Alligators are present in Alabama, a state home to a significant population of these native reptiles. They thrive in various aquatic environments across the region, particularly in the southern half of the state.
Alligator Habitats Across Alabama
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the sole alligator species found in Alabama. These reptiles inhabit a wide range of freshwater and brackish environments, including coastal marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes. While found statewide, their densities are higher in southern Alabama’s wetland habitats. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is a prominent area, with tens of thousands estimated to reside there. Other significant locations include the Alabama River, Lake Eufaula, Lake Forest, and Big Creek Lake; they may also be found in man-made canals, storm drains, farm ponds, and neighborhoods near water.
Encountering Alligators Safely
When in areas with alligators, exercise caution. Alligators are wild animals and should be given ample space, with a recommended safe distance of at least 100 feet. It is against state law to harass, kill, or possess alligators without proper authorization. Never feed alligators, as this can cause them to associate humans with food, leading to aggressive behavior; this practice is illegal. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, so avoid swimming or water activities during these times; keeping pets on leashes near water bodies is also advised, as their movements can attract an alligator’s attention.
Alabama’s Alligator Population Management
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) manages the state’s alligator population. The American alligator’s recovery from near extinction is a conservation success story; Alabama was the first state to protect them in 1938. Although removed from the endangered species list in 1987, they remain a federally protected species.
Alabama manages its alligator population through a highly regulated hunting season in designated Alligator Management Areas (AMAs). Permits for these hunts are limited and obtained through an application process via the ADCNR website. This regulated harvest helps control populations and ensures sustainable use of the resource.
For nuisance alligators, defined as those at least four feet long and posing a threat to people, pets, or property, the state has a specific process for removal. Individuals can report such alligators to the appropriate authorities, and the ADCNR may dispatch authorized nuisance control hunters to address the situation.