Alligators in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Sighting Frequency and Tips to Stay Safe

There’s nothing quite like taking a dip into a nice body of water during the summer to cool down. Gulf Shores, Alabama is no different. This beautiful town in the south touches the Gulf of Mexico. The humid climate here is perfect for having an excuse to visit. However, other animals have noticed this climate and have made their way to Gulf Shores. While alligators are known to usually be in Florida and Louisiana, the southern part of Alabama is now home to many different species. Just how common are alligator sightings in Gulf Shores and what exactly do you do if you see an alligator in the wild?

How Common Are Alligator Sightings in Gulf Shores?

Thanks to the humid climate and plenty of bodies of freshwater, alligators are quite common to see in Gulf Shores. There are now almost 70,000 alligators in the southern part of Alabama. The number that calls Gulf Shores is starting to decrease, though. This is thanks to the fact that Gulf Shores has experienced a recent surge in urban development. The white beaches and perfect seawater have made this place a tourist destination. Thanks to this, alligators are starting to move to more remote places, away from humans.

They want to be close to bodies of fresh water, like Little Lagoon. This isn’t uncommon for alligators. They like to be in places that are more remote and as far away from humans as possible. That’s right. Even though we think of alligators as creatures that want to attack us, they wouldn’t want to do the opposite. Alligators hate having human contact and most try to avoid humans at all costs. On the off chance, an alligator does approach you, make sure to follow these steps to stay safe.

What Should You Do If An Alligator Approaches You?

If an alligator in the wild approaches you, run as fast as you can away from it in a straight line. On land, alligators have very little stamina when it comes to running. They will more than likely stop running almost as soon as they start. If you’re in a body of water and an alligator starts to come near you, poke them in the eye or hit them over the snout. This will shock them and make them leave you. The best way to avoid running into an alligator while in the water is to just avoid swimming in bodies of freshwater since this is where alligators hang out the most.

Beaches in Gulf Shores are amazing as it is, so you should swim there. The odds of being attacked are rare since they truly don’t want to be near humans at all. If the animal catches up to you in either scenario, get something you can jam down its throat and cause it to initiate the gag reflex. While we should never want to hurt an animal out of nowhere and for no reason, it’s understandable to protect yourself and make sure you’re safe.

Where Can You See Alligators Safely in Gulf Shores?

Thankfully, there are places in Gulf Shores where you can safely get up close with alligators. The best place to do this is at Alligator Alley. Here, you can go on a self-guided tour of over 450 different species of alligators. You can stop along the way to hang out with them. Unlike most alligators, they’re used to people being around them and don’t have the instinct to run away or fight anymore. You can hold them and enjoy a full alligator experience. This place is known for being one of the best and those who truly want an up-close experience with a wild alligator should visit here.

Do Alligators Spend Time in the Gulf of Mexico?

Even though alligators like to be in freshwater environments, they have been known to wander down to the Gulf of Mexico and see what different fish and birds they can snack on. This is rare for them to do, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings if you’re in the Gulf of Mexico. Whenever an alligator goes down here, they are looking for sharks and stingrays to eat. Don’t be afraid of this affecting your trip. Alligators in Alabama are just like any other animal. As long as you stay aware, your trip to Gulf Shores should be one to remember.