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

Louisiana has the highest population of alligators in the entire United States. Over 2 million of these large reptiles call the state home. While alligators enjoy the swampy coastal areas in Louisiana and other states in the South, does that mean they’re found in the northern reaches of the state? Discover whether you’ll find alligators in Shreveport and learn whether it’s safe to go for a swim in the natural waters in the area!

Are Alligators in Shreveport’s Waters?

Yes, despite being the coldest place in Louisiana, there are alligators in Shreveport. It’s tempting to think that a place this far north wouldn’t have alligators, but the city is still in an area rife with the environments these reptiles prefer. 

In fact, just about all the large bodies of water in the northern portion of Louisiana are potential alligator hangouts. That includes the waters near Shreveport. After all, alligators enjoy slow-moving rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and other areas. While they lack the salt glands that allow crocodiles to thrive in salty waters for long periods, alligators can go in saltwater and brackish areas for a little while.

In short, alligators do live near Shreveport, and they’re unusually abundant in the waters on the outskirts of the city. The alligator population in Louisiana is rising, and a higher population means increased opportunities to see them. Unfortunately, this also means that people are more likely to have a negative encounter with them. 

Are Alligator Attacks Common in Shreveport, Louisiana?

Alligator attacks are not common in Shreveport, Louisiana. In fact, they’re not particularly common in any place in the United States. According to the Florida Museum, only 391 alligator bites and 18 alligator fatalities have occurred throughout the United States up to 2018. Considering the gator’s population and that they live in areas inhabited by millions of people, these numbers are low.

Nobody has ever been killed by an alligator in Shreveport, Louisiana. Modern sources state that an alligator has only killed a single person in Louisiana. The attack occurred in the wake of Hurricane Ida in Slidell, Louisiana. A 12-foot-long alligator attacked a man in the floodwaters, killing him. The alligator was later found and killed.

There was an account of another alligator fatality in Louisiana, but that occurred in 1734. Thus, there is a little uncertainty surrounding that case.

Meanwhile, Louisiana only had two confirmed alligator biting attacks up until 2018, but at least two more must be added due to the aforementioned fatal attack as well as a 2022 incident where a 6-year-old was bitten by a four-foot-long alligator. For the most part, small alligators will avoid humans. The larger ones represent the biggest threat to people, especially if a person is not cautious around them.

Louisiana’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has created phone lines for people to call when they spot a nuisance gator. That way, local Nuisance Alligator Hunters can remove the alligator before an encounter with a human occurs.

Can You Safely Swim in Shreveport?

Swimming in natural bodies of water in Shreveport is not wise. After all, the major bodies of water near this city either have confirmed sightings of alligators or could potentially have them.

Shreveport has two nearby bodies of water of particular interest to this topic. First, the Red River runs through the greater Shreveport area. While the portion of the river is hardly overrun with alligators, they do live in those waters.

Given the water’s coloration, it’s hard to see a gator waiting below the surface. Still, some people insist on swimming in the Red River and others nearby. While alligator attacks are unlikely, the possibility cannot be dismissed out of hand.

Another body of water that should be regarded with particular apprehension by anyone trying to swim is Cross Lake. Cross Lake is one of the most alligator-infested lakes in all of Louisiana. People fish, pilot boats, and hunt at the 8,960-acre lake and its surrounding areas.

Some people go to the lake and swim as well. The marked swimming areas are not any safer than the rest of the lake in terms of alligator encounters. Swimmers need to be within 30 feet of a boat, pier, or boathouse. If a person is absolutely set on swimming in this lake, it’s best to avoid the times when alligators are most active. As a reminder, alligators are most active in the warmer months from dusk until dawn. 

Where to Swim and Avoid Alligators in Shreveport

Some people insist on swimming in areas that are home to alligators, like the Red River or parts of Cross Lake. Still, those are not places to swim if you want to avoid the alligators entirely. The best bet is to use private pools. Above-ground pools are not a place where alligators can reach without some serious effort.

However, alligators do get into in-ground pools from time to time. Still, a person can take a quick look into the clear water before jumping in, reducing their chances of a gator encounter.

Otherwise, waterparks are the best way to swim to keep away from alligators in Shreveport. The Splash Kingdom Oasis is a well-known water park in Shreveport. This is a place where you can go to cool down on a hot day. Other parts of the state have waterparks as well if you’re willing to take a trip.

Also, the southernmost points in Louisiana have some beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. While the chances of encountering an alligator on the beach are lower, the water at the beaches may not be entirely safe. It’s important to check around for signs about the bacteria levels in the water before entering. 

All told, Shreveport, Louisiana does have a fair number of alligators in the area. You probably don’t want to go swimming in Cross Lake or the Red River. If you do go swimming in those areas, it would be wise to look for alligators before entering the water.

Should you encounter a gator, it’s wise to slowly back away to put some distance between you and it. Then, when you have gained some ground, turn and run to safety. The chances are good that most smaller gators will scamper off upon seeing you.