Lake Texoma, a sprawling reservoir straddling the Texas and Oklahoma border, draws countless visitors annually for recreation. This popular destination, formed by the damming of the Red River, is known for its diverse fish populations and extensive shoreline. Given the presence of reptiles in the region, questions often arise about American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Lake Texoma.
Are Alligators Present in Lake Texoma?
While American alligators are native to parts of Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma falls largely outside their typical established range. Wildlife authorities like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) confirm that sustained, breeding populations are not commonly found in Lake Texoma. Alligators are present in the far southeastern corner of Oklahoma, with densest populations in McCurtain and Choctaw Counties.
Confirmed sightings in Lake Texoma are uncommon. Any alligators observed are typically individuals that have migrated from usual habitats or, in rare cases, escaped pets. These instances do not indicate an established or self-sustaining population within the lake.
Alligators possess a natural fear of humans and generally retreat when approached.
Why Lake Texoma Isn’t Typical Alligator Habitat
Several environmental factors contribute to Lake Texoma being less than ideal for a thriving alligator population. Alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. They are most active when temperatures range between 82°F and 92°F, ceasing feeding when ambient temperatures drop below approximately 70°F and becoming dormant below 55°F. Lake Texoma’s northern latitude means colder winter temperatures, with average water temperatures in December reaching around 50°F, which is below their dormancy threshold.
Alligators prefer slow-moving, freshwater environments with abundant vegetation for cover and nesting, such as swamps, marshes, and bayous. While Lake Texoma is a large freshwater lake, its deep, open waters and fluctuating levels do not provide the extensive shallow, vegetated marshland typically preferred for nesting and raising young.
The American alligator’s range extends from coastal North Carolina to Florida and westward to central Texas and extreme southeastern Oklahoma. Lake Texoma lies north and west of this primary habitat, making it a peripheral area for the species.
What to Do if You Spot a Large Reptile
Although alligator sightings in Lake Texoma are rare, encountering any large, unfamiliar reptile warrants caution. Observe the animal from a safe distance; never approach, harass, or feed it. Feeding alligators makes them lose their natural fear of humans, creating dangerous situations. In Texas, intentionally feeding an alligator is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine.
If a large reptile, especially one that appears to be an alligator, is spotted in an unusual location or seems to pose a threat, contact local wildlife authorities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) are the agencies to contact. They can assess the situation and determine if intervention is necessary.
Remember that other large reptiles, like snapping turtles or water snakes, are present and can be mistaken for alligators.