In Texas, if you enjoy recreational activities in the lower Brazos River Basin, you could find yourself sharing your next outing with these armored creatures. They have been sighted in close to 125 Texas counties, or about half the state. Anywhere east of Interstate-35, you will find gators. They have been seen (but not necessarily confirmed) in a variety of locations, including Lakes Granbury, Waco, Worth, and Hempstead, the Lampasas River above Stillhouse Hollow, and particularly in the highly populated areas in the lower portions of the Brazos River basin. Brazos Bend State Park in Needville has an estimated adult population of more than 250.
Alligators are the largest reptiles in North America and can reach more than 10 feet in length as adults. Most people assume that they are an endangered species but, in fact, they aren’t. They are now a protected game animal in the state of Texas and a permit is required to hunt, raise or possess an alligator.
Spring rain can provide excellent habitat conditions and further promote the growth of the half-million-plus gator population in Texas. Flooding can cause them to relocate further upstream on the Brazos. But, they are on the move not just for survival. May is their mating season, which lasts until June, and is a time when many alligator sightings are common. Nest building occurs in late June to early July. Gators build their nest on a mound on land unlike crocodiles who dig their nest into the ground. They protect their young for at least two years, so, should you find a nest, know that a potentially unhappy mama gator will be nearby. Texans are highly certain to see alligators crossing the road just as much as deer do in some areas. Even basking in drainage ditches near residential homes isn’t uncommon for these reptilian rogues.
In the event you do come upon an alligator, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) states that it is illegal to remove them from their natural habitat, or to keep one as a pet. Even feeding one is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine. TPWD also notes that gators naturally fear humans and should not be provoked. They can run up to 35 miles per hour, so don’t assume that they are slow and lethargic. Stay clear and leash any pets when walking outside near a body of water. If they hiss that means they are angry. You should call your TPWD regional office if you deem it a nuisance gator that could pose a threat to human safety.
Just like fish and other aquatic species that coexist along the Brazos banks, alligators remain active in the same ecosystem, so be aware of these large creatures when navigating the Brazos River and other waters within the lower basin. For additional information on alligators in Texas, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife page on the History of Alligators in Texas. For more on alligators at Brazos Bend State Park, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife page on Brazos Bend State Park.