On 15 June 2016, a two-year-old boy was dragged into the water by an American alligator in Orlando, Florida. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories. Are there alligators in Alabama Gulf Shores? Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. Lets rank these 10 states to see who has the most! First-time Alabama alligator hunters celebrate record catch 00:24. Some of the application fees include: Permit and alligator trapping license for Florida residents: $272. 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. Alligators are carnivores and feed on whatever food is available. For this year's hunting season, which starts Aug. 11, the state will issue 260 permits. Adhere to set down rules and caution when near waters infested with alligators. In South Carolina, alligator tags entail a $10 non-refundable fee and a $100 alligator permit fee when successfully selected. 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. Splashing means a possible food source for alligators. Alligators have survived for many years without help from humans. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Approximately 1.25 million alligators live in. But, the Alabama alligator population is nothing compared to the gator populations in Florida and Louisiana. Since then, their populations in all 10 southeastern states have both increased and stabilized. Relatively few snakes are venomous. Fish and Wildlife Service placed the American alligator on the Endangered Species List. But in 2014, the "Stokes alligator" was caught in the Alabama River, bout 100 miles north of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Remember, an alligator is more adapted to navigating in water. How big are alligators in Alabama? Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. That means never trap them in a corner or an area where they feel provoked, or they will fight back. They prefer water sources that do not go dry in the summer months and that provide an abundance of food. 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. The trail is for use by cyclists, hikers, and joggers alike. 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). 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. The colour of this snake varies, but you can expect to find yellow, pink, and black variations of colour on this snake. Its common to find gators lying in the sun and cooling off by opening their mouths, which release stored internal heat. Here, well find out just how many alligators live in Alabama, and where exactly you can find them. Fatality Rate: Alligator Attacks = 4.3% Shark Attacks = 1.5%. Contents1 Where do alligators live in Alabama?2 Does [] Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Unregulated alligator harvest throughout the South in the early 1900s threatened the species with extinction. Jade Bremner. 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 . Some areas it does get too cold for young alligators to survive. How Many People Die Every Year From Alligator Attacks? Now we know how many alligators live in Alabama, but just where can you find them? 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. Any alligator you will see during your visit to Alabama is the American Alligator. Registration begins at 8:00 AM CDT on June 7, 2022 (8:00 a.m. CDT) and ends July 13, 2022 (8:00 a.m. CDT). Alligators, like many reptiles are 'plantigrade'. Alligators prefer water that is 80 to 92 F, but adults have been found in areas where temperatures reach well below that range. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) There have been several reports of alligators in north Alabama in recent weeks, including in the Tennessee River. There are plenty of safe places where you can swim without worrying about the reptiles. Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida Gator in Most Florida Video Ever, Discover the One Place on Earth that Crocodiles and Alligators Coexist. Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. Other states soon followed, and in 1967, the U.S. American alligators are no longer listed as endangered, but Chinese alligators, which live only in the Yangtze River, are critically endangered. Human/alligator conflicts are rare. ActionHub // 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. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). 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. Village Point Park Preserve boardwalks have designs to guarantee safety even for young children. Alligators are some of the most interesting animals that live in the United States. Instead, find another beach at Gulf Shores that is open for swimming, so you can safely enjoy the day. Alligator hunters are selected to hunt these areas through bidding and lotteries. Female alligators max out at nine feet long, while male alligators can reach 15 feet. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. There are only two species of alligator; the American alligator, and the Chinese alligator. Why Are People Prohibited From Feed Alligators? Like the other, more northern states on the list, the only places you can find these creatures are in the southern regions. We can swim, and every moment in water is a struggle. You can visit sites on the following lakes for that dip you long for. Alligators are a top predator species and help keep other animal populations in balance. 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. Of the 254 counties in the state, 120 have gators. Understanding the natural behavior of this species can help prevent negative encounters for yourself and others. Wild Boars. John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. Always Be Alert When in or near fresh or brackish water, always be aware of possible encounters with alligators. Nuisance alligators have to be removed each year because of this problem. So how is it that we have a precise record of 19 feet, 2 inches and yet somehow . Almost all of the high-density populations of alligators live south of the Albermarle sound, although some individuals have been reported through the entire coastal region of the state. 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. An alligators menu grows and widens with agealligators capture when young people feed on insects, tadpoles, fish fingerings, and small creatures. Fish and . Do alligators appear on Gulf Shores beaches? The trail is safe even for young children, having erected measures in place to prevent young ones from straying. You will easily spot an alligator among the tall grass. Some of the most shaping features include: If youre considering swimming in alligator-infested waters, dont, its not worth it. Florida is also home to Gainesville, the most alligator-infested city in the US. This snake has a distinctive broadhead that is much larger than its narrow body. Alligators have rebounded . Both inject painful venom into the skin, so if you are stung, seek immediate medical attention. A moving boat on a river or lake will look large for an alligator to attack. The alligators in Alabama are currently around 70,000. In 1967, the American alligator was placed on the Endangered Species List by the U.S. There are four designated zones permitted by the state for hunting alligators. They can only live in freshwater environments like swamps, wetlands, marshes, and ponds because their body cannot digest salt. Otherwise, one can easily get lost in the jungle. Selections for each zone will be held at 12:00 PM CDT on the second Wednesday of July. She keeps guard of her nest, awaiting the eggs to hatch. American Alligator. Alligators in Alabama begin courtship in April and breed in late May and early June. Alligators have lived in marshes, swamps, rivers, ponds, and lakes of Texas for centuries. 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. While its best never to enter the water with gators, hold back on tossing fish guts and other alligator delicacies in the water. Remember to keep your pets on a leash at all times, especially when close to any body of water.. Orange Beach. TheFirearmBlog // Theyre the only crocodilian in Alabama waters and can grow to a whopping 19 feet long. 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. How many people are killed by alligators in the US each year? Colby is a freelance writer from Charlotte, North Carolina. One of the places where one can find many gators is Lake Jessup. The best site to see an alligator north of Alabama is a visit to the Tennessee River in the region. Stokes and her crew took the gator in Mill Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River. We strictly advise not to swim in water bodies harboring alligators. Alligators have a u-shaped snout with a jaw that closes downward, thus only exposing the top teeth set. She went for help and the man disappeared shortly afterwards. Question: Where Are Alligators In Alabama. The creatures have been spotted in parking lots, backyards, and on roads around Daphne, after extreme weather washed them away from their usual habitats. As alligators grow larger so do their food items. Florida alligator bite statistics date back to 1948, ranging around three major bites per year. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. They are a freshwater animal and live in lakes, rivers, marshes, and brackish swamps. If you know there are gators in the water, then stay at least ten feet back from the shoreline. 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. To differentiate the two, you can use some pointers location of sighting, the shape of the snout, color, and observing its closed mouth. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. American Alligators can be found throughout their range in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes and streams. It may come as no surprise that Louisiana is the most alligator-infested state in the entire US. 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 Largest Crocodile. Alligators are found in 120 of Texas' 254 counties. In the more populated beach areas of Gulf Shores, sharks tend to stay away from humans, similar to the mindset of alligators; however, if you see the fin above the water, exit immediately and notify a lifeguard. Thankfully, not every state has a native population of alligators. Cottonmouth snakes. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. There are swimming holes located along these water bodies in Alabama. About 18 hours later, the boys intact body was discovered in the water near where he was taken. Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as well as Arkansas, Georgia and the Carolinas. The region is estimated to have 70,000 of the total Alabama alligator population. Small alligators, less than three feet, mainly feed on spiders, minnows, crawfish, shrimp, and crabs. Because of this stiff protection, the population of alligators in Alabamas waterways has become so plentiful that they are frequently a nuisance. The aim is to discourage human interaction and to maintain the respect alligators accord humans. Adult alligators consider baby alligators a delicacy, and so do other predators. The American alligator can weigh a mere 170 pounds all the way up to a hefty 800 pounds! Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Its well understood that people have relocated alligators from the southern reaches of the state. Shark attacks occur more than alligator attacks but are uncommon. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. Alligators are common in the southern half of Alabama. The river is named after the Alabama Territory, which was named for the Alabamian tribe. When going swimming, there are plenty of safe places to dip without the threat of alligators. 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. The Gulf of Mexico is full of jellyfish, and on some days, the beach may be closed due to large gatherings of this creature close to shore. 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 . Gulf State Park. Since rip currents are an unseen danger, they pose a severe threat to swimmers, especially during storms and inclement weather, in which adults and children can be quickly swept out to sea. There is no way you can come across an alligator in the ocean. If you take a tour to the south of Alabama, you will likely see an alligator. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are around 70,000 alligators living in Alabama today. When paddling in a canoe, the oars scare away the reptile and prevent an attack. Although there arent as many gators in Georgia as in the top three states, there are still plenty! Finally, if youre watching alligators from the safety of a boat, remember to never reach your hand out over the water. Residents replied to the advice with sightings around their neighbourhoods: They are even at my store in the parking lot but only small ones so far, said social media user Delana. The alligators cant just be traced back to the refuge. Their most distinctive feature is their head, which is long and filled with up to 80 teeth at a time. Other states use state wildlife officials to remove alligators that are causing problems. Despite the data that shows just how uncommon alligator attacks actually are, these reptiles are often viewed with extreme fear. In captivity, alligators can live much longer. and were asked how many cases of alligator attacks on humans they were aware of in their state, how many . AllOutdoor // In the water, only the tops of their heads and backs remain visible. 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 . That type of wildlife is alligators. West Beach. The first hunt zone will be in Baldwin and Mobile Counties north of I-10 and portions of Washington, Clarke, and Monroe Counties. The average clutch size of an alligator nest is 38. According to the Alabama Extension Service, there are two types of crocodilian species in the U.S: crocodiles and alligators. To find out how many alligators live in Alabama, its important to know how to identify an alligator. It is not known if it is in the lakes at dusk or dawn. Experts maintain that a safe distance from an alligator is around 60 feet. Oklahoma is home to between 100-200 individuals, but they constitute a stable population. So, you cant harass, feed, or own an alligator in Alabama. Alligators favor warm, lowland waters, like lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and even golf course ponds and irrigation ditches. Higher densities of alligators occur in wetland habitats such as coastal marshes, natural lakes, riverine wetlands and some reservoirs. 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, alligator-infested state in the US in Florida, Texas comes in third for the total population, Epic Battles: The Largest Ever Alligator vs. Blacktips grow up to 6 feet and eat a diet of fish. While a limited number of hunting tags are offered in the southern portion of Alabama, it is illegal to kill alligators. If you plan to take a dip with alligators, never feed them before entering the water. At least two people died in 2022 from alligator attacks Credit: Getty How many alligator attacks took place in 2022? 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. Lets take a look at Alabamas own native crocodilian, the American alligator. These attacks occur because the shark thinks the human is a fish or other sea creature. There are 9 states that have alligators: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. How many alligators are in the southern half of Alabama? It is dangerous to approach an alligator or try to move one. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. While still protected under state law, there is now an alligator hunting season in Alabama. 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. About 70,000 alligators live in Alabama. 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. Their entire bodies are covered with large horny plates which protect them from predators and other alligators. Fish and Wildlife Service. Alligator kills 85-year-old woman walking her dog in Florida retirement community, Fox News, the Murdochs and backstage Trump whispers: The damning Dominion revelations, Residents warned as alligators take over Alabama city due to rain, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off & extra perks with Booking.com Genius Membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 10% off selected orders over 100 - eBay discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK March 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this March, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. Reported fatalities in an alligator attack are few and far between. 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. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Currently, Arkansas is estimated to have 2,000-3,000 individuals, with a stable and growing population each year. The massive swampland and warm climate mean that Louisiana is the perfect home for these scaly reptiles. 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. A small population is also found in Tamaulipas, in Mexico. Thank you for reading! Alabama played a leading role in the restoration of the American alligatora national conservation success story. Recently a seven-foot alligator was videoed by TWRA Region 1 personnel in West Tennessee at the Wolf River WMA in Fayette County. Fairly common in many Coastal Plain lakes, rivers, and associated aquatic habitats, and common in Mobile - Tensaw Delta. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Please use caution when visiting our bay access points and parks, wrote the City of Daphne in Alabama in an official social media post. Jonas N. Jordan Public Domain by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. jaimie tuchman/Shutterstock.com. Just like in the state of Alabama, the applicants in South Carolina are selected randomly by the computer's lottery system. The state does offer a limited number of hunting licences per year, which must be applied for in advance. Why look for engulfment with this creature in water? 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. Alabamas climate, geographical features, and vegetation offer a natural habitat conducive to alligators survival. A hike in the park will also allow you to see blue crabs, the great blue heron, and snakes dangling from trees near the water. Experts say there are around 70,000 alligators in the rivers and lakes of Southern Alabama. Timber Rattlesnake. Southern Florida is the only place where both alligators and crocodiles live side by side. . Discover Why Alligators Wont Cross Georgias Fall Line. Absolutely leave it alone. Gulf Shores offers the perfect habitat for freshwater bodies, marshes, and other free-flowing water entities. No glass or breakable containers. LDWF manages the American alligator as a commercial, renewable natural resource. Leave The Alligators Family Affairs Alone. Dauphin Island. Alligators are timid creatures, so they try to stay as far away from humans as possible. There are reported cases of human attack by an alligator. An alligator is larger than you in all ways, especially in water. Louisiana has the most alligators of all of the states, with over two million gators residing there. Virginia. At hatching, baby alligators need their mothers protection for two years. American alligators werent actually placed on the endangered species list until 1967. 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. Bites of a few species of the rear-fanged snakes sometimes cause harm, but the effects vary. As a matter of fact, a record-breaking alligator was pulled from Lake Eufaula in August 2015 that weighed in at 920 pounds. Mama alligator incubates her eggs using nature in a nest built of mud and vegetation. Crocs are significantly larger than alligators, maxing out in size at 23 feet. Can you drink alcohol on Alabama beaches? In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. Gator populations can be found in the Escambia and Perdido Rivers, Big Creek Lake, Lake Forest, and Lake Eufaula. 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. This large alligator was seen at Test Area 1 in the early-2000s. After fighting with this angry gator for more than an hour, Tom Grant and his buddies were able to wrestle it to shore. Providing food for wild alligators can make them bolder and more apt to seek out humans. The state that is probably least known for alligator populations in Oklahoma. 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 Mobile-Tensaw river delta offers you a lifetime experience of paddling the Bartram Canoe Trail. The reptiles inhabit similar territoriesalligators and crocodiles exist on other continents. However, dont expect to find them living in the salty waters of the gulf. Are There Alligators in Jacksonville, Florida? Alabama DCNR 12.14.12. Louisiana 2 3000-4000 (1500-2000 alligators removed) 1.5 million Alligator jaws exert up to 1,000 pounds of pressure since they are desired to crush prey. The conditions in the north of Alabama contribute to the declining growth rate of the gators population. Sub-adults will feed on fish, crustaceans, small mammals and birds. Alligators are known to prey on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and other aquatic life. Alligators can move long distances over land. Leave Alligators Alone State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators. Alabama isn't well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! Approaching an area where a mother alligator is nursing her babies is offensive and considered a threat. Alabama is home to turkeys, black bears, a wide variety of snakes, and yes, alligators. Prohibited Items Pets are welcome at Gulf Place, but they may not travel on the sand beaches. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). A vacation in Alabama will give you and your loved ones a memorable adventure. On land, they can run and move very fast, but only in short bursts.