Mississippi is home to American Alligators, not true crocodiles. These reptiles experienced a significant population recovery after facing near extinction in the mid-20th century. They are now a well-established part of Mississippi’s diverse wildlife.
Alligators in Mississippi
The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the crocodilian species found in Mississippi. Alligators have a broad, rounded snout and are typically dark gray, brown, or olive in adults, with juveniles showing bright yellow tail stripes. Unlike crocodiles, their teeth are not visible when their mouths are closed.
Males can reach 11 to 14.8 feet and weigh up to 1,100 pounds, while females are smaller, typically 8.5 to 9.8 feet long. They possess between 74 and 80 teeth, continuously replaced throughout their lives. Due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss, the American Alligator was listed as an endangered species in 1967.
Conservation efforts, including protection under the Endangered Species Act and relocation initiatives, led to a population rebound. By 1987, the species was removed from the endangered list. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) now manages the alligator population, including regulated hunting seasons for residents through a permit system.
Mississippi Alligator Habitats
American Alligators primarily inhabit freshwater environments, including swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes, ponds, and bayous across the state. These diverse environments provide food sources, shelter, and breeding grounds. Alligators also construct “gator holes” by burrowing into mud or soil, which serve as refuges during droughts and provide aquatic habitats for other species.
While they tolerate some salinity, alligators are less tolerant of saltwater than American Crocodiles. They are most prevalent in southern and central Mississippi, with an estimated 32,000 to 38,000 alligators inhabiting approximately 408,000 acres of suitable habitat. Jackson County has the highest concentration, accounting for about 24% of the state’s total alligator population, with other significant populations in the Pascagoula River Basin and along the Mississippi River.
Safe Coexistence with Alligators
Coexisting safely with American Alligators requires understanding their behavior. Never feed alligators, as this causes them to associate humans with food, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters. Feeding alligators is illegal in Mississippi.
Alligators accustomed to human feeding often become nuisance animals and must be removed. Maintain a safe distance, generally at least 50 feet, as they can move surprisingly quickly on land. Keep pets on leashes and away from the water’s edge, as alligators may perceive them as prey.
Avoid swimming in areas with large alligators, especially at night or early morning when they are more active. Never approach an alligator nest, as female alligators are protective of their young. If an encounter occurs, remain calm and slowly back away to higher ground. Making loud noises, such as clapping, may help deter an alligator.
For nuisance alligators—those showing aggression, regularly approaching human activity, or in unusual locations—contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) hotline at 1-800-BE-SMART (1-800-237-6278).