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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. On the trail, you will navigate through channels and bayous from which you can watch alligators basking or sliding off the banks. In Alabama, there are no crocodiles. 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 . An American alligators diet is comprised of a wide variety of food items. 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 . 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. Alligator lifespan depends on a variety of factors such as food availability and climate conditions, but the average life expectancy is still quite long compared to most other animals. 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. Theyre the only crocodilian in Alabama waters and can grow to a whopping 19 feet long. Watch This Florida Woman Feed an Alligator Up-Close, With Predictable Ending. 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 grow to approximately 13 feet long. Thank you for reading! Florida alligator bite statistics date back to 1948, ranging around three major bites per year. Its well understood that people have relocated alligators from the southern reaches of the state. Nuisance alligators have to be removed each year because of this problem. The 15-foot, half-ton monster broke a record set in 2007 in Texas. When he isn't distracted by his backyard birdfeeder, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone around him about what he's recently learned. So, you cant harass, feed, or own an alligator in Alabama. Places you can swim without fear of alligators in Alabama, Safety Tips When Swimming In Alligator Infested Waters. Get the latest Offers, Outdoor News, Stories, and Reviews delivered to your inbox. That type of wildlife is alligators. Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. Unregulated alligator harvest throughout the South in the early 1900s threatened the species with extinction. Photograph at A Distance Always keep safety in mind and observe and photograph alligators only froma distance. While alligators also live in freshwater marshes, wetlands, and swamps, their bodies cannot digest salt, so they stay away from saline waters. In captivity, alligators can live much longer. The Sixth Largest Alligator - Tom Grant's Alligator - 13'1.5". Wild alligators rarely chase people, but they can run up to 35 miles an hour on short land distances. Lets discover: The 10 most alligator-infested states: Ranked. Alligators found north of this line were most likely brought there by humans. The alligators in Alabama are currently around 70,000. The American alligator can grow up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. If an alligator passes in front of you, remain as still as possible and exit the water immediately. 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. She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories. You can spot large gator groups in April, May, and June because of mating. Arkansas has had an increasing population of alligators each year, especially as the temperature warms due to climate change. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Alabama prohibits harassment or ownership of alligators, as well as illegal hunting. Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions. Now we know how many alligators live in Alabama, but just where can you find them? Alligators can be taken legally only by individuals with proper licenses or permits. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous, but it mostly lives in coastal marshes. Because of this stiff protection, the population of alligators in Alabamas waterways has become so plentiful that they are frequently a nuisance. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). Gulf Shores offers the perfect habitat for freshwater bodies, marshes, and other free-flowing water entities. Alligators are incredibly adept hunters; theyre more than capable of attacking and killing an adult human. The registration for that closes in July. Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. While many dont know it, gators live through many regions of 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. Alligators are only found in the states southern half since theres significantly more fresh water than in the northern section of Alabama. While a limited number of hunting tags are offered in the southern portion of Alabama, it is illegal to kill alligators. Just because you don't see the mother doesn't mean she isn't lurking nearby. Currently, Arkansas is estimated to have 2,000-3,000 individuals, with a stable and growing population each year. Alligators can be found in places other than the United States. 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. Alligators have a u-shaped snout with a jaw that closes downward, thus only exposing the top teeth set. The full-grown alligators can, and did, make it through the colder north Alabama winters and a population of them has managed to hang on in the Tennessee River 37 years after the U.S. An alligator snout is broad and U-shaped at the end, while a crocodile has a narrower, sharp snout. Dauphin Island. Do not swim in water inhabited by alligators. The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is by looking at their snouts. 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. An alligator lacks the necessary glands to excrete salt and cant survive in salty waters. How big are alligators in Alabama? However, occasionally a jellyfish or a few will navigate toward the shore, so its essential to be vigilant while in the water. 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. This means that they walk in a flat-footed manner. But, how many alligators live in Alabama? The crime rate is low and the state is a great place to raise a family. 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. The Mobile-Tensaw river delta offers you a lifetime experience of paddling the Bartram Canoe Trail. 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. Also, if youre drinking alcohol on the beach, its even more important to bring plenty of water to drink throughout the day to avoid dehydration. About 1/3 of alligator nests are destroyed by predators (mainly raccoons) or flooding. Have some feedback for us? They will cover the eggs with whatever vegetation is available in the habitat in which they live to form a mound. jaimie tuchman/Shutterstock.com. Alligator Hunting in Alabama scgerding via Getty Images Alabama is a little different than some other states when it comes to gator hunting. Alligators shy away from humans and would rather skater away than attack. They prefer water sources that do not go dry in the summer months and that provide an abundance of food. Once they pass, move away from the alligator, or exit the water immediately to avoid a confrontation. . Are There Alligators in the Mississippi River? American Alligators can be found throughout their range in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes and streams. 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 creatures have been spotted in parking lots, backyards, and on roads around Daphne, after extreme weather washed them away from their usual habitats. Females are about 8 to 9 feet in length. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis, Figure 1), often called "gators," are one of 22 crocodilian species worldwide and the most AllOutdoor // So how is it that we have a precise record of 19 feet, 2 inches and yet somehow . Supporting those divisions are seven support sections: Accounting, Diversity and Recruiting, Engineering, Information and Education, Information Technology, Legal, and Personnel and Payroll. Have some feedback for us? Dont try to get closer to take photos, said Marianne Hudson with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Blacktips grow up to 6 feet and eat a diet of fish. First, dont try to feed or touch any alligator. Permit and alligator trapping license for non-residents: $1,022. Approximately 1.25 million alligators live in. So, in Alabama, they live exclusively in the southern half of the state. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says looking from a distance is fine. 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. The chance of someone being attacked is one in 3.2 million. Human/alligator conflicts are rare. Alligators have had a growing presence in North Alabama dating back to the 70s when more than 50 were introduced to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. 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. They can only live in freshwater environments like swamps, wetlands, marshes, and ponds because their body cannot digest salt. Alligators prefer water that is 80 to 92 F, but adults have been found in areas where temperatures reach well below that range. Thunderstorms, rain squalls, hurricanes, and other inclement weather occur regularly due to the airs moisture. Black widow spiders. Adult alligators feed on fish, mammals, birds and other alligators. Its common to find gators lying in the sun and cooling off by opening their mouths, which release stored internal heat. Understanding the natural behavior of this species can help prevent negative encounters for yourself and others. The chance of encountering an alligator in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is uncommon but can occur if you dont follow the tips. Can you drink alcohol on Alabama beaches? The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only species of alligator that exists in Alabama. On Tom Grant's last gator hunt, he caught an alligator that was 12'9" in length. Florida is also home to Gainesville, the most alligator-infested city in the US. But alligators have also been spotted in the Tennessee and Elk rivers near Tennessee. They are widely distributed through the southeastern and southwestern regions of the state, although densities are quite low. 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. Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. Providing food for wild alligators can make them bolder and more apt to seek out humans. 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). The state is quite famous for alligator farming and harvesting, accounting for hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue brought to the state. Village Point Park Preserve boardwalks have designs to guarantee safety even for young children. The most recent data shows that Louisiana is home to over 2 million wild alligators across the state, with an additional 1 million located on farms. Six months ago an alligator was found on Zeirdt road near Town Madison. How come alligators live in an area far from their natural habitat? This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Jellyfish swim underwater, and Portuguese Man o War float on top with tentacles below the surface, so if you see either, exit from the water and tell a lifeguard. Contents1 Where do alligators live in Alabama?2 Does [] Selections for each zone will be held at 12:00 PM CDT on the second Wednesday of July. If this occurs, dont test the waters and go swimming anyway. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com. They can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds. One of the places where one can find many gators is Lake Jessup. Jade Bremner. Black Bears. Southern Florida is the only place where both alligators and crocodiles live side by side. The massive swampland and warm climate mean that Louisiana is the perfect home for these scaly reptiles. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Juveniles feed on small fish and crustaceans. Their entire bodies are covered with large horny plates which protect them from predators and other alligators. Approaching an area where a mother alligator is nursing her babies is offensive and considered a threat. Therefore, if youre wearing something shiny, this could attract gators, thinking youre their next meal. This will only give them more of a drive to attack, thinking that you provided the food, so you become the food! 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. Alabama Alligator in a river. The colour of this snake varies, but you can expect to find yellow, pink, and black variations of colour on this snake. One can find . 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. Georgia is home to between 200-250,000 alligators, primarily in the southern region of the state. Louisiana 2 3000-4000 (1500-2000 alligators removed) 1.5 million Other states soon followed, and in 1967, the U.S. 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. There are reported cases of human attack by an alligator. Coastal marshlands around the state are key breeding grounds for these reptiles. Brown Recluse Spider. The American alligator can weigh a mere 170 pounds all the way up to a hefty 800 pounds! Alligators seek to stay away from humans and only attack when provoked. The state that is probably least known for alligator populations in Oklahoma. Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. 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. Harmful encounters occur when people do not pay attention to their surroundings. Of these yearlings, 8 will become subadults (reach 4 feet in . Adhere to set down rules and caution when near waters infested with alligators. Here, well find out just how many alligators live in Alabama, and where exactly you can find them. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. May 13, 2021. 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 second most alligator-infested state in the US in Florida. the opening of the newly renovated Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. Residents warned as alligators take over Alabama city after heavy rain 'I have lived here for over 30 years and never seen so many gators,' says one Daphne resident . American Alligator. The Dauphin Island area is home to a variety of sea creatures, including common sharks including blacktip and bull sharks. We used to be able to swim in local waters and let the dogs swim too without the danger of an attack by a hungry gator, said Daphne local Linda. A stranger to the southern parts of the United States may develop a phobia of the water bodies. 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. Fish and Wildlife Service placed the American alligator on the Endangered Species List. Fairly common in many Coastal Plain lakes, rivers, and associated aquatic habitats, and common in Mobile - Tensaw Delta. How many people are killed by alligators in the US each year? Bites of a few species of the rear-fanged snakes sometimes cause harm, but the effects vary. We strictly advise not to swim in water bodies harboring alligators. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. 8.2 Are there saltwater crocodiles in Alabama? Alligators are lowland creatures who require both warmth and fresh water. Alligators can move long distances over land. Alabama played a leading role in the restoration of the American alligatora national conservation success story. However, the freezing temperatures of north Alabama threaten alligator hatchlings survival. Alligators, like many reptiles are 'plantigrade'. The North Alabama alligator population received a boost in the 1970s when about 50 alligators were released into the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, which spans 35,000 acres between Huntsville and Decatur.. Sheppard, who enjoys kayaking, said she's seen more than a few alligators in the . Gulf State Park. Crocodiles are considerably more aggressive than alligators, which are shy. 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. Why Are People Prohibited From Feed Alligators? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a matter of fact, a record-breaking alligator was pulled from Lake Eufaula in August 2015 that weighed in at 920 pounds. In fact, alligators live in approximately half of the state's fresh waters. The region is estimated to have 70,000 of the total Alabama alligator population. 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. 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. There is an estimated population of 1,000+ alligators that live in North Carolina, with that number seemingly increasing a bit each year. Shark attacks occur more than alligator attacks but are uncommon. Come and interact with our heritage Alligators while paddling, hiking, riding, or even strolling within the parks. Crocodiles have pointier and sharper teeth because they have evolved to tear apart prey. Alligators are a top predator species and help keep other animal populations in balance. Although South Carolina is warmer, on average, than North Carolina, it can still get quite cold. On the other hand, alligators feature cone-shaped teeth and a powerful jaw, which is meant for crushing games. These attacks occur because the shark thinks the human is a fish or other sea creature. It is dangerous to approach an alligator or try to move one. As alligators grow larger so do their food items. Pratik Handore. It's estimated that 79 per cent of Louisiana's coastal marshes are privately owned alligator habitat. They are native to China, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. 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. At one time, the alligators in Alabama were under threat of extinction. This goes for pets and children as well. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. The alligators can't just be traced back to the . Splashing and moving around will draw attention to you, and the gator could think youre prey. The lakes in Alabama have swimming sites where you can enjoy your strokes and water maneuvers. Alligators are endemic to the tidal marshes and wetlandsof the southeastern states, but people getting killed by alligators is extremely rare, Adam Rosenblatt, assistant professor of biology at the University of North Florida told Live Science. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) Three large sharks are being tracked this week off the coast of Alabama. 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. 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. After 20 years of protection, their population bounced back. 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. And theyve been here for decades. Wild Boars. We can swim, and every moment in water is a struggle. Alligator Missippiensis (American) and Alligator Sinesis (Chinese) belong to the Crocodylidae family in the sub-family Alligatorianae. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Her nonfiction work focuses on animals, nature, and conservation. Are alligators a problem in Alabama? Alligators. ADCNR also issues hunting and fishing licenses for the state. On land, they can run and move very fast, but only in short bursts. 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. Alligator mating season is April through May, with breeding occurring openly in water. The majority of American Alligators inhabit Florida and Louisiana . Some of the most shaping features include: If youre considering swimming in alligator-infested waters, dont, its not worth it. Chinese . According to the Alabama Extension Service, there are two types of crocodilian species in the U.S: crocodiles and alligators. Crocs feature V-shaped snouts that are narrow or wide, and their jaws close from the top, exposing all teeth. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Discover the One Place on Earth that Crocodiles and Alligators Coexist. Only 50 permits were issued in 2006. At hatching, baby alligators need their mothers protection for two years. A few sources claim that alligators can be found in every county of the state, although they arent as densely populated as some of the other states on the list. 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. Some areas it does get too cold for young alligators to survive. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. 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 . Like many other states, hunters are allowed only one gator per year. Never Feed Alligators Feeding an alligator is dangerous and illegal. She will respond by fending you off before you even get near her children. These mounds are usually about 2 feet in height and 5 feet in diameter. But, just how do you stay safe around these apex predators? An alligator bite can be fatal, and you should seek medical help. But older alligators are very well suited to withstand long periods of cold temperatures, said Hudson. 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. As one of the largest lakes in the state, it has many gators that enjoy the 16,000 acres of lake coverage. Both inject painful venom into the skin, so if you are stung, seek immediate medical attention. They can live 70 to 100 years. Alligators are some of the most interesting animals that live in the United States. Alligator Alley in the town of Daphne is one of the best places to watch alligators. Alligators have survived for many years without help from humans. A moving boat on a river or lake will look large for an alligator to attack. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. However, with human populations continuing to expand, interaction between people and alligators can be expected. Alligators are more abundant in Florida. Fort Morgan. She keeps guard of her nest, awaiting the eggs to hatch. Alligators feature dark green color with small black spots near their jaw. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Colby is a freelance writer from Charlotte, North Carolina. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. The first hunt zone will be in Baldwin and Mobile Counties north of I-10 and portions of Washington, Clarke, and Monroe Counties. Are there safe places where I can swim in Alabama? The conditions in the north of Alabama contribute to the declining growth rate of the gators population. While still protected under state law, there is now an alligator hunting season in Alabama. Although alligators are naturally shy of humans, they can become aggressive if harassed, provoked, or purposely fed. Cannibalism is common among alligators in areas where they are more populated. Most of the gators fall in the lower half of the state, with populations in the northern half being nearly non-existent. Given the development of Gulf Shores over the years, its rare to encounter an alligator unless in a more remote area.