The presence of crocodiles or alligators in Texas waterways often confuses residents and visitors. Texas hosts a robust population of large crocodilians, but understanding the distinction between the two reptiles is important for recognizing the state’s wildlife. This article clarifies which species reside in Texas, outlines their distribution, and provides guidelines for human coexistence.
The Resident Reptile: American Alligators in Texas
Texas is definitively home to a large population of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). These reptiles are the only native crocodilian species present in the state’s ecosystem. The American Alligator population is considered a major conservation success story, having rebounded from near-extinction in the mid-20th century.
The American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), in contrast, is functionally absent from Texas. The crocodile’s native range in the United States is restricted to the warm, brackish waters of South Florida. This species does not maintain a breeding population in Texas due to cooler winter temperatures. While extremely rare, accidental vagrants may occasionally be sighted near the southern border, but they are not a permanent part of the state’s fauna.
Distinguishing the two species involves examining their physical features, particularly snout shape and tooth arrangement. Alligators possess a broad, rounded, U-shaped snout. When their mouth is closed, the teeth of the lower jaw fit neatly into sockets in the upper jaw, making them mostly invisible. Crocodiles, by comparison, have a narrower, pointed, V-shaped snout, and the fourth tooth on their lower jaw remains visible even when the mouth is closed.
Geographic Distribution and Preferred Habitats
The American Alligator population is concentrated in the eastern third of the state, defined by the Gulf Coastal Plains and its extensive network of wetlands. These reptiles thrive in freshwater habitats like marshes, swamps, and slow-moving rivers. Historically, alligator abundance was severely depleted by unregulated hunting and habitat loss until the state provided full protection in 1969.
Following conservation efforts, the species was removed from the endangered list in 1985, and its population has since flourished. Today, the highest concentrations are found in East and Southeast Texas. This includes major river systems such as the Trinity, Brazos, and Neches Rivers, as well as associated bayous, coastal marshes, and reservoirs.
Alligators prefer environments that offer a reliable source of fresh water and dense cover for shelter and nesting. Their ability to tolerate brackish water allows them to inhabit coastal marshes along the Gulf of Mexico. Their range extends westward to approximately Interstate 35, where suitable habitat becomes scarce.
Safety, Coexistence, and Legal Protections
The American Alligator is classified as a protected game animal in Texas. This means it cannot be hunted, killed, or possessed without specific permits or a valid hunting license during a regulated season. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) manages the population and enforces regulations to ensure the species’ continued health while promoting public safety.
To coexist safely with alligators, never feed them, as this causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food. Keep pets away from water edges and avoid swimming in natural waters during dusk and dawn when alligators are most active. Alligators are generally shy and will retreat from humans unless they have been fed or provoked.
The TPWD handles complaints regarding “nuisance alligators.” These are legally defined as any alligator killing livestock or pets, or posing a direct threat to human health or safety. An alligator that simply basks on a bank or swims in its natural habitat is not considered a nuisance. Alligators sighted in new areas during warmer months will often move on within a few days. If an alligator approaches humans without retreating, or leaves the water to spend time near homes, it should be reported to the TPWD law enforcement communications center.