Never Feed Alligators Feeding an alligator is dangerous and illegal. Size: Male alligators range from 11 to 12 feet long and weigh between 400 and 500 pounds. Watch Your Pets Pets are similar in size to natural prey of alligators and their movements will often attract an alligators interest. Alligators . Alligators are a top predator species and help keep other animal populations in balance. Her nonfiction work focuses on animals, nature, and conservation. Among the popular sites in Alabama is Alligator Alley in Summerdale and Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne. Pratik Handore. 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 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says looking from a distance is fine. It is dangerous to approach an alligator or try to move one. Louisiana has the most alligators of all of the states, with over two million gators residing there. Alabama Alligator in a river. An alligator is larger than you in all ways, especially in water. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). If an alligator passes in front of you, remain as still as possible and exit the water immediately. Permit and alligator trapping license for non-residents: $1,022. You can swim near waterboards or have artificial pools in different recreation facilities. 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. A successful attack by an alligator while in water can cause a critical injury, resulting in an even quick drowning. Cannibalism is common among alligators in areas where they are more populated. They will cover the eggs with whatever vegetation is available in the habitat in which they live to form a mound. 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. The most recent data shows that Louisiana is home to over 2 million wild alligators across the state, with an additional 1 million located on farms. Alligators are common in the southern half of Alabama. Generally absent above Fall Line Hills except for an introduced Tennessee River population near Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Seek Medical Help If Bitten Alligator bites can resultin serious infections. History Channel's ' Swamp People ' is a reality series that follows various gator hunters and their activities in swamps of the Atchafalaya River Basin and other swamplands in Louisiana (and Texas). If fed by people, alligators quickly associate humans with food, which can be dangerous. 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. Fairhope. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, WHNT News 19 Sales Team Broadcast and Digital, please call one of our wildlife district offices, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, One transported to hospital after wreck near Rocket, Colbert DTF finds large amount of fentanyl, other. Timber Rattlesnake. Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. A 2004 study of wild and captive alligators found that large individuals bite down with one of the most powerful bites ever recorded for a living animal. Nuisance alligators have to be removed each year because of this problem. 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. Why Are People Prohibited From Feed Alligators? Alligators are cold-blooded and live in warm areas. What is the most dangerous animal 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. Do not swim in water inhabited by alligators. Fish scales reflect in the sun, which helps alligators hunt their prey. 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. To differentiate the two, you can use some pointers location of sighting, the shape of the snout, color, and observing its closed mouth. The chance of encountering an alligator in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is uncommon but can occur if you dont follow the tips. Although South Carolina is warmer, on average, than North Carolina, it can still get quite cold. The 15-foot, half-ton monster broke a record set in 2007 in Texas. Florida alligator bite statistics date back to 1948, ranging around three major bites per year. And there have only been 23 fatalities between 1948 and 2016. Today, we are going to compare the states with alligators and see which one has the most. The temperature inside the mound determines the sex of her babies. The alligator hunting season was restarted in Alabama about 10 years ago. They are widely distributed through the southeastern and southwestern regions of the state, although densities are quite low. Dauphin Island. During mating season, female alligators lay 30-40 eggs, which incubate for 60-65 days. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. Everything is big in Texas! This latest sighting is one of several confirmed sightings of alligators in Southwest Tennessee. About 1/3 of alligator nests are destroyed by predators (mainly raccoons) or flooding. The alligators cant just be traced back to the refuge. 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. The answer to this question is no! 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. Still, 25% of the entire states population lives in the southeastern region. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis, Figure 1), often called "gators," are one of 22 crocodilian species worldwide and the most In South Carolina, alligator tags entail a $10 non-refundable fee and a $100 alligator permit fee when successfully selected. Harmful encounters occur when people do not pay attention to their surroundings. Permit and alligator trapping license for resident disability hunt/fish license holders: $22. Therefore, if youre wearing something shiny, this could attract gators, thinking youre their next meal. Wild alligators rarely chase people, but they can run up to 35 miles an hour on short land distances. Some areas it does get too cold for young alligators to survive. Alligators have been reported in parking lots on the causeway that crosses Mobile Bay and along heavily traveled U.S. 98 i. . 8.2 Are there saltwater crocodiles in Alabama? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The majority of American Alligators inhabit Florida and Louisiana . It is black with yellow banding when young and is generally brownish when adult. 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. On land, they can run and move very fast, but only in short bursts. Alligators usually eat turtles and rarely attack humans, but an attack could be fatal. Alligators can propel their bodies up and out of the water. Of the Carolinas, South Carolina is the most alligator-infested state. Registration will open June 7. Kelly Smith, who has worked on Redstone Arsenal as a . Orange Beach. Why Are There Few Or No Alligators Sites In The North Of Alabama? Lets take a look at Alabamas own native crocodilian, the American alligator. 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. Alligators are much faster than humans, so its best to remain still and let them pass. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. How Many People Die Every Year From Alligator Attacks? Hudson says generally alligators avoid human conflict, unlike crocodiles. The Alabama River is a river located in the U.S. state of Alabama. Places you can swim without fear of alligators in Alabama, Safety Tips When Swimming In Alligator Infested Waters. This means that they walk in a flat-footed manner. As one of only 10 states that play home to gators, Alabama is no stranger to these wild, carnivorous reptiles. The cost of living in Alabama is low and so are real estate prices. The massive swampland and warm climate mean that Louisiana is the perfect home for these scaly reptiles. The state has great natural beauty including inland waterways and forests. OutdoorHub // Alligators like to feast on a variety of amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles and small mammals, including raccoons and rabbits. She will respond by fending you off before you even get near her children. The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is by looking at their snouts. An alligator bite can be fatal, and you should seek medical help. Dont Throw Fish Scraps in the Water Dispose of fish scraps properly in garbage cans at boat ramps, fish camps, or when cleaning fish near water. Have some feedback for us? When brought to the scales the gator measured 13 feet, 1 1/2 inches long and weighed 604 pounds, Thomas said. Louisiana has the largest alligator population. Juveniles feed on small fish and crustaceans. We strictly advise not to swim in water bodies harboring alligators. Wild Boars. Gator populations can be found in the Escambia and Perdido Rivers, Big Creek Lake, Lake Forest, and Lake Eufaula. 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. An approach to a territory with such a nest is an intrusion. Check out the following swimming halls on your summer vacation in Alabama. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Through the Lottery Alligator Harvest Program, LDWF provides more than 400 resident alligator hunters the opportunity to harvest approximately 1,245 alligators on over 40 wildlife management areas and public lakes throughout the state. Baby alligators grow a foot yearly in the early four years of life. This large alligator was seen at Test Area 1 in the early-2000s. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. The authorities are warning people to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in the Baldwin County city. This popular swimming hole, which is named Blue Hole, is located within the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, in Pinson, Alabamajust 15 miles from Birmingham. At six feet, an alligator matures sexually, and since the males grow much faster, they tend to mature earlier than females. 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. Alligators are carnivores and feed on whatever food is available. One can find . Alabama prohibits harassment or ownership of alligators, as well as illegal hunting. 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. Meanwhile, in Louisiana, in August, following heavy rainfalls and floods caused by Hurricane Ida, a 12-foot-long alligatorbit a mans arm off in front of his wife. The best site to see an alligator north of Alabama is a visit to the Tennessee River in the region. The trail is for use by cyclists, hikers, and joggers alike. After 20 years of protection, their population bounced back. Mississippi is home to just under 50,000 alligators. Lake Forest, Eufala, and Big creek are other water bodies where alligators have found a home in Alabama. Fairly common in many Coastal Plain lakes, rivers, and associated aquatic habitats, and common in Mobile - Tensaw Delta. The most common problem in Alabama pertaining to alligators is the mindset of humans who think they need to feed them. Alligators also display remarkable resilience against disease and are able to adapt quickly when their environment changes. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. Avoid swimming at night, outside of posted swimming areas, or in waters that might be inhabited by alligators. Texas has 400-500,000 alligators within its borders. The Mobile-Tensaw river delta offers you a lifetime experience of paddling the Bartram Canoe Trail. The state that is probably least known for alligator populations in Oklahoma. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous, but it mostly lives in coastal marshes. The alligator populations in Alabama remain healthy. Adult alligators feed on fish, mammals, birds and other alligators. DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WPMI) An alligator was spotted on Dauphin Island Beach Saturday. 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 alligators in the water will tend to move out of the way of the oncoming boat. Alligators typically have dark gray or black skin with white or yellow markings, while crocodiles are usually tan in color with darker stripes and spots. Question: Where Are Alligators In Alabama. John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. The American alligator requires fresh water with an abundant food supply and marsh habitat nearby for nesting. Some of the most shaping features include: If youre considering swimming in alligator-infested waters, dont, its not worth it. Splashing and moving around will draw attention to you, and the gator could think youre prey. Anyone who has any concerns about an alligator that is on their property or in a nearby pond or waterway, please call one of our wildlife district offices. So for the majority of the year, you can spot alligators on your Florida airboat rides. Alligators are found in 120 of Texas' 254 counties. Get the latest Offers, Outdoor News, Stories, and Reviews delivered to your inbox. She went for help and the man disappeared shortly afterwards. But in 2014, the "Stokes alligator" was caught in the Alabama River, bout 100 miles north of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. 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. By comparison the Atchafalaya Basin swamp (the Landry's gator hunting area) is about 207,000 acres. 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. Permit for 2 CITES tags (for those who already have a license): $62. In fact, alligators live in approximately half of the states fresh waters. It is not known if it is in the lakes at dusk or dawn. Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. Of these yearlings, 8 will become subadults (reach 4 feet in . 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. Furthermore, although both species are carnivorous apex predators that hunt for food on land and in water alike, alligators prefer smaller prey like fish, whereas crocodiles often feed on larger animals such as deer or pigs. Their favorite habitats are those that feature dense vegetation, murky water, and plenty of places to hide. The first hunt zone will be in Baldwin and Mobile Counties north of I-10 and portions of Washington, Clarke, and Monroe Counties. Give it a wide berth. Does the Alabama River have alligators? 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. Crocodiles are considerably more aggressive than alligators, which are shy. The American alligator can weigh a mere 170 pounds all the way up to a hefty 800 pounds! Its a common misconception that they are limited to water, said Hudson. In the water, only the tops of their heads and backs remain visible. Females usually lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time from early June to mid-July. Crocs are opportunistic predators, which means they will attack any living creature that moves, considering their prey, even humans. 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.
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