Mama alligator incubates her eggs using nature in a nest built of mud and vegetation. 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. American alligators are no longer listed as endangered, but Chinese alligators, which live only in the Yangtze River, are critically endangered. What is the largest alligator ever caught? 8.2 Are there saltwater crocodiles in Alabama? Females are about 8 to 9 feet in length. A child or a pet splashing in water can be intercepted and interpreted by an alligator intelligence to mean an easy meal. However, there are tips for swimming with these creatures. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous, but it mostly lives in coastal marshes. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Unregulated alligator harvest throughout the South in the early 1900s threatened the species with extinction. Crocs feature V-shaped snouts that are narrow or wide, and their jaws close from the top, exposing all teeth. Alligators are a top predator species and help keep other animal populations in balance. Crocodiles are green, grey, brown, or black with a camouflage pattern. Watch Your Pets Pets are similar in size to natural prey of alligators and their movements will often attract an alligators interest. 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. When going swimming, there are plenty of safe places to dip without the threat of alligators. Alabama (70,000) Alligators live through the southern half of Alabama. 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. There are only two species of alligator; the American alligator, and the Chinese alligator. 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. While many dont know it, gators live through many regions of North Carolina. 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? The cost of living in Alabama is low and so are real estate prices. About 1/3 of alligator nests are destroyed by predators (mainly raccoons) or flooding. Check out the following swimming halls on your summer vacation in Alabama. Alligators are common in the southern half of Alabama. She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories. Crocs are opportunistic predators, which means they will attack any living creature that moves, considering their prey, even humans. Leave Alligators Alone State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators. West Beach. Alligators have lived in marshes, swamps, rivers, ponds, and lakes of Texas for centuries. ADCNR also issues hunting and fishing licenses for the state. Watch This Florida Woman Feed an Alligator Up-Close, With Predictable Ending. If you plan to take a dip with alligators, never feed them before entering the water. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are plenty of safe places where you can swim without worrying about the reptiles. Selections for each zone will be held at 12:00 PM CDT on the second Wednesday of July. While alligators also live in freshwater marshes, wetlands, and swamps, their bodies cannot digest salt, so they stay away from saline waters. Otherwise, one can easily get lost in the jungle. She went for help and the man disappeared shortly afterwards. Alligators are more abundant in Florida. Why Are People Prohibited From Feed Alligators? Alligators have been reported in parking lots on the causeway that crosses Mobile Bay and along heavily traveled U.S. 98 i. . In 1938, Alabama was the first state to protect alligators. In the water, only the tops of their heads and backs remain visible. But older alligators are very well suited to withstand long periods of cold temperatures, said Hudson. Lifespan: Wild alligators live around 30 years and 50 years in captivity. The alligator hunting season was restarted in Alabama about 10 years ago. Fairly common in many Coastal Plain lakes, rivers, and associated aquatic habitats, and common in Mobile - Tensaw Delta. At least two people died in 2022 from alligator attacks Credit: Getty How many alligator attacks took place in 2022? You can also distinguish them by examining the color of their skin. Wild alligators rarely chase people, but they can run up to 35 miles an hour on short land distances. Prohibited Items Pets are welcome at Gulf Place, but they may not travel on the sand beaches. AgDaily, OutdoorHub All Rights Reserved Carbon Media Group Outdoors. Although alligators are naturally shy of humans, they can become aggressive if harassed, provoked, or purposely fed. Once they pass, move away from the alligator, or exit the water immediately to avoid a confrontation. 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. While they can venture into the saline waters of the Gulf of Mexico for a brief time, its uncommon since their habitat is freshwater. Fish and . Among the popular sites in Alabama is Alligator Alley in Summerdale and Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. When paddling in a canoe, the oars scare away the reptile and prevent an attack. 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. Fish and Wildlife Service. 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. 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. Crocodiles have pointier and sharper teeth because they have evolved to tear apart prey. An alligator lacks the necessary glands to excrete salt and cant survive in salty waters. The Yellowhammer state does allow younger hunters 16 and up to . 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Are There Any Lakes with Alligators Near Atlanta, Georgia? Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. Nuisance alligators have to be removed each year because of this problem. Also, getting to Gulf Shores is simple by ferry, car, or airplane. Sub-adults will feed on fish, crustaceans, small mammals and birds. 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. For more information on Alabamas alligators, contact Justin Monk, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 30571 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort, AL 36527; phone 251-626-5474. Failure to maintain the necessary skills in the water and facing an attacking reptile are two challenging situations. A stranger to the southern parts of the United States may develop a phobia of the water bodies. In Texas, alligators live in the eastern portion . Instead, find another beach at Gulf Shores that is open for swimming, so you can safely enjoy the day. Home FAQ Question: Where Are Alligators In Alabama. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Here, well find out just how many alligators live in Alabama, and where exactly you can find them. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis, Figure 1), often called "gators," are one of 22 crocodilian species worldwide and the most Size: Male alligators range from 11 to 12 feet long and weigh between 400 and 500 pounds. Their most distinctive feature is their head, which is long and filled with up to 80 teeth at a time. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. Alligator Infested Lakes: How Many Alligators Live in Texas Lake Lewisville? There are reported cases of human attack by an alligator. Therefore, if youre wearing something shiny, this could attract gators, thinking youre their next meal. Lets take a look at Alabamas own native crocodilian, the American alligator. The lakes in Alabama have swimming sites where you can enjoy your strokes and water maneuvers. Lets rank these 10 states to see who has the most! Shark attacks occur more than alligator attacks but are uncommon. 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. However, occasionally a jellyfish or a few will navigate toward the shore, so its essential to be vigilant while in the water. Humans capabilities of staying in water have limitations. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. 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. Female alligators max out at nine feet long, while male alligators can reach 15 feet. Alligators are some of the most interesting animals that live in the United States. Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. The American alligator can weigh a mere 170 pounds all the way up to a hefty 800 pounds! The paved ways will take you through a maritime forest over wetlands, dunes, and lakes. 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. They will cover the eggs with whatever vegetation is available in the habitat in which they live to form a mound. The 15-foot, half-ton monster broke a record set in 2007 in Texas. Orange Beach. For nests that survive predators and flooding, an estimated 24 live hatchlings will emerge. Fairhope. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are around 70,000 alligators living in Alabama today. First-time Alabama alligator hunters celebrate record catch 00:24. The Dauphin Island area is home to a variety of sea creatures, including common sharks including blacktip and bull sharks. Alabama isnt well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! Does the Alabama River have alligators? But, how many alligators live in Alabama? Question: Where Are Alligators In Alabama. The aim is to discourage human interaction and to maintain the respect alligators accord humans. If you know there are gators in the water, then stay at least ten feet back from the shoreline. By 1987, it was removed from the Endangered Species List but remains a federally protected species. Gators in the state prefer wetlands, lakes, rivers, and even a few reservoirs. Given the development of Gulf Shores over the years, its rare to encounter an alligator unless in a more remote area. They are native to China, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Alligators are incredibly adept hunters; theyre more than capable of attacking and killing an adult human. Louisiana has the largest alligator population. Remember, an alligator is more adapted to navigating in water. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. However, there are occasional sightings in more northerly latitudes, though the population of gators in the northern half of the state is minimal. Alligator Hunting in Alabama scgerding via Getty Images Alabama is a little different than some other states when it comes to gator hunting. Gulf Shores offers the perfect habitat for freshwater bodies, marshes, and other free-flowing water entities. That means never trap them in a corner or an area where they feel provoked, or they will fight back. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Alligators are found in 120 of Texas' 254 counties. If an alligator is causing problems, do not take it into your own hands. 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. 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 have survived for many years without help from humans. Seek Medical Help If Bitten Alligator bites can resultin serious infections. 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. 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 cold-blooded and live in warm areas. Selection results will be posted immediately thereafter and applicants can check their selection status on the same . People are to avoid heavy vegetation in or near the water's edge. On Tom Grant's last gator hunt, he caught an alligator that was 12'9" in length. In fact, alligators live in approximately half of the state's fresh waters. The second most alligator-infested state in the US in Florida. These reptiles can be found from the Sabine River to the Gulf of Mexico and the coastal marshes near the Rio Grande. Fish and Wildlife Service placed the American alligator on the Endangered Species List. Alligators, like many reptiles are 'plantigrade'. 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. Distribution of the American alligator in Alabama is typically limited to the southern half of the state, mostly due to habitat and temperature requirements. In 1938, Alabama was thefirst state to protect alligators. Gulf State Park. According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, "the American alligator is found in the United States from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in Texas. But, issuing a few hunting permits every year helps manage alligator populations to better keep both humans and gators safe. Alligators will attack or defend themselves by biting their victim. So if an alligator hisses or lunges toward you, you are much too close for their comfort and should move away. Fatality Rate: Alligator Attacks = 4.3% Shark Attacks = 1.5%. The idea of encountering a giant, predator reptile residing in the waters when swimming is not comforting. Mama alligator will protect her eggs with everything she has. 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 like to feast on a variety of amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles and small mammals, including raccoons and rabbits. If you take a tour to the south of Alabama, you will likely see an alligator. 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. The river flows for 243 miles (391 km) efore joining the Mobile River. Alligators. Blacktips grow up to 6 feet and eat a diet of fish. Are there safe places where I can swim in Alabama? So, in Alabama, they live exclusively in the southern half of the state. American Alligators can be found throughout their range in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes and streams. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. The majority of American Alligators inhabit Florida and Louisiana . The temperature inside the mound determines the sex of her babies. Are there alligators in Alabama Gulf Shores? Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Alligators are carnivores and feed on whatever food is available. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles, meaning they require external heat in order to regular their internal body temperature. 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. Call 9-1-1 immediately if the situation is urgent. With around 70,000 gators, it might seem like Alabama has more alligators than any other state. 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. They can live 70 to 100 years. Alligator mating season is April through May, with breeding occurring openly in water. Permit and alligator trapping license for resident disability hunt/fish license holders: $22. The Alabama River is a river located in the U.S. state of Alabama. 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 alleys wide boardwalk snakes around the banks of Mobile Bay and over DOlive Creek. 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 . Alligators can propel their bodies up and out of the water. 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. Alabama enjoys great weather all year round. No alcoholic beverages. 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. During mating season, female alligators lay 30-40 eggs, which incubate for 60-65 days. Although in Alabama, alligators have the freedom to live freely in nature. Therefore, an alligator attack is rare unless they feel threatened or provoked. Only around four per cent of alligator attacks on humans in the US have been fatal, according to the University of Florida. Experts say there are around 70,000 alligators in the rivers and lakes of Southern Alabama. Permit for 2 CITES tags (for those who already have a license): $62. How big are alligators in Alabama? Colby is a freelance writer from Charlotte, North Carolina. Georgia is home to between 200-250,000 alligators, primarily in the southern region of the state. Still, 25% of the entire states population lives in the southeastern region. 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. There are four designated zones permitted by the state for hunting alligators. For this year's hunting season, which starts Aug. 11, the state will issue 260 permits. Children and Pets Are A No In Waters Infested With Alligators. 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. Generally absent above Fall Line Hills except for an introduced Tennessee River population near Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. As a result, they can only live where there is sufficient sunlight and heat to warm them up. Which Places Can You Visit To See An Alligator In Alabama? Leave The Alligators Family Affairs Alone. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. Registration will open June 7. In fact, the American alligator is the only crocodilian animal native to the state of Texas. American alligators werent actually placed on the endangered species list until 1967. Louisiana has the most alligators of all of the states, with over two million gators residing there. Estimates indicate that there are about 70,000 gators in the state. What States Have Alligators 2023. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. Avoid swimming at night, outside of posted swimming areas, or in waters that might be inhabited by alligators. Book an airboat ride today or call us at 407-901-2563 for more information. If you are a regular viewer of the series, you might be aware that alligator hunting is not only common in . The mounted 15-foot, 9 . Identification . Why look for engulfment with this creature in water? In fact, almost all gators can be found south of the fall line, a line that travels through Columbus, Macon, and Augusta. 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. Other states use state wildlife officials to remove alligators that are causing problems. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? They were once near extinction from the 1920s to the 1940s due to over harvesting. An alligator snout is broad and U-shaped at the end, while a crocodile has a narrower, sharp snout. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. While they may occasionally show up in others, they arent breeding and living there year-round. Jade Bremner. Alligators can move long distances over land. Are alligators a problem in Alabama? Finally, if youre watching alligators from the safety of a boat, remember to never reach your hand out over the water. Adhere to set down rules and caution when near waters infested with alligators. Her nonfiction work focuses on animals, nature, and conservation. Discover Why Alligators Wont Cross Georgias Fall Line. Approaching an area where a mother alligator is nursing her babies is offensive and considered a threat. Alabama isn't well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Its a common misconception that they are limited to water, said Hudson. Thank you for reading! Alligators . They arent dangerously close based on their ping locations, but the three of them are only 20-40 miles off the coast of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and Dauphin Island!Mar 12, 2021. Crocodiles are considerably more aggressive than alligators, which are shy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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.