When paddling in a canoe, the oars scare away the reptile and prevent an attack. A vacation in Alabama will give you and your loved ones a memorable adventure. An alligator is protective of her family. All rights reserved (About Us). Alligators attack their prey by staying in the water with only their eyes peeping above the surface. No glass or breakable containers. 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. 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. Have some feedback for us? If an alligator is causing problems, do not take it into your own hands. The Tennessee River also makes it easy for them to navigate the region. Please do not allow misinformation and the fear it causes to prevent you and your children from experiencing the magic of Mobile Bay. Does the Alabama River have alligators? Females usually lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time from early June to mid-July. The registration for that closes in July. They are a freshwater animal and live in lakes, rivers, marshes, and brackish swamps. She keeps guard of her nest, awaiting the eggs to hatch. The second hunt zone will be in Baldwin and Mobile Counties south of I-10. Alabama has five alligator hunting zones in South Alabama, the traditional range of alligators in the state. For nests that survive predators and flooding, an estimated 24 live hatchlings will emerge. But older alligators are very well suited to withstand long periods of cold temperatures, said Hudson. The alligators in the water will tend to move out of the way of the oncoming boat. They are an important part of the ecosystem in that state. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? Kelly Smith, who has worked on Redstone Arsenal as a . The larger the reptile, the more daring it becomes when targeting prey. Currently, Arkansas is estimated to have 2,000-3,000 individuals, with a stable and growing population each year. Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. There are four designated zones permitted by the state for hunting alligators. The Yellowhammer state does allow younger hunters 16 and up to . Virginia. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. In the northern parts of Alabama, you can visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to glimpse these gigantic reptiles. The American alligator can grow up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. They are widely distributed through the southeastern and southwestern regions of the state, although densities are quite low. AllOutdoor // The massive swampland and warm climate mean that Louisiana is the perfect home for these scaly reptiles. 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). If you are looking for someplace closer to town, Village Point Park Preserve in Daphne will allow you to see gators. 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. Alligators are found in 120 of Texas' 254 counties. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Experts maintain that a safe distance from an alligator is around 60 feet. At one time, the alligators in Alabama were under threat of extinction. . In captivity, alligators can live much longer. After fighting with this angry gator for more than an hour, Tom Grant and his buddies were able to wrestle it to shore. What is the largest alligator ever caught? One of the places where one can find many gators is Lake Jessup. When it comes to gators, Texas comes in third for the total population. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. Are there safe places where I can swim in Alabama? 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 United States, only 10 states out of 50 have a native alligator population. First-time Alabama alligator hunters celebrate record catch 00:24. 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. While they may occasionally show up in others, they arent breeding and living there year-round. Instead, find another beach at Gulf Shores that is open for swimming, so you can safely enjoy the day. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are around 70,000 alligators living in Alabama today. 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. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. With age, they target other prey, including water birds, rodents, and deer. TheFirearmBlog // Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. The chance of someone being attacked is one in 3.2 million. Report Nuisance Alligators If you encounter an alligator that you believe poses a threat to people, pets, or property, contact your local Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries office. To find out how many alligators live in Alabama, its important to know how to identify an alligator. Its a common misconception that they are limited to water, said Hudson. It is illegal to kill an alligator without a licence, unless in self-defence. 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. Lucky for them, Alabama has plenty of sources of fresh water for gators to choose from, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands. While still protected under state law, there is now an alligator hunting season in Alabama. For this year's hunting season, which starts Aug. 11, the state will issue 260 permits. 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. However, increased sightings in these areas may indicate a northern expansion of their historic range. OutdoorHub // A section (0.1 miles) of the two miles of hiking trails in the park has boardwalks over murky waters of an inlet to Mobile Bay. They will cover the eggs with whatever vegetation is available in the habitat in which they live to form a mound. Adhere to set down rules and caution when near waters infested with alligators. On the other hand, alligators feature cone-shaped teeth and a powerful jaw, which is meant for crushing games. Places you can swim without fear of alligators in Alabama, Safety Tips When Swimming In Alligator Infested Waters. You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. She will respond by fending you off before you even get near her children. Fish and Wildlife Service. Estimates indicate that there are about 70,000 gators in the state. An alligators menu grows and widens with agealligators capture when young people feed on insects, tadpoles, fish fingerings, and small creatures. Why look for engulfment with this creature in water? As of 2006, alligator hunting season in Alabama had been reinstated . 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 70,000 alligators live in Alabama. Baby alligators grow a foot yearly in the early four years of life. 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 . Humans capabilities of staying in water have limitations. Alabama has initiated a regulated hunting season to assist with the management and population control of alligators. You will easily spot an alligator among the tall grass. So, in Alabama, they live exclusively in the southern half of the state. 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. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Texas has 400-500,000 alligators within its borders. If you come across an alligator, stay around 60 feet away from it, dont run away on land, and swim away if in the water. But, how many alligators live in Alabama? Alligators are common in alabama. Coastal marshlands around the state are key breeding grounds for these reptiles. However, occasionally a jellyfish or a few will navigate toward the shore, so its essential to be vigilant while in the water. Lottery applications are . According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are around 70,000 alligators living in Alabama today. Most of the gators fall in the lower half of the state, with populations in the northern half being nearly non-existent. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. An alligator is larger than you in all ways, especially in water. Prohibited Items Pets are welcome at Gulf Place, but they may not travel on the sand beaches. 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. 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. 6. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. The idea of encountering a giant, predator reptile residing in the waters when swimming is not comforting. These attacks occur because the shark thinks the human is a fish or other sea creature. 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. Its common to find gators lying in the sun and cooling off by opening their mouths, which release stored internal heat. Everything is big in Texas! Best Alabama Beaches Gulf Shores. The largest American alligator is 20 feet long, averaging 15 to 17 feet. Alligators, like many reptiles are 'plantigrade'. There are swimming holes located along these water bodies in Alabama. She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories. 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. Selections for each zone will be held at 12:00 PM CDT on the second Wednesday of July. Interesting Alligator Facts in Gulf Shores, 4 Safety Tips for Swimming in Alligator-Infested Waters, Tip One: Dont wear shiny jewelry or clothing. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). Approximately 1.25 million alligators live in Florida, with around 200,000 in the Everglades. Just like in the state of Alabama, the applicants in South Carolina are selected randomly by the computer's lottery system. They can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds. Give it a wide berth. Although South Carolina is warmer, on average, than North Carolina, it can still get quite cold. We can swim, and every moment in water is a struggle. It would be best if you got a guide when embarking on the trail. Leave The Alligators Family Affairs Alone. The creatures have been spotted in parking lots, backyards, and on roads around Daphne, after extreme weather washed them away from their usual habitats. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The current world record alligator was taken by Mandy Stokes, of Thomaston, in August 2014. Alabama Alligator in a river. The region is estimated to have 70,000 of the total Alabama alligator population. What States Have Alligators 2023. Alabama took the lead in 1938 by passing laws to protect them. The department promotes wise stewardship and enjoyment of the states natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Alligator jaws exert up to 1,000 pounds of pressure since they are desired to crush prey. Alligators can move long distances over land. Splashing means a possible food source for alligators. Quick Answer: Where Is Bear Creek Alabama, Quick Answer: Where Is Eight Mile Alabama. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The state that is probably least known for alligator populations in Oklahoma. Fort Morgan. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. When brought to the scales the gator measured 13 feet, 1 1/2 inches long and weighed 604 pounds, Thomas said. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? Of the Carolinas, South Carolina is the most alligator-infested state. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Do not allow pets to swim, exercise, or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. Come and interact with our heritage Alligators while paddling, hiking, riding, or even strolling within the parks. 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. The American alligator requires fresh water with an abundant food supply and marsh habitat nearby for nesting. Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions. However, dont expect to find them living in the salty waters of the gulf. Recently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel in West Tennessee at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. Alligators are only found in the states southern half since theres significantly more fresh water than in the northern section of Alabama. A visit to the southern half of Alabama will give you a high chance of seeing an alligator. Black widow spiders. Photograph at A Distance Always keep safety in mind and observe and photograph alligators only froma distance. South Carolina has around 100,000 gators within its borders, primarily in the south and along the coast. Village Point Park Preserve boardwalks have designs to guarantee safety even for young children. You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. 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. Alligators are carnivores and feed on whatever food is available. 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. Alligators in Alabama begin courtship in April and breed in late May and early June. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only species of alligator that exists in Alabama. Louisiana has the largest alligator population. The trail is safe even for young children, having erected measures in place to prevent young ones from straying. Today, we are going to compare the states with alligators and see which one has the most. We strictly advise not to swim in water bodies harboring alligators. 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. 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. Are alligators a problem in Alabama? The temperature inside the mound determines the sex of her babies. U.S. Space & Rocket Center is Alabamas Number One Tourism Attraction. Permit and alligator trapping license for non-residents: $1,022. The reptile can play maneuvers in water to directly attack the source of such a promising venture. 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. Alligators are lowland creatures who require both warmth and fresh water. The crocodilian family has 13 species worldwide, whereas the alligator only has American and Chinese species. At six feet, an alligator matures sexually, and since the males grow much faster, they tend to mature earlier than females. Permit and alligator trapping license for resident disability hunt/fish license holders: $22. Crocodiles are considerably more aggressive than alligators, which are shy. AL.com The current record holder for the largest alligator ever caught is a 15-foot-9-inch gator that clocked in at 1,011.5 pounds and was captured in Mill Creek, Alabama, according to ABC. Keeping alligators - or any other wild animals - as pets is, to put it bluntly, a horrible idea. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) Three large sharks are being tracked this week off the coast of Alabama. Adult alligators feed on fish, mammals, birds and other alligators. With a belly girth of 65", the Tom Grant's alligator was one of the largest . How come alligators live in an area far from their natural habitat? Fairhope. How many alligators are in the southern half of Alabama? Both are of the same order but in a different family. If you take a tour to the south of Alabama, you will likely see an alligator. Mama alligator incubates her eggs using nature in a nest built of mud and vegetation. 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. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Alligator hunters are selected to hunt these areas through bidding and lotteries.