Oh, snap. Here are 5 places you’re most likely to see one of GA’s 250,000 alligators
Summer is getting close and some unexpected creatures might get close, too.
Some are small and cute, but others are exceptionally large, snappy reptiles.
We’re talking about alligators and if you live in the South, you’ve probably seen one for yourself.
But if you haven’t, we’ve got some places you might encounter these swamp creatures and how to stay safe.
According to a report by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, there are between 200,000 and 250,000 alligators living in the Peach State. They can primarily be found in wetland areas, but there are plenty of other areas where they like to hang out.
Here are the top five places you’ll encounter one of these toothy animals (if you haven’t already):
Anywhere where there’s a body of water like a lake or river
Near recreational activity areas like fishing or swimming
If they haven’t been fed and begin looking for food in neighboring areas
If you see a female and her babies, there are more around
When they cross the road to find water or food
So, what do you do when you see a gator?
These tips from the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory should help:
Don’t feed alligators
Keep your distance
Don’t try to move the gators
It is illegal to harass them, so don’t try
Never disturb nests or babies
Don’t try to keep them as a pet
Keep your pets and children away from gators
Avoid swimming in areas where there is a known alligator habitat nearby
Do not corner them
Have you recently encountered an alligator? We want to know. Email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published May 4, 2023 at 12:14 PM.
