Gulf Shores offers the perfect habitat for freshwater bodies, marshes, and other free-flowing water entities. 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. A visit to the southern half of Alabama will give you a high chance of seeing an alligator. 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. For this year's hunting season, which starts Aug. 11, the state will issue 260 permits. The alligators can't just be traced back to the . Thunderstorms, rain squalls, hurricanes, and other inclement weather occur regularly due to the airs moisture. Alligators are a protected species in Alabama. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) There have been several reports of alligators in north Alabama in recent weeks, including in the Tennessee River. Hudson says generally alligators avoid human conflict, unlike crocodiles. Most of the gators fall in the lower half of the state, with populations in the northern half being nearly non-existent. While they may occasionally show up in others, they arent breeding and living there year-round. The mounted 15-foot, 9 . Alligators are known to prey on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and other aquatic life. In 1995, as many as 50 American alligators were released in the Alabama portion of the Tennessee River in an effort to keep the beaver population under control. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Once they pass, move away from the alligator, or exit the water immediately to avoid a confrontation. Alligators shy away from humans and would rather skater away than attack. Alligators feature dark green color with small black spots near their jaw. Orange Beach. Village Point Park Preserve boardwalks have designs to guarantee safety even for young children. Alligator Alley in the town of Daphne is one of the best places to watch alligators. American alligators werent actually placed on the endangered species list until 1967. The alligator hunting season was restarted in Alabama about 10 years ago. and were asked how many cases of alligator attacks on humans they were aware of in their state, how many . 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. How come alligators live in an area far from their natural habitat? Permit for 2 CITES tags (for those who already have a license): $62. The river is named after the Alabama Territory, which was named for the Alabamian tribe. By 1987, it was removed from the Endangered Species List but remains a federally protected species. Cottonmouth snakes. The Southwest Zone includes all of Mobile and Baldwin counties north of I-10 and private and public waters in Washington, Clarke and Monroe counties that lie east of U.S. Highway 43 and south . They can only live in freshwater environments like swamps, wetlands, marshes, and ponds because their body cannot digest salt. Remember to keep your pets on a leash at all times, especially when close to any body of water.. Just because you don't see the mother doesn't mean she isn't lurking nearby. In fact, alligators live in approximately half of the state's fresh waters. 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. Alligators are carnivores and feed on whatever food is available. 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. In Alabama, there are no crocodiles. Now we know how many alligators live in Alabama, but just where can you find them? South Carolina has around 100,000 gators within its borders, primarily in the south and along the coast. Alabama isn't well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! You can see an alligator in the Gulf Coast town without going far into the wild. In the United States, only 10 states out of 50 have a native alligator population. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Discover the One Place on Earth that Crocodiles and Alligators Coexist. Alabama played a leading role in the restoration of the American alligatora national conservation success story. When it comes to gators, Texas comes in third for the total population. Brandi is a professional writer by day and a fiction writer by night. 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. This snake has a distinctive broadhead that is much larger than its narrow body. Dauphin Island. 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. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. 8.1 Is there alligators in Alabama? Come and interact with our heritage Alligators while paddling, hiking, riding, or even strolling within the parks. The idea of encountering a giant, predator reptile residing in the waters when swimming is not comforting. A hunting season for American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) will be open in five hunt zones of Alabama. In Alabama, they are commonly found near the coastal area. Alligators have had a growing presence in North Alabama dating back to the 70's when more than 50 were introduced to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Like Louisiana, Florida has a massive area of swampland (the Everglades), and the year-round sun makes for ideal conditions for the gators. There are 9 states that have alligators: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Dont try to get closer to take photos, said Marianne Hudson with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. No alcoholic beverages. Alligators are timid creatures, so they try to stay as far away from humans as possible. Thank you for reading! Thank you for reading! One can find . Please do not allow misinformation and the fear it causes to prevent you and your children from experiencing the magic of Mobile Bay. Alligators have had a growing presence in North Alabama dating back to the 70s when more than 50 were introduced to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Alligators will fight other alligators to defend their territory and young. An alligators menu grows and widens with agealligators capture when young people feed on insects, tadpoles, fish fingerings, and small creatures. It is illegal to kill an alligator without a licence, unless in self-defence. Arkansas has had an increasing population of alligators each year, especially as the temperature warms due to climate change. 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. Approximately 1.25 million alligators live in. Prohibited Items Pets are welcome at Gulf Place, but they may not travel on the sand beaches. There are reported cases of human attack by an alligator. American Alligators can be found throughout their range in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes and streams. AllOutdoor // Other states soon followed, and in 1967, the U.S. Adult alligators consider baby alligators a delicacy, and so do other predators. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. That's more than those who visit to fish (630,000) or hunt (535,000). 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. The American alligator is one of the largest reptiles in the world. or 454 kilograms), according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Lottery applications are . Call 9-1-1 immediately if the situation is urgent. One of the places where one can find many gators is Lake Jessup. Still, 25% of the entire states population lives in the southeastern region. After 20 years of protection, their population bounced back. Therefore, an alligator attack is rare unless they feel threatened or provoked. If you are a regular viewer of the series, you might be aware that alligator hunting is not only common in . 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. Also, if youre drinking alcohol on the beach, its even more important to bring plenty of water to drink throughout the day to avoid dehydration. The state's large alligator population is largely due to the fact that Alabama first enacted laws to protect alligators all the way back in 1938. The cost of living in Alabama is low and so are real estate prices. Its well understood that people have relocated alligators from the southern reaches of the state. Which Places Can You Visit To See An Alligator In Alabama? When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. Stokes and her crew took the gator in Mill Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River. Some areas it does get too cold for young alligators to survive. Why Are There Few Or No Alligators Sites In The North Of Alabama? The American alligator has been hunted for its hide, and its young have been sold in large numbers as pets. A child or a pet splashing in water can be intercepted and interpreted by an alligator intelligence to mean an easy meal. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, alligators cant stomach salt water and spend only brief periods of time in brackish water. Well also learn a little more about the species in general. The trail is for use by cyclists, hikers, and joggers alike. In fact, almost all gators can be found south of the fall line, a line that travels through Columbus, Macon, and Augusta. 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. The reptile can play maneuvers in water to directly attack the source of such a promising venture. Lucky for them, Alabama has plenty of sources of fresh water for gators to choose from, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands. As alligators grow larger so do their food items. Alligators have been reported in parking lots on the causeway that crosses Mobile Bay and along heavily traveled U.S. 98 i. . And there have only been 23 fatalities between 1948 and 2016. In fact, alligators live in approximately half of the states fresh waters. Finally, if youre watching alligators from the safety of a boat, remember to never reach your hand out over the water. Alligators found north of this line were most likely brought there by humans. They are widely distributed through the southeastern and southwestern regions of the state, although densities are quite low. Lets discover: The 10 most alligator-infested states: Ranked. You will get to see alligators in the rivers Perdido and Escambia. 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. The alligators in Alabama are currently around 70,000. The state that is probably least known for alligator populations in Oklahoma. The easiest way to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is by looking at their snouts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can spot large gator groups in April, May, and June because of mating. Avoid Swimming In Wild Water Bodies Known To Harbor. In the 1970s, the American alligator in Alabama was put on the endangered species list because they were hunted to near extinction. Robinson Island. The majority of American Alligators inhabit Florida and Louisiana . Black Bears. It would be best if you got a guide when embarking on the trail. Alabama isnt well-known for its gators, but they have a total population of around 70,000 individuals! Lake Forest, Eufala, and Big creek are other water bodies where alligators have found a home in Alabama. Quick Answer: Where Is Bear Creek Alabama, Quick Answer: Where Is Eight Mile Alabama. Seek Medical Help If Bitten Alligator bites can resultin serious infections. The alligators cant just be traced back to the refuge. Adhere to set down rules and caution when near waters infested with alligators. Gulf State Park. The crocodilian family has 13 species worldwide, whereas the alligator only has American and Chinese species. This will only give them more of a drive to attack, thinking that you provided the food, so you become the food! But, how many alligators live in Alabama? The current world record alligator was taken by Mandy Stokes, of Thomaston, in August 2014. On the trail, you will navigate through channels and bayous from which you can watch alligators basking or sliding off the banks. The Biggest Alligator Ever Found in Alabama, Heres Why Alligator Populations are Exploding Across Alabama. Today, we are going to compare the states with alligators and see which one has the most. The worst years for fatalities were 2001 and 2006, with three people dying each of those years from Florida alligator attacks. Providing food for wild alligators can make them bolder and more apt to seek out humans.
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