It is easy to confuse the two. Of these yearlings, 8 will become subadults (reach 4 feet in . She went for help and the man disappeared shortly afterwards. Other states soon followed, and in 1967, the U.S. 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. Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as well as Arkansas, Georgia and the Carolinas. Alligators prefer water that is 80 to 92 F, but adults have been found in areas where temperatures reach well below that range. A vacation in Alabama will give you and your loved ones a memorable adventure. The 194 miles long river is the longest free-flowing river in Alabama. Nuisance alligators have to be removed each year because of this problem. Alabama DCNR 12.14.12. Higher densities of alligators occur in wetland habitats such as coastal marshes, natural lakes, riverine wetlands and some reservoirs. Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh 453 kg (999 lb). 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. What States Have Alligators 2023. 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, like many reptiles are 'plantigrade'. Approaching an area where a mother alligator is nursing her babies is offensive and considered a threat. But, the Alabama alligator population is nothing compared to the gator populations in Florida and Louisiana. Leave Alligators Alone State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators. An alligator bite can be fatal, and you should seek medical help. 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. DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WPMI) An alligator was spotted on Dauphin Island Beach Saturday. 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. West Beach. 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. Swim Responsibly Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. However, there are many dangerous animals in Alabama.Table of Contents show Spiders. Always remember to use extreme caution while on Lake Eufaula. jaimie tuchman/Shutterstock.com. Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions . When he isn't distracted by his backyard birdfeeder, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone around him about what he's recently learned. That type of wildlife is alligators. Alligators found north of this line were most likely brought there by humans. 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 . When brought to the scales the gator measured 13 feet, 1 1/2 inches long and weighed 604 pounds, Thomas said. Thank you for reading! Bites of a few species of the rear-fanged snakes sometimes cause harm, but the effects vary. A successful attack by an alligator while in water can cause a critical injury, resulting in an even quick drowning. Alligators are a top predator species and help keep other animal populations in balance. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Experts maintain that a safe distance from an alligator is around 60 feet. Alligators and crocodiles are often mistaken for one another, but there are defining differences between the two creatures. The American alligator requires fresh water with an abundant food supply and marsh habitat nearby for nesting. 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 alligator hunting season was restarted in Alabama about 10 years ago. The Largest Crocodile. In 1938, Alabama was thefirst state to protect alligators. Watch This Florida Woman Feed an Alligator Up-Close, With Predictable Ending. They are widely distributed through the southeastern and southwestern regions of the state, although densities are quite low. There are swimming holes located along these water bodies in Alabama. Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. Are There Alligators in Savannah, Georgia? Alabama has five alligator hunting zones in South Alabama, the traditional range of alligators in the state. We used to be able to swim in local waters and let the dogs swim too without the danger of an attack by a hungry gator, said Daphne local Linda. At least two people died in 2022 from alligator attacks Credit: Getty How many alligator attacks took place in 2022? They are native to China, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Females usually lay 30 to 50 eggs at a time from early June to mid-July. Do alligators appear on Gulf Shores beaches? Alligators are some of the most interesting animals that live in the United States. Brandi is a professional writer by day and a fiction writer by night. Feeding alligators will make the reptiles start to see man as a food source. and were asked how many cases of alligator attacks on humans they were aware of in their state, how many . Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Small alligators, less than three feet, mainly feed on spiders, minnows, crawfish, shrimp, and crabs. 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. the opening of the newly renovated Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. A child or a pet splashing in water can be intercepted and interpreted by an alligator intelligence to mean an easy meal. The Biggest Alligator Ever Found in Alabama, Heres Why Alligator Populations are Exploding Across Alabama. Theyre the only crocodilian in Alabama waters and can grow to a whopping 19 feet long. The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is by looking at their snouts. The full-grown alligators can, and did, make it through the colder north Alabama winters and a population of them has managed to hang on in the Tennessee River 37 years after the U.S. Do not swim in water inhabited by alligators. We strictly advise not to swim in water bodies harboring alligators. If you plan to take a dip with alligators, never feed them before entering the water. In captivity, alligators can live much longer. Baby alligators grow a foot yearly in the early four years of life. How Many People Die Every Year From Alligator Attacks? Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The trail is safe even for young children, having erected measures in place to prevent young ones from straying. The American alligator has been hunted for its hide, and its young have been sold in large numbers as pets. 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. She will respond by fending you off before you even get near her children. Also, crocs require hotter temperatures to survive, while alligators can withstand freezing lakes. An alligators menu grows and widens with agealligators capture when young people feed on insects, tadpoles, fish fingerings, and small creatures. The world's largest American alligator ever killed in the wild is on display for the first time since it was caught on the Alabama River. Alligators are fascinating creatures, which is why scientists enjoy studying them. There are only two species of alligator; the American alligator, and the Chinese alligator. First, dont try to feed or touch any alligator. According to the Alabama Extension Service, there are two types of crocodilian species in the U.S: crocodiles and alligators. Alligators presence is in freshwater lakes, ponds, marshy areas, and streams. Alabamas climate, geographical features, and vegetation offer a natural habitat conducive to alligators survival. Timber Rattlesnake. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately. On Tom Grant's last gator hunt, he caught an alligator that was 12'9" in length. Florida is home to 1.3 million gators, while Louisiana boasts a whopping two million alligators throughout the state. Oklahoma is home to between 100-200 individuals, but they constitute a stable population. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. Like Louisiana, Florida has a massive area of swampland (the Everglades), and the year-round sun makes for ideal conditions for the gators. Males can grow to 19 feet in length and weigh up to 900 pounds, while females tend to be somewhat smaller on average. So, if youre in gator country, its best to follow a few simple rules to reduce your risk of attack. Alligators are only found in the states southern half since theres significantly more fresh water than in the northern section of Alabama. 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 . Kelly Smith, who has worked on Redstone Arsenal as a . As a result, they can only live where there is sufficient sunlight and heat to warm them up. But, how many alligators live in Alabama? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Are there alligators in Alabama Gulf Shores? Give it a wide berth. Crocs are significantly larger than alligators, maxing out in size at 23 feet. Some areas it does get too cold for young alligators to survive. Alligators can move long distances over land. Some residents are calling for the authorities to relocate the alligators. These alligators are native only to the United States and inhabit Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. John Wall saw the circulating Nextdoor post and hopes to one day see an alligator during one of his walks. Alligators are lowland creatures who require both warmth and fresh water. The current world record alligator was taken by Mandy Stokes, of Thomaston, in August 2014. Alabama played a leading role in the restoration of the American alligatora national conservation success story. Juveniles feed on small fish and crustaceans. Alligators are also present in wetlands and marshes common along the south coast regions. While a limited number of hunting tags are offered in the southern portion of Alabama, it is illegal to kill alligators. Alligators prefer living in fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands. When it comes to gators, Texas comes in third for the total population. With a belly girth of 65", the Tom Grant's alligator was one of the largest . Other states use state wildlife officials to remove alligators that are causing problems. Alligators fingerlings struggle to survive the harsh cold temperatures of the north. 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. Hunters can apply for a hunting permit, though, with only a few hundred given out every year, chances of getting one are small. 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. About 1/3 of alligator nests are destroyed by predators (mainly raccoons) or flooding. There are four designated zones permitted by the state for hunting alligators. Despite the data that shows just how uncommon alligator attacks actually are, these reptiles are often viewed with extreme fear. Most of the gators fall in the lower half of the state, with populations in the northern half being nearly non-existent. Alligator Alley in the town of Daphne is one of the best places to watch alligators. About 18 hours later, the boys intact body was discovered in the water near where he was taken. Discover Why Alligators Wont Cross Georgias Fall Line. These spots are receptors that help them regulate water pressure and detect ripples. Alligator Missippiensis (American) and Alligator Sinesis (Chinese) belong to the Crocodylidae family in the sub-family Alligatorianae. American alligators are no longer listed as endangered, but Chinese alligators, which live only in the Yangtze River, are critically endangered. The American alligator population in Alabama has changed dramatically over the years. When going swimming, there are plenty of safe places to dip without the threat of alligators. Please do not allow misinformation and the fear it causes to prevent you and your children from experiencing the magic of Mobile Bay. Permit for 2 CITES tags (for those who already have a license): $62. Still, some do! About 70,000 alligators live in Alabama. Because of this stiff protection, the population of alligators in Alabamas waterways has become so plentiful that they are frequently a nuisance. Louisiana 2 3000-4000 (1500-2000 alligators removed) 1.5 million This popular swimming hole, which is named Blue Hole, is located within the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, in Pinson, Alabamajust 15 miles from Birmingham. Also, getting to Gulf Shores is simple by ferry, car, or airplane. Female alligators max out at nine feet long, while male alligators can reach 15 feet. Some female alligators will become aggressive if they are provoked. How big are alligators in Alabama? Splashing and moving around will draw attention to you, and the gator could think youre prey. Generally absent above Fall Line Hills except for an introduced Tennessee River population near Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. But, just how do you stay safe around these apex predators? 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. If an alligator is causing problems, do not take it into your own hands. The American alligator can grow up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. You can also distinguish them by examining the color of their skin. Thunderstorms, rain squalls, hurricanes, and other inclement weather occur regularly due to the airs moisture. A lot of human-alligator conflicts occur when alligators get provoked, both intentionally and unintentionally, or when alligators go after peoples pets, he said. The Cahaba River boasts of being the most diverse biologically in the country. Louisiana has the largest alligator population. An alligator lacks the necessary glands to excrete salt and cant survive in salty waters. 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? When paddling in a canoe, the oars scare away the reptile and prevent an attack. Although South Carolina is warmer, on average, than North Carolina, it can still get quite cold. Given the development of Gulf Shores over the years, its rare to encounter an alligator unless in a more remote area. Alligators favor warm, lowland waters, like lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and even golf course ponds and irrigation ditches. Alligator hunters are selected to hunt these areas through bidding and lotteries. Adult alligators consider baby alligators a delicacy, and so do other predators. Crocs feature V-shaped snouts that are narrow or wide, and their jaws close from the top, exposing all teeth. Any alligator you will see during your visit to Alabama is the American 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, alligator-infested state in the US in Florida, Texas comes in third for the total population, Epic Battles: The Largest Ever Alligator vs. Approximately 1.25 million alligators live in Florida, with around 200,000 in the Everglades. An Associated Press report from 2019 said alligator reports in the Tennessee River date back to 1894. 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. Understanding the natural behavior of this species can help prevent negative encounters for yourself and others. This snake has a distinctive broadhead that is much larger than its narrow body. Colby is a freelance writer from Charlotte, North Carolina. Does the Alabama River have alligators? Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? 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 1967, the American alligator was placed on the Endangered Species List by the U.S. Finally, if youre watching alligators from the safety of a boat, remember to never reach your hand out over the water. Fish and Wildlife Service placed the American alligator on the Endangered Species List. AgDaily, OutdoorHub All Rights Reserved Carbon Media Group Outdoors. 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. You will easily spot an alligator among the tall grass. Alligators arent just big lizards, theyre actually ancient predators that have remained basically the same for over 60 million years. 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. 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. By 1987, it was removed from the Endangered Species List but remains a federally protected species. 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. Along the river are swimming holes where you can splash the summer heat away. During mating season, female alligators lay 30-40 eggs, which incubate for 60-65 days. Alligators usually eat turtles and rarely attack humans, but an attack could be fatal. However, there are tips for swimming with these creatures. 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. 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. At one time, the alligators in Alabama were under threat of extinction. Try out these sites enjoyed by both locals and visitors. Adhere to set down rules and caution when near waters infested with alligators. Alligators are known to prey on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and other aquatic life. Do not allow pets to swim, exercise, or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. Are There Alligators in the Mississippi River? The timber rattlesnake is one of Alabama's most venomous snakes. When this occurs these alligators typically must be euthanized due to future safety concerns. There is an estimated population of 1,000+ alligators that live in North Carolina, with that number seemingly increasing a bit each year. Do not disturb a nest of small alligators. The river is named after the Alabama Territory, which was named for the Alabamian tribe. Alligators are naturally expanding their range into Tennessee from the southern border states. American Alligators can be found throughout their range in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes and streams. Cannibalism is common among alligators in areas where they are more populated. The authorities are warning people to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in the Baldwin County city. American Alligator. Interesting Alligator Facts in Gulf Shores, 4 Safety Tips for Swimming in Alligator-Infested Waters, Tip One: Dont wear shiny jewelry or clothing. 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. Chinese . 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).