Crocodiles have pointier and sharper teeth because they have evolved to tear apart prey. In 1938, Alabama was thefirst state to protect alligators. They prefer water sources that do not go dry in the summer months and that provide an abundance of food. They tend to wait for something to swim by before lunging at it. Thank you for reading! Alligators favor warm, lowland waters, like lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and even golf course ponds and irrigation ditches. You can find these snakes in all 67 Alabama counties. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com. That type of wildlife is 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. With age, they target other prey, including water birds, rodents, and deer. OutdoorHub // While a limited number of hunting tags are offered in the southern portion of Alabama, it is illegal to kill alligators. Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. 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 largest American alligator is 20 feet long, averaging 15 to 17 feet. The American alligator can grow up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. More than 1.1 million people come to Alabama to view wildlife each year, according to a 2013 report by the Environmental Defense Fund and the Walton Family Foundation. Therefore, if youre wearing something shiny, this could attract gators, thinking youre their next meal. American alligators are no longer listed as endangered, but Chinese alligators, which live only in the Yangtze River, are critically endangered. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. Only 50 permits were issued in 2006. Baby alligators grow a foot yearly in the early four years of life. They will cover the eggs with whatever vegetation is available in the habitat in which they live to form a mound. 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 arent just big lizards, theyre actually ancient predators that have remained basically the same for over 60 million years. Among the popular sites in Alabama is Alligator Alley in Summerdale and Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne. They can live 70 to 100 years. Selections for each zone will be held at 12:00 PM CDT on the second Wednesday of July. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. However, with human populations continuing to expand, interaction between people and alligators can be expected. Give it a wide berth. For this year's hunting season, which starts Aug. 11, the state will issue 260 permits. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management ofAlabama'snatural resources including state parks, state lands, wildlife and aquatic resources. All rights reserved (About Us). Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Alabama prohibits harassment or ownership of alligators, as well as illegal hunting. Alligators attack their prey by staying in the water with only their eyes peeping above the surface. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories. 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 . Habitat in the northern half of the state is marginal. AgDaily, OutdoorHub All Rights Reserved Carbon Media Group Outdoors. The 15-foot, half-ton monster broke a record set in 2007 in Texas. 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 shy away from humans and would rather skater away than attack. Gulf State Park. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? What States Have Alligators 2023. 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. Home FAQ Question: Where Are Alligators In Alabama. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, alligators cant stomach salt water and spend only brief periods of time in brackish water. 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. Failure to maintain the necessary skills in the water and facing an attacking reptile are two challenging situations. In Alabama, there are no crocodiles. We strictly advise not to swim in water bodies harboring alligators. However, when swimming in the Gulf of Mexico or at inland lagoons, rivers, and lakes, there are a variety of other dangers to be aware of, including: Rip currents occur underneath the waterline and are areas of fast-moving water away from the shore. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Of the 254 counties in the state, 120 have gators. and were asked how many cases of alligator attacks on humans they were aware of in their state, how many . Alligators are incredibly adept hunters; theyre more than capable of attacking and killing an adult human. Always remember to use extreme caution while on Lake Eufaula. While they may occasionally show up in others, they arent breeding and living there year-round. It's also a draw-only hunt. Gators in the state prefer wetlands, lakes, rivers, and even a few reservoirs. 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. A moving boat on a river or lake will look large for an alligator to attack. Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas have problem or nuisance alligator control programs that allow permitted hunters to kill or facilitate the removal of nuisance alligators. Alligators are known to prey on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and other aquatic life. Alligators have been known to venture onto Gulf Shore beaches, but this is rare. Are alligators a problem in Alabama? Fairly common in many Coastal Plain lakes, rivers, and associated aquatic habitats, and common in Mobile - Tensaw Delta. Ensuring you have the proper beach gear, such as a hat, umbrella, towels, and other coverings, and a high SPF sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from the intense and harmful sun rays. Two decades of protection enabled the species to rebound. Some of the most shaping features include: If youre considering swimming in alligator-infested waters, dont, its not worth it. An alligators menu grows and widens with agealligators capture when young people feed on insects, tadpoles, fish fingerings, and small creatures. Florida alligator bite statistics date back to 1948, ranging around three major bites per year. There are plenty of safe places where you can swim without worrying about the reptiles. American Alligators can be found throughout their range in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes and streams. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. So, you cant harass, feed, or own an alligator in Alabama. But older alligators are very well suited to withstand long periods of cold temperatures, said Hudson. South Carolina has around 100,000 gators within its borders, primarily in the south and along the coast. In the northern parts of Alabama, you can visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to glimpse these gigantic reptiles. Which Places Can You Visit To See An Alligator In Alabama? Alligators are common in the southern half of Alabama. 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. Fatality Rate: Alligator Attacks = 4.3% Shark Attacks = 1.5%. Although initially, you could only find alligators in southern Alabama, reports of their sightings in the northern parts are increasing. Alligators have a u-shaped snout with a jaw that closes downward, thus only exposing the top teeth set. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? With a belly girth of 65", the Tom Grant's alligator was one of the largest . Alligator mating season is April through May, with breeding occurring openly in water. Fort Morgan. Reported fatalities in an alligator attack are few and far between. The alleys wide boardwalk snakes around the banks of Mobile Bay and over DOlive Creek. An alligator snout is broad and U-shaped at the end, while a crocodile has a narrower, sharp snout. The Biggest Alligator Ever Found in Alabama, Heres Why Alligator Populations are Exploding Across Alabama. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Black Bears. 6. Female alligators max out at nine feet long, while male alligators can reach 15 feet. It's like clockwork: the weather begins getting warmer, and rumors about North Alabama alligators begin making the rounds on social media again. What States Have Alligators 2023. The first hunt zone will be in Baldwin and Mobile Counties north of I-10 and portions of Washington, Clarke, and Monroe Counties. Alligators are fascinating creatures, which is why scientists enjoy studying them. In Texas, alligators live in the eastern portion . Other states use state wildlife officials to remove alligators that are causing problems. Alabama enjoys great weather all year round. How many people are killed by alligators in the US each year? Please do not allow misinformation and the fear it causes to prevent you and your children from experiencing the magic of Mobile Bay. Do not swim in water inhabited by alligators. A gator bite can lead to a fatality or inflict a life-changing injury. Otherwise, one can easily get lost in the jungle. The crocodilian family has 13 species worldwide, whereas the alligator only has American and Chinese species. 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. Alligator jaws exert up to 1,000 pounds of pressure since they are desired to crush prey. Mississippi is home to just under 50,000 alligators. But, just how do you stay safe around these apex predators? 8.2 Are there saltwater crocodiles in 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. The Sixth Largest Alligator - Tom Grant's Alligator - 13'1.5". The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only species of alligator that exists in Alabama. Since then, their populations in all 10 southeastern states have both increased and stabilized. Gator populations can be found in the Escambia and Perdido Rivers, Big Creek Lake, Lake Forest, and Lake Eufaula. 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? An approach to a territory with such a nest is an intrusion. Permit and alligator trapping license for resident disability hunt/fish license holders: $22. Alligators feature dark green color with small black spots near their jaw. To differentiate the two, you can use some pointers location of sighting, the shape of the snout, color, and observing its closed mouth. Beat the excessive summer cooling off in Alabama in a lake, creek, or river. 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. Crocs are significantly larger than alligators, maxing out in size at 23 feet. Kelly Smith, who has worked on Redstone Arsenal as a . The American alligator is one of the largest reptiles in the world. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? Alabama has initiated a regulated hunting season to assist with the management and population control of alligators. Lake Forest, Eufala, and Big creek are other water bodies where alligators have found a home in Alabama. Are there safe places where I can swim in Alabama? Range and Habitat Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. Mama alligator will protect her eggs with everything she has. Currently, Arkansas is estimated to have 2,000-3,000 individuals, with a stable and growing population each year. They are native to China, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. 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. How Many People Die Every Year From Alligator Attacks? It is not known if it is in the lakes at dusk or dawn. Hudson says generally alligators avoid human conflict, unlike crocodiles. Alligators are timid creatures, so they try to stay as far away from humans as possible. Also, crocs require hotter temperatures to survive, while alligators can withstand freezing lakes. Virginia. 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. Try out these sites enjoyed by both locals and visitors. Cottonmouth snakes. Crocs feature V-shaped snouts that are narrow or wide, and their jaws close from the top, exposing all teeth. Six months ago an alligator was found on Zeirdt road near Town Madison. That's more than those who visit to fish (630,000) or hunt (535,000). If you take a tour to the south of Alabama, you will likely see an alligator. Size: Male alligators range from 11 to 12 feet long and weigh between 400 and 500 pounds. Are There Alligators in Jacksonville, Florida? However, occasionally a jellyfish or a few will navigate toward the shore, so its essential to be vigilant while in the water. Lucky for them, Alabama has plenty of sources of fresh water for gators to choose from, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands. 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. Fish scales reflect in the sun, which helps alligators hunt their prey. While in Alabama, take the chance to swim in one of the top-ranking swimming holes in the state, Little River Canyon. They can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds. As a result, the populations of gators begin to drop the further north you move. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The Dauphin Island area is home to a variety of sea creatures, including common sharks including blacktip and bull sharks. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. Gator Country is also the home of Big Tex, who holds the national record as the largest alligator ever caught in the US at nearly 14 feet long and weighing in at 1,000 pounds. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. 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. Some areas it does get too cold for young alligators to survive. John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. By 1987, it was removed from the Endangered Species List but remains a federally protected species. 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 - Alligator mississippiensis. Are there alligators in Alabama Gulf Shores? On the trail, you will navigate through channels and bayous from which you can watch alligators basking or sliding off the banks. Alligators are much faster than humans, so its best to remain still and let them pass. Thankfully, not every state has a native population of alligators. Their entire bodies are covered with large horny plates which protect them from predators and other alligators. The American alligator can weigh a mere 170 pounds all the way up to a hefty 800 pounds! 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. Do alligators appear on Gulf Shores beaches? Alligators have been reported in parking lots on the causeway that crosses Mobile Bay and along heavily traveled U.S. 98 i. . Jonas N. Jordan Public Domain by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There is an estimated population of 1,000+ alligators that live in North Carolina, with that number seemingly increasing a bit each year. 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 . 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 paved ways will take you through a maritime forest over wetlands, dunes, and lakes. The answer to this question is a definite yes. It may come as no surprise that Louisiana is the most alligator-infested state in the entire US. 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. What is mud rain? The chance of someone being attacked is one in 3.2 million.