature dense vegetation, murky water, and plenty of places to hide. Fort Morgan. But, the Alabama alligator population is nothing compared to the gator populations in Florida and Louisiana. Like Louisiana, Florida has a massive area of swampland (the Everglades), and the year-round sun makes for ideal conditions for the gators. On 15 June 2016, a two-year-old boy was dragged into the water by an American alligator in Orlando, Florida. Alligators like to feast on a variety of amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles and small mammals, including raccoons and rabbits. 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. Harmful encounters occur when people do not pay attention to their surroundings. Interesting Alligator Facts in Gulf Shores, 4 Safety Tips for Swimming in Alligator-Infested Waters, Tip One: Dont wear shiny jewelry or clothing. Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, WHNT News 19 Sales Team Broadcast and Digital, please call one of our wildlife district offices, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, One transported to hospital after wreck near Rocket, Colbert DTF finds large amount of fentanyl, other. Selection results will be posted immediately thereafter and applicants can check their selection status on the same . 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. Failure to maintain the necessary skills in the water and facing an attacking reptile are two challenging situations. Question: Where Are Alligators In Alabama. At hatching, baby alligators need their mothers protection for two years. 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 first hunt zone will be in Baldwin and Mobile Counties north of I-10 and portions of Washington, Clarke, and Monroe Counties. Best Alabama Beaches Gulf Shores. Get the latest Offers, Outdoor News, Stories, and Reviews delivered to your inbox. 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. 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. Florida is also home to Gainesville, the most alligator-infested city in the US. While it may seem like swimming without a lifeguard on duty is no threat on a beautiful, sunny day at the beach, if something goes wrong, you will not have access to immediate medical attention, and nobody with the proper training and equipment to save you. In 1967, the American alligator was placed on the Endangered Species List by the U.S. 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. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. If you are looking for someplace closer to town, Village Point Park Preserve in Daphne will allow you to see gators. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) Three large sharks are being tracked this week off the coast of Alabama. Cottonmouth snakes. With around 70,000 gators, it might seem like Alabama has more alligators than any other state. jaimie tuchman/Shutterstock.com. How big are alligators in Alabama? They were once near extinction from the 1920s to the 1940s due to over harvesting. 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. Still, 25% of the entire states population lives in the southeastern region. Black Bears. Call 9-1-1 immediately if the situation is urgent. How Many People Die Every Year From Alligator Attacks? Permit and alligator trapping license for resident disability hunt/fish license holders: $22. The alligator hunting season was restarted in Alabama about 10 years ago. Does the Alabama River have alligators? A small population is also found in Tamaulipas, in Mexico. 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. 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. Brandi is a professional writer by day and a fiction writer by night. Alligator jaws exert up to 1,000 pounds of pressure since they are desired to crush prey. While a limited number of hunting tags are offered in the southern portion of Alabama, it is illegal to kill alligators. Along the river are swimming holes where you can splash the summer heat away. In fact, the American alligator is the only crocodilian animal native to the state of Texas. Given its location on the ocean with many rivers, streams, marshes, lagoons, and lakes in the area, this begs the question: are there alligators in Gulf Shores, Alabama? As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. The American alligator is one of the largest reptiles in the world. You can also distinguish them by examining the color of their skin. Alligators can be found in places other than the United States. Still, some do! If you did a cursory internet search for "biggest alligator ever" you might see a listing that says "19 feet, 2 inches" with a caveat that the number is "unconfirmed." As of this writing, the official record is a 15-foot, 9-inch gator caught in Alabama in 2014. Home FAQ Question: Where Are Alligators In Alabama. Their entire bodies are covered with large horny plates which protect them from predators and other alligators. the opening of the newly renovated Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Some of the application fees include: Permit and alligator trapping license for Florida residents: $272. Alligators . The reptile can play maneuvers in water to directly attack the source of such a promising venture. Alligators are only found in the states southern half since theres significantly more fresh water than in the northern section of Alabama. How come alligators live in an area far from their natural habitat? Sub-adults will feed on fish, crustaceans, small mammals and birds. But, how many alligators live in Alabama? This will only give them more of a drive to attack, thinking that you provided the food, so you become the food! A successful attack by an alligator while in water can cause a critical injury, resulting in an even quick drowning. Alligators are much faster than humans, so its best to remain still and let them pass. Kelly Smith, who has worked on Redstone Arsenal as a . 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. Female alligators max out at nine feet long, while male alligators can reach 15 feet. Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions . Their most distinctive feature is their head, which is long and filled with up to 80 teeth at a time. Jade Bremner. Alligators are some of the most interesting animals that live in the United States. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. TheFirearmBlog // The 194 miles long river is the longest free-flowing river in Alabama. 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. Size: Male alligators range from 11 to 12 feet long and weigh between 400 and 500 pounds. Alligators feature dark green color with small black spots near their jaw. Other states use state wildlife officials to remove alligators that are causing problems. As a result, they can only live where there is sufficient sunlight and heat to warm them up. 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. Instead, find another beach at Gulf Shores that is open for swimming, so you can safely enjoy the day. About 70,000 alligators live in Alabama. Alabama (70,000) Alligators live through the southern half of Alabama. The second hunt zone will be in Baldwin and Mobile Counties south of I-10. Crocodiles are green, grey, brown, or black with a camouflage pattern. 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. 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. Range and Habitat Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is by looking at their snouts. Alligators have been reported in parking lots on the causeway that crosses Mobile Bay and along heavily traveled U.S. 98 i. . Any standing body of water in Florida could house a gator, making swamps, rivers, lakes, and drainage pools all potentially dangerous. That's more than those who visit to fish (630,000) or hunt (535,000). When this occurs these alligators typically must be euthanized due to future safety concerns. Alligators presence is in freshwater lakes, ponds, marshy areas, and streams. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Juveniles feed on small fish and crustaceans. In 1938, Alabama was the first state to protect alligators. Come and interact with our heritage Alligators while paddling, hiking, riding, or even strolling within the parks. A child or a pet splashing in water can be intercepted and interpreted by an alligator intelligence to mean an easy meal. Shark attacks occur more than alligator attacks but are uncommon. Of these yearlings, 8 will become subadults (reach 4 feet in . 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. Alligators are found in 120 of Texas' 254 counties. Cannibalism is common among alligators in areas where they are more populated. To find out how many alligators live in Alabama, its important to know how to identify an alligator. However, increased sightings in these areas may indicate a northern expansion of their historic range. We can swim, and every moment in water is a struggle. You will easily spot an alligator among the tall grass. Only 50 permits were issued in 2006. Permit for 2 CITES tags (for those who already have a license): $62. While many dont know it, gators live through many regions of North Carolina. Today, we are going to compare the states with alligators and see which one has the most. 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. Gators typically only attack if they feel cornered and threatened. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). 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. The more wildlife, the more exciting for me to come over here and immerse myself in it, said Wall. The American alligator can grow up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. Some of the most shaping features include: If youre considering swimming in alligator-infested waters, dont, its not worth it. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Do alligators appear on Gulf Shores beaches? Unregulated alligator harvest throughout the South in the early 1900s threatened the species with extinction. 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 . As a result, the populations of gators begin to drop the further north you move. Permit and alligator trapping license for non-residents: $1,022. alligators that allow hunters with permits to kill or facilitate the removal of alligators. The lakes in Alabama have swimming sites where you can enjoy your strokes and water maneuvers. Children and Pets Are A No In Waters Infested With Alligators. Lets take a look at Alabamas own native crocodilian, the American alligator. AgDaily, OutdoorHub All Rights Reserved Carbon Media Group Outdoors. John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. 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. Now we know how many alligators live in Alabama, but just where can you find them? Crocs like in salty waters but can also live in freshwater marshes and wetlands. The timber rattlesnake is one of Alabama's most venomous snakes. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. In Texas, alligators live in the eastern portion . The majority of American Alligators inhabit Florida and Louisiana . In fact, alligators live in approximately half of the states fresh waters. One can find . Hudson says generally alligators avoid human conflict, unlike crocodiles. By 1987, it was removed from the Endangered Species List but remains a federally protected species. Check out the following swimming halls on your summer vacation in Alabama. Generally absent above Fall Line Hills except for an introduced Tennessee River population near Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. But in the past 50 years their population in the state has grown to the point where hundreds of annual complaints about them are reported. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. By comparison the Atchafalaya Basin swamp (the Landry's gator hunting area) is about 207,000 acres. This area is home to many different types of marine life and the threat is relatively low. How many alligators are in the southern half of Alabama? Alabama isn't well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! Despite the data that shows just how uncommon alligator attacks actually are, these reptiles are often viewed with extreme fear. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Alligators and crocodiles are often mistaken for one another, but there are defining differences between the two creatures. 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. Some individuals have been recorded living more than 100 years! Since then, their populations in all 10 southeastern states have both increased and stabilized. Her nonfiction work focuses on animals, nature, and conservation. 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. This popular swimming hole, which is named Blue Hole, is located within the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, in Pinson, Alabamajust 15 miles from Birmingham. Alligators usually eat turtles and rarely attack humans, but an attack could be fatal. However, there are tips for swimming with these creatures. These alligators are native only to the United States and inhabit Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. So if an alligator hisses or lunges toward you, you are much too close for their comfort and should move away. Residents replied to the advice with sightings around their neighbourhoods: They are even at my store in the parking lot but only small ones so far, said social media user Delana. 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. Males can grow to 19 feet in length and weigh up to 900 pounds, while females tend to be somewhat smaller on average. American alligators are no longer listed as endangered, but Chinese alligators, which live only in the Yangtze River, are critically endangered. Chinese . Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida Gator in Most Florida Video Ever, Discover the One Place on Earth that Crocodiles and Alligators Coexist. Prohibited Items Pets are welcome at Gulf Place, but they may not travel on the sand beaches. Fish and Wildlife Service. Avoid any alligator nests, even if they look desertedMom probably isnt too far away. But, just how do you stay safe around these apex predators? It's also a draw-only hunt. Alligator hunters are selected to hunt these areas through bidding and lotteries. While they can venture into the saline waters of the Gulf of Mexico for a brief time, its uncommon since their habitat is freshwater. 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. That means never trap them in a corner or an area where they feel provoked, or they will fight back. Alligators are timid creatures, so they try to stay as far away from humans as possible. Texas has 400-500,000 alligators within its borders. It would be best if you got a guide when embarking on the trail. These reptiles can be found from the Sabine River to the Gulf of Mexico and the coastal marshes near the Rio Grande. First-time Alabama alligator hunters celebrate record catch 00:24. Other states soon followed, and in 1967, the U.S. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Registration begins at 8:00 AM CDT on June 7, 2022 (8:00 a.m. CDT) and ends July 13, 2022 (8:00 a.m. CDT). If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 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. Lake Forest, Eufala, and Big creek are other water bodies where alligators have found a home in Alabama. 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 have had a growing presence in North Alabama dating back to the 70's when more than 50 were introduced to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Another person posted a picture of an alligator in their backyard. May 13, 2021. About 18 hours later, the boys intact body was discovered in the water near where he was taken. At least two people died in 2022 from alligator attacks Credit: Getty How many alligator attacks took place in 2022? The temperature inside the mound determines the sex of her babies. Meanwhile, in Louisiana, in August, following heavy rainfalls and floods caused by Hurricane Ida, a 12-foot-long alligatorbit a mans arm off in front of his wife. Give it a wide berth. Alligators have been known to venture onto Gulf Shore beaches, but this is rare. Adult alligators feed on fish, mammals, birds and other alligators. Fish and Wildlife Service placed the American alligator on the Endangered Species List. Habitat in the northern half of the state is marginal. Avoid Swimming In Wild Water Bodies Known To Harbor. Some areas it does get too cold for young alligators to survive. As one of the largest lakes in the state, it has many gators that enjoy the 16,000 acres of lake coverage. So how is it that we have a precise record of 19 feet, 2 inches and yet somehow . 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. An alligator snout is broad and U-shaped at the end, while a crocodile has a narrower, sharp snout. 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. In the northern parts of Alabama, you can visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to glimpse these gigantic reptiles. Adhere to set down rules and caution when near waters infested with alligators. However, there are occasional sightings in more northerly latitudes, though the population of gators in the northern half of the state is minimal. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. or 454 kilograms), according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Please use caution when visiting our bay access points and parks, wrote the City of Daphne in Alabama in an official social media post. West Beach. People are to avoid heavy vegetation in or near the water's edge. Only around four per cent of alligator attacks on humans in the US have been fatal, according to the University of Florida. There are swimming holes located along these water bodies in Alabama. The paved ways will take you through a maritime forest over wetlands, dunes, and lakes. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. The cost of living in Alabama is low and so are real estate prices. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Florida alligator bite statistics date back to 1948, ranging around three major bites per year. On the other hand, alligators feature cone-shaped teeth and a powerful jaw, which is meant for crushing games. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. Fish scales reflect in the sun, which helps alligators hunt their prey. 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. What States Have Alligators 2023. While a limited number of hunting tags are offered in the southern portion of Alabama, it is illegal to kill alligators. Fish and Wildlife Service placed the American alligator on the Endangered Species List. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Alligators are cold-blooded and live in warm areas. 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. The trail is for use by cyclists, hikers, and joggers alike. The American alligator can weigh a mere 170 pounds all the way up to a hefty 800 pounds! Fatality Rate: Alligator Attacks = 4.3% Shark Attacks = 1.5%. The best site to see an alligator north of Alabama is a visit to the Tennessee River in the region. While they can brumate (a reptile version of hibernation) during cold months, alligators generally stick to areas with water that doesnt freeze over for too much of the year. Handling even small alligators can result in injury. What is the biggest alligator ever caught in the United States? The alligators in the water will tend to move out of the way of the oncoming boat. The chance of someone being attacked is one in 3.2 million. The alligators in Alabama are currently around 70,000. What is the largest alligator ever caught? Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. Black widow spiders. They are widely distributed through the southeastern and southwestern regions of the state, although densities are quite low. ADCNR also issues hunting and fishing licenses for the state. In fact, almost all gators can be found south of the fall line, a line that travels through Columbus, Macon, and Augusta. A 2004 study of wild and captive alligators found that large individuals bite down with one of the most powerful bites ever recorded for a living animal. The only places that gators live in Oklahoma are the Red and Little Rivers, primarily in around Choctaw, Bryan, McCurtain, and Love counties. The worst years for fatalities were 2001 and 2006, with three people dying each of those years from Florida alligator attacks. Do not allow pets to swim, exercise, or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. The mounted 15-foot, 9 .