Photo by David Vickers
Alligators haven’t changed much since dinosaurs roamed the Earth, and they’re doing just fine in Texas. The state’s estimated population is 250,000 to 500,000.
When Texas began protecting alligators in 1969, the population was estimated at less than 100,000. Texas ranks third behind Florida (1.3 million alligators) and Louisiana in resident alligators.
The estimated alligator numbers in Jefferson, Chambers, and Orange counties combined total 283,263 alligators of all sizes classes.
In Texas, the largest wild alligator harvested was a male, measuring 14 feet 4 inches taken near West Columbia, in Jackson County. Females seldom reach over 9 feet in length, while males may reach 14 feet.
In Texas, the fatal incident that occurred in 2015 in Orange County was the first in two centuries. The prior fatal attack that was documented occurred in 1836 when an alligator killed a man swimming across the mouth of the Trinity.
What to do if you see an Alligator
Photo by David Vickers
Alligators have a natural fear of humans, and usually begin a quick retreat when approached by people.
If you have a close encounter with an alligator a few yards away, back away slowly.
It is extremely rare for wild alligators to chase people, but they can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances on land, faster than humans. Never make the mistake of thinking that an alligator is slow and lethargic. Alligators are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered.
A female protecting her nest might charge a person who gets close to the nest, but she would quickly return to the nest after the intruder left.
If you hear an alligator hiss, it’s a warning that you are too close.
“If the sun is down, stay out the water. That’s when they’re eating. That’s when they’re hunting,” said alligator expert Arlie Hammonds.
Alligators are predatory and territorial. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the creature “will eat anything it can catch,” and should be treated with caution.
Sources:
http://www.dfwwildlife.org/Alligator%20Distribution%20in%20Texas.pdf
http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/alligator/index.phtml
http://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_lf_w7000_0488.pdf
http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/alligator/safety/index.phtml
Article compiled by Heartwood chapter member, Julie Vickers, and photos taken by Heartwood chapter member, David Vickers at Huntsville State Park in Feb. 2016. Photos used with permission.