Alligators in Houston: Are You Safe to Go in the Water?

Texas is known for its large size, abundant wildlife, and warm weather. When the latter sets in, people want to cool off in any way they can. Nothing beats going for a swim when the mercury starts climbing. Unfortunately, some parts of Texas are not that safe for swimming. Take a look at what is known about alligators in Houston and see whether you are safe to go swimming in the waters around the state.

Are Alligators in Houston?

Yes, alligators live in Houston and the surrounding areas. Houston, Texas is located near the Gulf Coast, and several bodies of water drain through the city and into Burnet Bay or farther south closer to Galveston Bay. The many lakes, bayous, and rivers in and around Houston contain an environment that is favorable to alligators.  

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimates that roughly 400,000 to 500,000 alligators live in Texas. These creatures are mostly concentrated in the eastern part of the state, up and down the coast. They’ve been spotted near major cities as far inland as San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin.  

So, Houston is rife with alligators, and they can pose a threat to people. That doesn’t mean you need to give up on the idea of swimming and boating altogether, though. In fact, many people regularly go boating in waters that have alligators. It is not wise for people to go swimming in those areas, though.

How Many People Have Alligators Killed in Texas?

Perhaps three fatal alligator attacks have occurred in Texas. While two of them were in the 19^th century and more difficult to confirm, one fatal attack occurred in 2015. Yet, that incident was not unprompted. A man named Tommie Woodward jumped into the water at Burkart’s Marina after a very large alligator was spotted in the water.

The man defied the signs warning people to stay out of the water and bystanders who had spotted an especially large alligator. Yet, he jumped into the water and called for help right away before being attacked several times. His body was recovered several hours later. 

Alligators are not always ravenous reptiles looking to hunt people. They will attack humans, especially reckless ones that harass them.  

Obviously, alligators pose a significant threat to people, especially young children and seniors. As the size of the gator increases, so does the potential to cause significant damage to humans. The largest alligator ever confirmed in Texas was called “Big Tex,” and it measured about 13 feet 8 inches long and weighed more than 900 pounds. 

From 1948 until August 2004, 376 injuries and 15 deaths from alligators occurred throughout the United States. Roughly 23 more fatal attacks have happened since then. Most of the people killed by alligators were over the age of 60.

All told, alligator attacks are rare, but they can still happen when humans go into their environments. That’s why it’s important to know where they’ve been spotted and whether or not it is safe to swim in waters before venturing into them.

Can You Swim Safely in Natural Waters in Houston?

Generally, it’s not a good idea to go swimming in the lakes, rivers, and bayous near Houston. After all, alligators make their homes in the waters in this area. Venomous snakes also live near bodies of water in this part of Texas.  While many people go fishing and boating in the local lakes and rivers, that does not mean it is safe for a human to swim in them.

Lake Houston may be one of the largest bodies of water near the city, but it’s also infested with alligators. The same goes for the San Jacinto River. That does not necessarily indicate there are no natural places to go swimming around Houston.

According to the Montgomery County, Texas website, Lake Conroe Park, north of Houston, is used for swimming. The 13-acre park has picnic facilities and an area that is roped off for swimming. Alligators are rarely spotted in this area, but they have been found in the lake.

That is why it’s best to consult local government entities before trying to swim in any body of water near the city. Typically, the local government will put up warnings if gators are spotted in an area, stopping swimmers from encountering them.

After all, it’s not just alligators and snakes that can cause problems. Swimmers must also consider the contents and composition of the water. If a lake is prone to runoff or dumping, it’s not somewhere a person should swim.

Unless a person finds a place that is completely safe or devoid of alligators, it’s best to swim in public or private pools and waterparks. Even those are not entirely safe from the hazard of alligators, though. Homeowners with pools sometimes find gators in their pools as they look for a watery place to settle down for a bit.

In short, the alligators in Houston make swimming difficult.

Where Can You Swim to Avoid Alligators in Houston?

Unfortunately, private pools and public waterparks are the best places to go swimming to avoid alligators in Houston. Places like Typhoon Texas Waterpark and Calypso Cove are favored by families looking to swim without worry.

Visitors may go to places like Lake Conroe Park to go swimming, but there is no way to guarantee that an alligator isn’t in the water. While they’re rarely spotted in the area, it’s important to remember that alligators can be elusive.

Another option that Houston residents have for swimming is to pack up their cars and head down to Galveston. That city is situated on the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches are typically clean enough to swim in, and alligators generally do not stay in saltwater. To be clear, alligators can go into saltwater to hunt, but it’s a rare occasion. Still, millions of people safely swim in Galveston throughout the year.  

There are many alligators in Houston and the surrounding areas. That limits the number of places where people can safely swim. Your best bet for safe swimming in east Texas is a pool or waterpark.