Louisiana’s Alligator-Infested Rivers: Why The Boeuf River Is Alligator Paradise

Curious why some rivers have higher populations of alligators than others? The Boeuf River is an alligator haven. No matter where along the river you go, especially in Louisiana, there are sure to be alligators.

To learn more about alligators and the Boeuf River, keep reading below.

The Boeuf River

Boeuf River spans from Arkansas to Louisiana, stretching out over 216 miles. It’s a tributary of the Ouachita River. The name comes from the French word for “ox” or “steer.” Boeuf is pronounced “buhf.”

There is also a wildlife management area in Louisiana by the same name. It covers about 1,800 acres and encompasses 26 lakes as well as rivers. Boeuf River borders the management area for 47 miles on the eastern side.

Why Is This River a Safe Haven for Alligators?

There are over one million alligators in Louisiana. They can be found in pretty much any body of water, from ponds and canals to bayous and coastal marshes.

So it’s not necessarily that Boeuf River has special qualities that make it a safe haven, but that there are so many alligators that almost every body of water is packed with them.

Shuffle around in the water or shine your light across the water at night and you’re sure to see plenty of red eyes staring back at you.

As long as there is food, little human interaction, and enough space that they aren’t bumping into another alligator at every turn, it’s the perfect place for these animals to make their home.

However, some characteristics of the Boeuf River make it an ideal place for alligators. The banks and surrounding area are flat and have poor drainage systems. This means any time that there are heavy rains, the area floods. These floods are so common that they occur at least once a year.

How to Stay Safe?

Alligators are rather peaceful animals. They aren’t going to go out of their way to attack you or chase you down, for the most part. As long as you give them space, and don’t get too close to a nest, there usually isn’t a problem.

However, that doesn’t mean they are completely safe. Alligators react on instinct. They are quick to attack anything that comes too close. Children and dogs who aren’t paying attention to their surroundings are quick to get attacked or eaten. So it’s important to keep an eye on them at all times.

The biggest danger with alligators is when they are regularly fed by people. They learn to associate humans with food and will then get too close to humans, which can cause problems. Generally, to stay as safe as possible, you want to stay around 30 feet away from any place an alligator might be lurking.

Additionally, the Beouf River is a popular place for fishing, especially for crappies. When fishers are out on or around the river, they need to be cautious at all times. Fishing can easily attract alligators with the movement. Also, a fisherman on the lookout for the perfect fishing spot may end up stumbling across a sunbathing alligator hidden in the weeds.