Alligators are present in Houston, Texas, and its surrounding areas. These reptiles are a natural part of the local ecosystem, thriving in the region’s abundant waterways.
Alligators in the Houston Area
American alligators are common in Houston and surrounding regions, part of their natural range extending from East Texas to the Gulf of Mexico. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) estimates 400,000 to 500,000 alligators reside across Texas, with high concentrations along the Gulf Coastal Plains, including the Houston area.
Houston’s environment provides a suitable habitat due to its extensive network of wetlands, bayous, rivers, and lakes. While widespread, alligators are typically found in natural, less developed areas rather than dense urban centers. Increased human development near natural spaces can lead to more frequent encounters.
Common Habitats and Sightings
Alligators commonly inhabit natural waterways such as bayous, rivers, swamps, and lakes. Specific locations include Lake Houston, the San Jacinto River, and parts of Buffalo Bayou, even stretching into downtown areas. They can also be found in retention ponds and drainage ditches, especially in suburban or rural fringes.
Brazos Bend State Park, southwest of Houston, is known for its significant alligator population, with hundreds present. Other notable areas include Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and Sea Rim State Park, particularly in marshlands. Alligators are more active during warmer months, from spring through summer, which is their breeding and nesting season.
Safe Coexistence Guidelines
Coexisting safely with alligators requires preventative measures. Feeding or enticing alligators is illegal, making them lose their natural fear of humans and leading to dangerous interactions. This is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
When near water bodies in alligator habitats, keep pets on leashes and supervise children closely. Alligators may perceive pets as an easy food source. Maintain a safe distance, generally at least 30 feet, from any sighted alligator. Avoid swimming or allowing pets to swim in unsupervised waters, particularly during dusk or night when alligators are most active.
Encountering an Alligator: What to Do
If you encounter an alligator, remain calm and slowly back away, giving it ample space. Alligators naturally fear humans and typically retreat when approached. Never corner, harass, or move an alligator; state law prohibits such actions, and injury risk is high. If an alligator hisses, you are too close.
Report nuisance alligators to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) law enforcement communications center. A “nuisance alligator” is defined as one that has lost its fear of people, is approaching humans, or is in an unusual location like a roadway, pool, or yard without direct access to water. If not an immediate threat, waiting a few days is often best, as smaller alligators may move on during dispersal.