The 3 Most Alligator-Infested Rivers in Mississippi

American alligators are found throughout the south in the U.S. In the country, there are around 5 million American alligators. Mississippi isn’t a massive hub for alligators, but don’t be fooled, they are found in each county. In Mississippi, experts estimate there are about 32,000-38,000 alligators. This is an increase from the previous decades. But where can you find the most alligators? Which rivers in this lovely state are filled with gators? Follow along to discover some of the most alligator-infested rivers in Mississippi.

The 3 Most Alligator-Infested Rivers in Mississippi

Although this article is titled ‘alligator-infested rivers’, it’s important to understand that there are none. Alligator-infested sounds like alligators aren’t supposed to be there, but they are. American alligators are native to Mississippi. Still, there are some rivers and lakes where alligator spottings are more frequent. Listed below are the 3 most alligator-infested rivers in Mississippi.

Little Sunflower River

The first Mississippi river on our list is the Little Sunflower River. This beautiful river doesn’t have an estimate of alligators, but spottings are frequent. News reports of alligators in this river aren’t uncommon. Little Sunflower River is about 5 miles east of Onward. Boats are allowed on the water. 

When visiting the lake, you can also go camping. There are two campsites available at the Little Sunflower River Recreation Area. Fishing and hiking opportunities are also available with informational displays. Other than American alligators, visitors may see wildlife like northern cottonmouths, banded watersnakes, southern leopard frogs, common carp, and American paddlefish.

Yazoo River

Also on our list of alligator-infested rivers in Mississippi is the Yazoo River. This long river is in both Louisiana and Mississippi. It’s about 188 miles long. This old river holds a lot of history and importance. It was vital during the American Civil War.

Like the previous river, there isn’t much data on how many alligators call it home. Still, one of the largest alligators ever caught in the U.S. was found in the river. In 2014, Donald Woods, Joey Clark, Will Thomas, and Tanner White caught an impressive 14-foot and 3-inch gator. It weighed a little over 800 pounds. This massive giant broke the previous record. Interestingly, the alligator had a tag, indicating this was not the first time it had been caught. When reading the tag, they discovered it had been first caught 16 years prior. It was a nuisance alligator relocated for safety reasons. At the time of its first capture, the gator was 11 feet long, meaning it had grown three more.

Pearl River

Lastly on our list of alligator-infested rivers is Pearl River. Pearl River is also in both Louisiana and Mississippi. This river forms in Neshoba County, Mississippi, and is an impressive 444 miles long. It also has a maximum elevation of 400 feet.

Many Mississippi cities and towns are near or around the river, including Jackson. American alligators are common in Pearl River. They range in size. In 2022, Jim Denson and Richie Denson set the record for the longest female alligator ever harvested in Mississippi. The monster gator they caught was 10 feet and 2 inches long. The previous record was 10 feet even.

Are Alligator Attacks Common in Mississippi?

Although there are nearly 40,000 American alligators in Mississippi, attacks are uncommon. You’re more likely to get into a car accident than you are to encounter or get attacked by a gator. Although there have been some attacks in Mississippi, they are incredibly rare. Not one has been fatal either. One of the more recent attacks was in 2022 and involved a teenager. The teenager was bit in a creek in South Mississippi. There were two boys hanging out in the water during the attack. A four-foot alligator was swimming toward the two. One got out while the other tried to smack the gator away. The alligator responded by biting his hand. Although he was taken to the hospital, there were no serious injuries.

While scary, this was likely not an intentional attack. Instead, the alligator probably bit down because the boy struck first. The alligator may have been looking for food. Ricky Flynt, the Alligator Program coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, believes that the gator had been fed by humans before. It was too comfortable around humans.

Which State Has the Most American Alligators?

Now that we know more about some of the most alligator-infested rivers, let’s discover which state has the most American alligators. Louisiana has the most alligators in the U.S., although it’s close to Florida. In both states, there are well over one million alligators. If you are ever visiting Florida or Louisiana, stay away from freshwater. American alligators can live in lakes, retention ponds, swamps, and more. They aren’t always easy to spot either. Experts estimate there are about 2 million alligators in Louisiana.