Infestation Alert: This State’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline Will be Blowing Up This Month

There are only two distinct alligator species in the world: the American alligator and the Chinese alligator. When comparing the population of these two gators, the Chinese alligator is much rarer than its American cousin. In fact, the American alligator population in the southeastern U.S. is staggering, with an estimated 5 million thriving in swamps, lakes, and more.

The majority of these alligators reside in the states of Florida and Louisiana. The latter has nearly 5 million acres worth of wetlands for alligators to thrive in, and thrive they do. Just how many alligators call Louisiana home, and where is the most alligator-infested body of water in this state?

Welcome to Louisiana, a state that’s filled with over 2 million alligators.

Welcome to Caddo Lake: Home to the Largest Alligator Infestation in the World

Given the size and location of Caddo Lake, it may be the most alligator-infested body of water in the entire world. However, this figure is difficult to prove given the behaviors of alligators. Reclusive and wary of humans, alligators aren’t often sighted at popular Caddo Lake. 

The largest natural lake in the south, Caddo Lake occupies over 25,000 acres on the Louisiana-Texas border. Mature gators enjoy Caddo Lake for its depth and available food, though young and breeding gators tend to prefer shallow habitats such as marshland.

Caddo Lake park staff are no strangers to gators. Signs are posted throughout the park, warning visitors of the potential predators in the area. These warnings help lakegoers stay safe from the often hidden and elusive alligator.

How Many Alligators Live in Caddo Lake?

It is unknown how many alligators live in Caddo Lake. Despite their fearsome reputation, alligators prefer to avoid humans whenever possible. This includes humans attempting to quantify their population in a given area. 

It’s likely there are more alligators found across Louisiana’s various coastal marshes and swamps compared to the Caddo Lake population. Louisiana boasts over 4 million acres of marsh and swampland, the alligator’s preferred habitat. 

Given Caddo Lake’s size and the sheer number of alligators in the state, it’s safe to assume this body of water likely hosts thousands of gators at any given time.

Types of Alligators in Caddo Lake

There is only one type of alligator found in Caddo Lake: the American alligator. However, many other diverse species call this body of water and its surrounding wildlife areas home. Some of the unique animals you may find in Caddo Lake include:

• Alligator snapping turtles
• Green tree frogs
• Marbled salamanders
• North American racers
• Spiny softshell turtles
• Northern cottonmouth
• Nutrias

What Do Alligators Eat in Caddo Lake?

At any age, the diet of alligators varies greatly. They are opportunistic eaters, occasionally resorting to cannibalism to maintain their impressive metabolisms. Caddo Lake offers the average alligator plenty of options, with some of their favorite meals comprised of the following species:

• Fish
• Crustaceans
• Snakes
• Frogs
• Birds 
• Lizards
• Turtles
• Beavers
• Deer
• Muskrats
• Nutrias

Alligator-Related Deaths in Caddo Lake

There are zero reported alligator-related deaths in Caddo Lake. As previously mentioned, the Caddo Lake park staff ensures visitors are aware of the potential for dangerous wildlife interactions. They encourage guests to maintain awareness while visiting the park, especially during alligator breeding seasons. 

Interestingly, there are only 2 potential alligator-related deaths in the entire state of Louisiana, with only one confirmed. In 2021, a Louisiana resident was killed by a 12-foot long alligator; human remains were found in the gator’s stomach. Another alligator-related death may have occurred in 1774, but it remains unconfirmed given the unreliability of record keeping during this time.

Louisiana’s neighboring state, Florida, maintains an ongoing record of alligator deaths. There are over 30 recorded alligator-related deaths across Florida, though this number reflects data from 1899-2023. Despite their high population numbers in both Louisiana and Florida, alligators truly prefer to leave humans alone!

Alligators in Houma, LA: Neighborhood Menaces

Reports from Houma, LA discuss the prevalence of alligators and how they may be terrorizing neighborhoods. April through June are apparently extremely active alligator months for this town given their breeding schedule. Multiple sightings and calls to Louisiana’s nuisance gator hotline occur during this time of year. 

Houma is located in the middle of multiple swamps, waterways, and lakes. The Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge and the Lake Boeuf Wildlife Management area are nearby as well – ideal environments for the American alligator.

Other Alligator-Infested Places in Louisiana

Lake Caddo may have a high population of alligators, but these reptiles can be found throughout the state of Louisiana. When it comes to alligator-infested bodies of water, other locations rivaling Lake Caddo include:

• Honey Island Swamp
• Lake Martin
• The Atchafalaya Basin
• Lafitte State Park
• Avery Island
• The Creole Nature Trail
• Sabine Wildlife Refuge