Living Amidst Alligators: Tips Provided by 11 Southeastern States

Living Amidst Alligators: Tips Provided by 11 Southeastern States

As people flock to alligator territories, 11 Southeastern states have teamed up to launch the GatorWise website, offering advice on how to live harmoniously with these dangerous reptiles.

The destruction of wetland habitats where American alligators have long thrived is on the rise due to increased development in these regions.

Herpetologist Amanda Bryant of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stated in a web notice on May 27, "Some states are dealing with an increase in nuisance alligator reports, often just because people haven't seen alligators in certain areas before. Some states, like Florida, have done a fantastic job of educating the public about alligator behavior and safety. We wanted to work together to ensure a consistent message across the American alligator's range."

GatorWise.org, unveiled in mid-May, provides practical advice for coexisting with alligators. The states supporting GatorWise include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

"The introduction of GatorWise is essential since information about how humans should behave around alligators is consistent across the Southeast, but each state has had to manage its own outreach sites and information until now," said Morgan Hart, alligator biologist, in a May 19 announcement by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. "We hope that being able to reference a central source for information will help people and alligators live together safely."

The continued development within American alligator habitats in Southeastern states is expected, according to the SCDNR. "Alligators are a tough species that can thrive in areas affected by development, as long as people understand how to responsibly coexist with them," the agency explained.

The American alligator, a federally protected species and one of North America's largest reptiles, is also appearing in confirmed sightings in Tennessee, despite it not typically being associated with alligators[3].

"What we're seeing are alligators expanding their range into Tennessee from border states," says the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency on its website. "It's essential to remember that possessing or releasing alligators in Tennessee is illegal and poses both safety and ecological risks[3]."

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reminds people to refrain from feeding or disturbing alligators, which are a protected species[3].

Alicia Wassmer, wildlife biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, noted in a May 19 press announcement, "As development continues to expand into once-remote areas where alligators live, we need to become GatorWise to safely share the land with this species. Urbanization is projected to increase at exponential rates in areas where alligator habitat occurs. This constant conversion of natural spaces, coupled with people who may not be familiar with alligator behavior, has heightened the need for state wildlife resource agencies to proactively connect residents and visitors with vital information on how to coexist responsibly with the alligators living in their communities[1]."

GatorWise Safety Tips

The GatorWise website offers guidance on staying safe around alligators:

1. Recognize Alligator Territories: Act as if alligators are present whenever near a body of water, and maintain a safe distance, especially in areas where you have not noticed alligators before[2][4].
2. Avoid Alligator Feeding: Never intentionally or accidentally feed alligators, as this can encourage them to associate humans with food and may lead to aggressive behavior[1][2].
3. Dispose of Food Wisely: Don't throw fish or food scraps into water bodies, as they could attract alligators[2].
4. NEVER Approach or Handle Alligators: Stay clear of alligators, and do not capture or touch them[2].
5. Observe Warning Signs: Pay attention to warning signs and avoid swimming in areas where alligators might be present[2][4].
6. Supervise Children and Pets: Keep small children and pets away from the water's edge, and ensure pets are leashed to deter them from approaching alligators[2][4].

In case of an attack, it is important to be familiar with alligator behavior. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources offers the following advice[4]:

• Alligators grip with powerful jaws and twist and roll after biting. If an alligator bites your arm, trying to grab the alligator and rolling with it may help reduce tearing of the arm[4].
• Strike the alligator's nose forcefully and repeatedly and attempt to gouge its eyes to deter the attack[4].

Remember, it's crucial to respect alligators, maintain a safe distance, and follow the GatorWise tips for the welfare of both humans and alligators.

States with American Alligators

• Florida: With 1.3 million alligators residing in all of the state's 67 counties, Florida experiences a significant number of alligator-human interactions[1]
• Louisiana: Home to roughly 1 million alligators, these reptiles mostly inhabit coastal marshes but can also be found in canals, bayous, rivers, and swamps[1]
• Alabama: American alligators can be found throughout the state, with numbers growing significantly over the past 50 years[1]
• Arkansas: Larger concentrations of American alligators tend to be in the state's southeastern and southwestern corners, due to the presence of large shallow water marshes and swamps[1]
• Georgia: Approximately 250,000 American alligators live in Georgia, primarily along the Fall Line and around Augusta, Columbus, and Macon[1]
• Mississippi: Boasts between 32,000 and 38,000 alligators, with the largest populations in Jackson and Hancock counties[1]
• North Carolina: Alligators mostly live north of Albemarle Sound, south along the eastern coast, and as far west as Robeson County[1]
• South Carolina: Can be found in coastal marsh areas and retention ponds, rivers, streams, and lakes. Over 300 to 350 alligators are removed and euthanized each year for public safety concerns[1]
• Oklahoma: American alligators live primarily in the state's southeastern corner, with the highest concentrations seen in Choctaw and McCurtain counties[1]
• Texas: Alligators inhabit a wide area from the southern tip to the entire eastern side[1]

References:[1] South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (May 19, 2023) – GatorWise tips and context. Retrieved from https://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/press/190519Alligator_Safety_tips.html[2] Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (n.d.) – GatorWise safety tips. Retrieved from https://www.tnwra.org/alligator-safety[3] Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (May 27, 2023) – GatorWise addressing the increase in alligator sightings and reports in Southeastern states. Retrieved from https://agfc.com/news/2023/gatorwise-addressing-the-increase-in-alligator-sightings-and-reports-in-southeastern-states[4] South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (n.d.) – Factsheet for what to do if attacked by an alligator. Retrieved from https://www.dnr.sc.gov/resources/fact_sheets/alligator_attack.html[5] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (n.d.) – You can't predict alligator behavior, but GatorWise helps you understand their habitat and behavior. Retrieved from https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/living/common-questions/[6] University of South Carolina (June 1, 2023) – Study shows alligators could play a role in regulating carbon stored in soil. Retrieved from https://news.usc.edu/2023/06/01/study-shows-alligators-could-play-a-role-in-regulating-carbon-stored-in-soil/[7] National Wildlife Federation (n.d.) – Alligator common names, facts, and myths. Retrieved from https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Library/Reptiles/Alligators/Alligator-Common-Names-Facts-and-Myths[8] Forbes (June 1, 2023) – New GatorWise initiative aims to minimize problems while living among alligators in Southeastern states. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidpmolinaro/2023/06/01/new-gatorwise-initiative-aims-to-minimize-problems-while-living-among-alligators-in-southeastern-states/?sh=7a96a8e842d0

1. The GatorWise website, which offers advice for coexisting with alligators, provides valuable information for states dealing with an increase in alligator sightings due to development and urbanization.
2. The general public is encouraged to follow the GatorWise safety tips, such as maintaining a safe distance from alligator habitats, avoiding feeding them, and being aware of warning signs.
3. Climate-change and development-related issues are causing alligators to expand their range, leading to confirmed sightings in unexpected places, like Tennessee.
4. To better understand alligator behavior and safety, one can refer to the environmental-science resources available on various state wildlife agencies' websites, such as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
5. As people continue to live and travel in alligator territories, adopting a lifestyle that includes GatorWise tips and practices becomes essential for the safety of both humans and the wildlife, ensuring harmony between humans and American alligators. Furthermore, learning about alligator habitats and behavior through resources like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission can help promote a more responsible approach.

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