Avoid Swimming In Wild Water Bodies Known To Harbor. Size: Male alligators range from 11 to 12 feet long and weigh between 400 and 500 pounds. The alligator hunting season was restarted in Alabama about 10 years ago. Alligators are found in 120 of Texas' 254 counties. 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. Blacktips grow up to 6 feet and eat a diet of fish. Alabamas climate, geographical features, and vegetation offer a natural habitat conducive to alligators survival. What is the biggest alligator ever caught in Alabama? Alligators are incredibly adept hunters; theyre more than capable of attacking and killing an adult human. Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. Georgia is home to between 200-250,000 alligators, primarily in the southern region of the state. Lake Forest, Eufala, and Big creek are other water bodies where alligators have found a home in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says looking from a distance is fine. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. Crocodiles are green, grey, brown, or black with a camouflage pattern. Mama alligator will protect her eggs with everything she has. The larger the reptile, the more daring it becomes when targeting prey. And there have only been 23 fatalities between 1948 and 2016. There are swimming holes located along these water bodies in Alabama. The American alligator is one of the largest reptiles in the world. The maximum length is about 5.8 metres (19 feet), but it more typically ranges from about 1.8 to 3.7 metres (6 to 12 feet). 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. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? This popular swimming hole, which is named Blue Hole, is located within the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, in Pinson, Alabamajust 15 miles from Birmingham. Six months ago an alligator was found on Zeirdt road near Town Madison. Estimates indicate that there are about 70,000 gators in the state. ActionHub // However, there are occasional sightings in more northerly latitudes, though the population of gators in the northern half of the state is minimal. Alligators favor warm, lowland waters, like lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and even golf course ponds and irrigation ditches. 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. 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. Alabama isnt well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! 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. Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as well as Arkansas, Georgia and the Carolinas. Only around four per cent of alligator attacks on humans in the US have been fatal, according to the University of Florida. Although in Alabama, alligators have the freedom to live freely in nature. Alligators will attack or defend themselves by biting their victim. Providing food for wild alligators can make them bolder and more apt to seek out humans. American alligators werent actually placed on the endangered species list until 1967. 8.1 Is there alligators in Alabama? Identification . How big are alligators in Alabama? How many people are killed by alligators in the US each year? Have some feedback for us? There is no way you can come across an alligator in the ocean. 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. Alligators have had a growing presence in North Alabama dating back to the 70s when more than 50 were introduced to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. The chance of someone being attacked is one in 3.2 million. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are around 70,000 alligators living in Alabama today. You will easily spot an alligator among the tall grass. 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. In addition to having alligator farms in southern Alabama, alligators are regularly spotted in the wild. 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. While still protected under state law, there is now an alligator hunting season in Alabama. 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. The Mobile-Tensaw river delta offers you a lifetime experience of paddling the Bartram Canoe Trail. Baby alligators grow a foot yearly in the early four years of life. Gulf State Park. An alligator in this period cannot digest food due to low body temperatures. Pratik Handore. Alligators can move long distances over land. Mama alligator incubates her eggs using nature in a nest built of mud and vegetation. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Recent fatal alligator attacks in the southern states include a victim being pulled under the water in South Carolina in 2020. Understanding the natural behavior of this species can help prevent negative encounters for yourself and others. So if an alligator hisses or lunges toward you, you are much too close for their comfort and should move away. Of the Carolinas, South Carolina is the most alligator-infested state. American Alligators can be found throughout their range in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes and streams. When it comes to dangerous nature in Alabama, this place might take the cake. Fairly common in many Coastal Plain lakes, rivers, and associated aquatic habitats, and common in Mobile - Tensaw Delta. If telling you not to swim with them isnt enough, you must go in the water, take off all jewelry, and dont wear shiny clothing. She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories. It's also a draw-only hunt. For this year's hunting season, which starts Aug. 11, the state will issue 260 permits. Alligator mating season is April through May, with breeding occurring openly in water. Please do not allow misinformation and the fear it causes to prevent you and your children from experiencing the magic of Mobile Bay. 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. Remember, an alligator is more adapted to navigating in water. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? Oklahoma is home to between 100-200 individuals, but they constitute a stable population. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. Alligators are present in most southern states of U.S. water bodies. Registration will open June 7. For this year's hunting season, which starts Aug. 11, the state will issue 260 permits. Although alligators are naturally shy of humans, they can become aggressive if harassed, provoked, or purposely fed. 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. They are a freshwater animal and live in lakes, rivers, marshes, and brackish swamps. UV rays from the sun are a danger to beachgoers, even on cloudy days. 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. You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. What is the most dangerous animal in Alabama? Reported fatalities in an alligator attack are few and far between. 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. Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. The largest American alligator is 20 feet long, averaging 15 to 17 feet. A successful attack by an alligator while in water can cause a critical injury, resulting in an even quick drowning. You can visit sites on the following lakes for that dip you long for. Are there safe places where I can swim in Alabama? In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. Discover Why Alligators Wont Cross Georgias Fall Line, Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida Gator in Most Florida Video Ever, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Available here: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/species/detail/american-alligator#:~:text=Louisiana%20and%20Florida%20have%20the,common%20in%20our%20coastal%20marshes. 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. Its a common misconception that they are limited to water, said Hudson. Alligators also display remarkable resilience against disease and are able to adapt quickly when their environment changes. If you know there are gators in the water, then stay at least ten feet back from the shoreline. The state does offer a limited number of hunting licences per year, which must be applied for in advance. The alligators cant just be traced back to the refuge. Village Point Park Preserve boardwalks have designs to guarantee safety even for young children. 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. They were once near extinction from the 1920s to the 1940s due to over harvesting. 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? You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. Other states soon followed, and in 1967, the U.S. The region is estimated to have 70,000 of the total Alabama alligator population. All rights reserved (About Us). 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 . Shark attacks occur more than alligator attacks but are uncommon. Fish and Wildlife Service. The idea of encountering a giant, predator reptile residing in the waters when swimming is not comforting. 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. Can you drink alcohol on Alabama beaches? Alligators are cold-blooded and live in warm areas. At six feet, an alligator matures sexually, and since the males grow much faster, they tend to mature earlier than females. Leave The Alligators Family Affairs Alone. 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. Leave Alligators Alone State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The answer to this question is no! May 13, 2021. Florida is also home to Gainesville, the most alligator-infested city in the US. An alligator is protective of her family. Relatively few snakes are venomous. Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, alligators cant stomach salt water and spend only brief periods of time in brackish water. On Tom Grant's last gator hunt, he caught an alligator that was 12'9" in length. Children and Pets Are A No In Waters Infested With Alligators. Try out these sites enjoyed by both locals and visitors. John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. The mounted 15-foot, 9 . The authorities are warning people to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in the Baldwin County city. or 454 kilograms), according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. If you are a regular viewer of the series, you might be aware that alligator hunting is not only common in . Of the 254 counties in the state, 120 have gators. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. But, how many alligators live in Alabama? About 70,000 alligators live in Alabama. What is the largest alligator ever caught? 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. Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A child or a pet splashing in water can be intercepted and interpreted by an alligator intelligence to mean an easy meal. Alligators have rebounded . An approach to a territory with such a nest is an intrusion. An alligator bite can be fatal, and you should seek medical help. Have some feedback for us? Do alligators appear on Gulf Shores beaches? 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. Gators in the state prefer wetlands, lakes, rivers, and even a few reservoirs. The reptile can play maneuvers in water to directly attack the source of such a promising venture. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. Alligators have lived in marshes, swamps, rivers, ponds, and lakes of Texas for centuries. The timber rattlesnake is one of Alabama's most venomous snakes. 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. Habitat in the northern half of the state is marginal. Some residents are calling for the authorities to relocate the alligators. Humans capabilities of staying in water have limitations. Alligators are known to prey on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and other aquatic life. While its best never to enter the water with gators, hold back on tossing fish guts and other alligator delicacies in the water. The first hunt zone will be in Baldwin and Mobile Counties north of I-10 and portions of Washington, Clarke, and Monroe Counties. Otherwise, one can easily get lost in the jungle. One of the places where one can find many gators is Lake Jessup. 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. The alligators will eventually change their behavior, and instead of shying away from men, they can begin to approach men aiming to get a meal. Unregulated alligator harvest throughout the South in the early 1900s threatened the species with extinction. The temperature inside the mound determines the sex of her babies. While alligators also live in freshwater marshes, wetlands, and swamps, their bodies cannot digest salt, so they stay away from saline waters. Fort Morgan. 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. Alligators are lowland creatures who require both warmth and fresh water. At one time, the alligators in Alabama were under threat of extinction. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? This will only give them more of a drive to attack, thinking that you provided the food, so you become the food! They tend to wait for something to swim by before lunging at it. U.S. Space & Rocket Center is Alabamas Number One Tourism Attraction. After fighting with this angry gator for more than an hour, Tom Grant and his buddies were able to wrestle it to shore. Lottery applications are . A visit to the southern half of Alabama will give you a high chance of seeing an alligator. You can find these snakes in all 67 Alabama counties. There are four designated zones permitted by the state for hunting alligators. In fact, the American alligator is the only crocodilian animal native to the state of Texas. Although initially, you could only find alligators in southern Alabama, reports of their sightings in the northern parts are increasing. While they may occasionally show up in others, they arent breeding and living there year-round. They can live 70 to 100 years. She keeps guard of her nest, awaiting the eggs to hatch. Lets rank these 10 states to see who has the most! So, in Alabama, they live exclusively in the southern half of the state. It is dangerous to approach an alligator or try to move one. Get the latest Offers, Outdoor News, Stories, and Reviews delivered to your inbox. Males require higher temperatures than females. The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is by looking at their snouts. No glass or breakable containers. They grow to approximately 13 feet long. The reptiles can grow to a length of more than 14 Ft, twice the height of the average tallest man, and weigh the weight of a man significantly. The alleys wide boardwalk snakes around the banks of Mobile Bay and over DOlive Creek. 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. On the trail, you will navigate through channels and bayous from which you can watch alligators basking or sliding off the banks. As of 2006, alligator hunting season in Alabama had been reinstated . But, how many alligators live in Alabama? A 3.5-foot baby alligator was found at the Links golf course in June 2020. The more wildlife, the more exciting for me to come over here and immerse myself in it, said Wall. That means never trap them in a corner or an area where they feel provoked, or they will fight back. And why is it on my car? The American alligator can grow up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. While a limited number of hunting tags are offered in the southern portion of Alabama, it is illegal to kill alligators. For nests that survive predators and flooding, an estimated 24 live hatchlings will emerge. Like Louisiana, Florida has a massive area of swampland (the Everglades), and the year-round sun makes for ideal conditions for the gators. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Louisiana has the most alligators of all of the states, with over two million gators residing there. 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. 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. Watch This Florida Woman Feed an Alligator Up-Close, With Predictable Ending. The state is quite famous for alligator farming and harvesting, accounting for hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue brought to the state. People are to avoid heavy vegetation in or near the water's edge. Sub-adults will feed on fish, crustaceans, small mammals and birds. The other gator species is the Chinese alligator, which is becoming extinct due to the overdevelopment of its habitat. But older alligators are very well suited to withstand long periods of cold temperatures, said Hudson. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). While in Alabama, take the chance to swim in one of the top-ranking swimming holes in the state, Little River Canyon. Since then, their populations in all 10 southeastern states have both increased and stabilized. Alligators . Alabama prohibits harassment or ownership of alligators, as well as illegal hunting. 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 . Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. The chance of encountering an alligator in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is uncommon but can occur if you dont follow the tips. 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. Alligators can be taken legally only by individuals with proper licenses or permits. OutdoorHub // Why Are People Prohibited From Feed Alligators? The crime rate is low and the state is a great place to raise a family. Alligators like to feast on a variety of amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles and small mammals, including raccoons and rabbits.