She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories. ADCNR also issues hunting and fishing licenses for the state. 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 Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. Alligators are a top predator species and help keep other animal populations in balance. 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. 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. It's like clockwork: the weather begins getting warmer, and rumors about North Alabama alligators begin making the rounds on social media again. If you take a tour to the south of Alabama, you will likely see an alligator. Orange Beach. When this occurs these alligators typically must be euthanized due to future safety concerns. These alligators are native only to the United States and inhabit Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Alabama prohibits harassment or ownership of alligators, as well as illegal hunting. How many people are killed by alligators in the US each year? The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is by looking at their snouts. You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. Always remember to use extreme caution while on Lake Eufaula. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only species of alligator that exists in Alabama. The alligators can't just be traced back to the . However, the freezing temperatures of north Alabama threaten alligator hatchlings survival. Check out the following swimming halls on your summer vacation in Alabama. There are only two species of alligator; the American alligator, and the Chinese alligator. 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. In captivity, alligators can live much longer. 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. HUNTSVILLE, Ala If youre one of the many people who moved to Huntsville recently, it might come as a surprise that we have alligators, lots of them. Some individuals have been recorded living more than 100 years! Alligators are more abundant in Florida. 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 . Only around four per cent of alligator attacks on humans in the US have been fatal, according to the University of Florida. Along the river are swimming holes where you can splash the summer heat away. If fed by people, alligators quickly associate humans with food, which can be dangerous. 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. The Tennessee River also makes it easy for them to navigate the region. Avoid any alligator nests, even if they look desertedMom probably isnt too far away. It measured 15 feet, 9 inches long and weighed 1,011.5 pounds. Thankfully, not every state has a native population of alligators. Her nonfiction work focuses on animals, nature, and conservation. Alligators prefer water that is 80 to 92 F, but adults have been found in areas where temperatures reach well below that range. They are native to China, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. They can live 70 to 100 years. First, dont try to feed or touch any alligator. A moving boat on a river or lake will look large for an alligator to attack. Alabama enjoys great weather all year round. After 20 years of protection, their population bounced back. So, in Alabama, they live exclusively in the southern half of the state. 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. As a result, the populations of gators begin to drop the further north you move. Small alligators, less than three feet, mainly feed on spiders, minnows, crawfish, shrimp, and crabs. Females are about 8 to 9 feet in length. Therefore, an alligator attack is rare unless they feel threatened or provoked. The American alligator population in Alabama has changed dramatically over the years. The majority of American Alligators inhabit Florida and Louisiana . Relatively few snakes are venomous. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. Hunters can apply for a hunting permit, though, with only a few hundred given out every year, chances of getting one are small. Also, getting to Gulf Shores is simple by ferry, car, or airplane. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. Watch This Florida Woman Feed an Alligator Up-Close, With Predictable Ending. Louisiana us almost 33 1/2 million acres total and 4.5 million acres are alligator habitat with 3 million of it being the coastal marshes. One of the places where one can find many gators is Lake Jessup. It is easy to confuse the two. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. Since then, their populations in all 10 southeastern states have both increased and stabilized. Alligators are much faster than humans, so its best to remain still and let them pass. The Alabama River is a river located in the U.S. state of Alabama. Some residents are calling for the authorities to relocate the alligators. Avoid swimming at night, outside of posted swimming areas, or in waters that might be inhabited by alligators. The Stokes alligator was caught in the Alabama River, bout 100 miles north of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Louisiana has the largest alligator population. In the northern parts of Alabama, you can visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to glimpse these gigantic reptiles. Alligators are only found in the states southern half since theres significantly more fresh water than in the northern section of Alabama. Crocodiles are green, grey, brown, or black with a camouflage pattern. Alligators have lived in marshes, swamps, rivers, ponds, and lakes of Texas for centuries. You can see an alligator in the Gulf Coast town without going far into the wild. The colour of this snake varies, but you can expect to find yellow, pink, and black variations of colour on this snake. In the water, only the tops of their heads and backs remain visible. Alligators are carnivores and feed on whatever food is available. To find out how many alligators live in Alabama, its important to know how to identify an alligator. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. 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. What is the biggest alligator ever caught in Alabama? The state has great natural beauty including inland waterways and forests. 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. 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. Today, we are going to compare the states with alligators and see which one has the most. This popular swimming hole, which is named Blue Hole, is located within the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, in Pinson, Alabamajust 15 miles from Birmingham. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Approximately 1.25 million alligators live in. 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. Harmful encounters occur when people do not pay attention to their surroundings. It is not known if it is in the lakes at dusk or dawn. Crocs are opportunistic predators, which means they will attack any living creature that moves, considering their prey, even 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). Fairhope. Lake Forest, Eufala, and Big creek are other water bodies where alligators have found a home in Alabama. 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. In addition to creating unpredictable rip currents in the water, flash flooding and the chance of being struck by lightning are real threats when visiting. May 13, 2021. Cottonmouth snakes. This goes for pets and children as well. Alabama has five alligator hunting zones in South Alabama, the traditional range of alligators in the state. The reptiles inhabit similar territoriesalligators and crocodiles exist on other continents. The larger the reptile, the more daring it becomes when targeting prey. Never Feed Alligators Feeding an alligator is dangerous and illegal. 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. 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. Alligators are an important part of Alabamas landscape and play a valuable role in the ecology of our states wetlands. Chinese . People are to avoid heavy vegetation in or near the water's edge. These spots are receptors that help them regulate water pressure and detect ripples. Like Louisiana, Florida has a massive area of swampland (the Everglades), and the year-round sun makes for ideal conditions for the gators. You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. Selections for each zone will be held at 12:00 PM CDT on the second Wednesday of July. American alligators werent actually placed on the endangered species list until 1967. As a result, they can only live where there is sufficient sunlight and heat to warm them up. The current world record alligator was taken by Mandy Stokes, of Thomaston, in August 2014. 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. Estimates indicate that there are about 70,000 gators in the state. In addition, when youre in the comfortable water, its challenging to realize that youre baking in the sun, so setting a timer on your smartwatch to reapply sunscreen every 20 minutes or each time you exit the water is necessary to ensure safety. About 1/3 of alligator nests are destroyed by predators (mainly raccoons) or flooding. Handling even small alligators can result in injury. Alligators are fascinating creatures, which is why scientists enjoy studying them. The world's largest American alligator ever killed in the wild is on display for the first time since it was caught on the Alabama River. So for the majority of the year, you can spot alligators on your Florida airboat rides. Otherwise, one can easily get lost in the jungle. Black widow spiders. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. Alligators are some of the most interesting animals that live in the United States. Approximately 1.25 million alligators live in Florida, with around 200,000 in the Everglades. Alligators, like many reptiles are 'plantigrade'. All rights reserved (About Us). But, the Alabama alligator population is nothing compared to the gator populations in Florida and Louisiana. Alligators are cold-blooded and live in warm areas. Shark attacks occur more than alligator attacks but are uncommon. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in. Alligators have been reported in parking lots on the causeway that crosses Mobile Bay and along heavily traveled U.S. 98 i. . The state is quite famous for alligator farming and harvesting, accounting for hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue brought to the state. Are there alligators in Alabama Gulf Shores? On the other hand, alligators feature cone-shaped teeth and a powerful jaw, which is meant for crushing games. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? They are widely distributed through the southeastern and southwestern regions of the state, although densities are quite low. 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. Alligators . Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. 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 Mobile-Tensaw river delta offers you a lifetime experience of paddling the Bartram Canoe Trail. The region is estimated to have 70,000 of the total Alabama alligator population. Because of this stiff protection, the population of alligators in Alabamas waterways has become so plentiful that they are frequently a nuisance. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Jade Bremner. In 1938, Alabama was the first state to protect alligators. Experts say there are around 70,000 alligators in the rivers and lakes of Southern Alabama. Alligators are incredibly adept hunters; theyre more than capable of attacking and killing an adult human. the opening of the newly renovated Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Crocodiles have pointier and sharper teeth because they have evolved to tear apart prey. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Alligators fingerlings struggle to survive the harsh cold temperatures of the north. West Beach. Brandi is a professional writer by day and a fiction writer by night. The authorities are warning people to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in the Baldwin County city. 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 . At six feet, an alligator matures sexually, and since the males grow much faster, they tend to mature earlier than females. Alligators are timid creatures, so they try to stay as far away from humans as possible. Splashing means a possible food source for alligators. The alligators in Alabama are currently around 70,000. Recently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel in West Tennessee at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. They will cover the eggs with whatever vegetation is available in the habitat in which they live to form a mound. With age, they target other prey, including water birds, rodents, and deer. Alabama Alligator in a river. The alleys wide boardwalk snakes around the banks of Mobile Bay and over DOlive Creek. Louisiana has the most alligators of all of the states, with over two million gators residing there. The Dauphin Island area is home to a variety of sea creatures, including common sharks including blacktip and bull sharks. It's estimated that 79 per cent of Louisiana's coastal marshes are privately owned alligator habitat. Alligators will attack or defend themselves by biting their victim. Given the development of Gulf Shores over the years, its rare to encounter an alligator unless in a more remote area. 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. The second hunt zone will be in Baldwin and Mobile Counties south of I-10. If an alligator passes in front of you, remain as still as possible and exit the water immediately. The average clutch size of an alligator nest is 38. 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. In 1938, Alabama was thefirst state to protect alligators. Can you drink alcohol on Alabama beaches? Have some feedback for us? Alligators have survived for many years without help from humans. While many dont know it, gators live through many regions of North Carolina. Distribution of the American alligator in Alabama is typically limited to the southern half of the state, mostly due to habitat and temperature requirements. jaimie tuchman/Shutterstock.com. 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. Prohibited Items Pets are welcome at Gulf Place, but they may not travel on the sand beaches. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. American Alligator. Give it a wide berth. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Alligator Missippiensis (American) and Alligator Sinesis (Chinese) belong to the Crocodylidae family in the sub-family Alligatorianae. Jonas N. Jordan Public Domain by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An alligator mother lays 30 70 eggs for her brood. Alligator Infested Lakes: How Many Alligators Live in Texas Lake Lewisville? Fatality Rate: Alligator Attacks = 4.3% Shark Attacks = 1.5%. American alligators are no longer listed as endangered, but Chinese alligators, which live only in the Yangtze River, are critically endangered. However, there are many dangerous animals in Alabama.Table of Contents show Spiders. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. 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. In Texas, alligators live in the eastern portion . Alligators can be taken legally only by individuals with proper licenses or permits. The best site to see an alligator north of Alabama is a visit to the Tennessee River in the region. Alligators presence is in freshwater lakes, ponds, marshy areas, and streams. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) Three large sharks are being tracked this week off the coast of Alabama. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The home of the Mississippi River has its fair share of gators too! Lets discover: The 10 most alligator-infested states: Ranked. A hunting season for American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) will be open in five hunt zones of Alabama. In Alabama, there are no crocodiles. Splashing and moving around will draw attention to you, and the gator could think youre prey. Once they pass, move away from the alligator, or exit the water immediately to avoid a confrontation. You can also distinguish them by examining the color of their skin. Some of the most shaping features include: If youre considering swimming in alligator-infested waters, dont, its not worth it. Alligators are present in most southern states of U.S. water bodies. Even though they were removed from the Endangered Species List in 1987, the American alligator remains federally protected due to similarity in appearance to other species. The other gator species is the Chinese alligator, which is becoming extinct due to the overdevelopment of its habitat. 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. Just because you don't see the mother doesn't mean she isn't lurking nearby. Brown Recluse Spider. 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. Reported fatalities in an alligator attack are few and far between. Alligators found north of this line were most likely brought there by humans. Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. 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. Try out these sites enjoyed by both locals and visitors. However, dont expect to find them living in the salty waters of the gulf. The largest American alligator is 20 feet long, averaging 15 to 17 feet. Thank you for reading! By comparison the Atchafalaya Basin swamp (the Landry's gator hunting area) is about 207,000 acres. Keeping alligators - or any other wild animals - as pets is, to put it bluntly, a horrible idea. Robinson Island. The American alligator can grow up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. Of the 254 counties in the state, 120 have gators. 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. Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. Fish scales reflect in the sun, which helps alligators hunt their prey. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. 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. Alligators typically have dark gray or black skin with white or yellow markings, while crocodiles are usually tan in color with darker stripes and spots. We strictly advise not to swim in water bodies harboring alligators. The trail is for use by cyclists, hikers, and joggers alike. What is the largest alligator ever caught? The registration for that closes in July. or 454 kilograms), according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately. This means that they walk in a flat-footed manner. Alligators in Alabama begin courtship in April and breed in late May and early June. A child or a pet splashing in water can be intercepted and interpreted by an alligator intelligence to mean an easy meal. The alligators in the water will tend to move out of the way of the oncoming boat. Alabamas climate, geographical features, and vegetation offer a natural habitat conducive to alligators survival. Alligators can propel their bodies up and out of the water. How come alligators live in an area far from their natural habitat? The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says looking from a distance is fine. Stokes and her crew took the gator in Mill Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River. Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. The idea of encountering a giant, predator reptile residing in the waters when swimming is not comforting. Females usually lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time from early June to mid-July.