Alligators in Baton Rouge: Are You Safe to Go in the Water?

Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, spans the Mississippi River. This river, along with the swamps, bayous, and other waterways in this part of Louisiana and beyond contains diverse ecosystems with many unique animals. Some of them are rare amphibians, like the Louisiana slimy salamander, but others are dangerous and can impact the lifestyle of those living in the area. Visitors need to know if there are alligators in Baton Rouge before they think about going into a body of water near the city.

Let’s take a look at the situation in this state and see how much of a threat alligators pose to people in this part of the state.

Do Alligators Live Near Baton Rouge?

Yes, alligators live near Baton Rouge. While some of them are kept in zoos in the city, some wild alligators roam the area near the Mississippi River and other larger bodies of water. However, they’re not exactly common in the sense that you’d see them walking down a main street every day. Still, alligators turn up in residential areas in Baton Rouge, and sightings are becoming more common to people that live in the area.

Louisiana has the highest population of alligators of any state in the country. An estimated 2 million alligators live in the swampy, warm ecosystem. The alligator population has been steadily growing over the last few decades. However, state officials work to prevent the reptiles’ population and spread from becoming a problem. As a result of those efforts and safety education, attacks in the state are rare.

Alligators prefer to live in freshwater marshes and swamplands as well as some brackish environments. They are common near rivers, lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water. They may even sneak into a private inground pool if no other water is available.

Alligators tend to be skittish around people on land for the most part. Yet, a person that jumps into the gator’s watery habitat would not be so imposing. In fact, they would probably turn into a target in the alligator’s eyes.

How Common Are Alligator Attacks in Louisiana?

Alligator attacks are very uncommon in Louisiana. The people living in the state are educated about alligators and how to behave around them. Locals know that it’s important to take precautions when going to certain bodies of water. They know to back away from the reptiles so as not to prompt an attack and who to call for help if an unwelcome gator shows up.

The state also runs a program to report nuisance alligators so that trained officials can capture and release the animals. Those efforts reduce the number and severity of conflicts between people and gators.

Fatal Alligators Attacks in Louisiana

Despite the huge population of alligators in Louisiana, only two fatal attacks have ever been recorded. However, only one of the fatal attacks is supported by modern evidence since the first one happened in the 18^th century. Thus, many residents considered the comparatively recent killing as the first of its kind in the state.

The most recent fatal alligator attack occurred in 2021 after Hurricane Ida swept through the state. A man was attacked by an alligator in floodwaters near Slidell, a city close to Lake Pontchartrain. The man’s wife witnessed the attack and tried to get help, but the injured man was attacked a second time while she was away. A large, 12-foot alligator was later found and killed two weeks later. Evidence suggests that it was the reptile that killed the man.  

Most alligators that are smaller than four feet long will go out of their way to avoid humans. After all, the size of a person poses a threat to their safety.

However, not much information about non-fatal alligator attacks in Baton Rouge or Louisiana as a whole exists. The Florida Museum provided some insight, showing that only two alligator attacks aside from the fatal attack have ever been recorded in Louisiana. Yet, that list was last updated in 2018 and doesn’t count the fatal attack.  

Are You Safe in Waters Near Baton Rouge?

No, it’s best if you don’t swim in the waters near Baton Rouge. The fact is that alligators prefer to live near watery areas, and going into them would be dangerous. The population of alligators in Louisiana is massive, and they certainly inhabit the swampy coastal areas in this part of the state.

Alligators certainly live in the Mississippi River, the largest body of water near Baton Rouge. They’re also in the Comite River and the Amite River that border the north and east of the city, respectively.

The simple fact is that it’s not worth swimming in waters that have not been identified as safe by local government entities. The waters in the rivers and bayous in Baton Rouge are murky, and gators could easily hide below the surface.

Aside from the danger posed by alligators, you don’t want to swim in the water for another important reason: pollution. The Mississippi River is a major commercial transport artery, and the water is very polluted. The waterways between Baton Rouge and New Orleans are so bad that they have earned the nickname “Cancer Alley.”

The same can be said of many nearby rivers and lakes that have been affected by the petrochemical industry. In short, the natural waters near Baton Rouge are not a place where a person should swim if they want to be safe.

Where Can You Swim to Avoid Alligators in Baton Rouge?

Given that you can’t swim in the natural waters because of the alligators in Baton Rouge and the prevalent pollution, it’s best to stick with private pools to swim. Even they can be invaded by a stray gator, though. So, it’s always best to quickly check the area before jumping into an inground pool.

Baton Rouge also has many water parks where people can stay cool in the summer. For example, Blue Bayou Water Park and Liberty Lagoon are two places where people go swimming to beat the heat. These are much safer alternatives to the local rivers and lakes.

While the alligators in Baton Rouge are numerous and dangerous, negative interactions with people are few. Staying away from alligators and reporting nuisance gators are two simple steps that people can follow to stay safe. While the waters near the city aren’t safe to swim in, private swim areas offer some swimming opportunities for locals.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Steve Byland/Shutterstock.com