The Incredible Story of How Alligators Got Moved to Alabama

While American alligators are prevalent throughout many southern states, did you know that there is a small population located in northern Alabama? Located south of Huntsville in the small town of Decatur, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge hosts the American alligator as well as an abundance of other species. But how did the alligator population get as far north as Decatur, and what is this population like nowadays?

In this article, we will go over the history of alligators in northern Alabama, specifically a singular population that was once introduced there. We’ll go over their storied past as well as what their present is like while addressing the future of alligators in Alabama, for better or worse. Let’s dive in! 

Alligators in Northern Alabama: A Storied History

The primary reason that there’s an alligator population in northern Alabama is because of their introduction to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge back in the late 1970s. The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Tennessee River, a lush and ideal location for any aquatic animal to thrive, including the American alligator.

While the Tennessee River is cooler and further north than most alligator populations can handle, the alligators introduced to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge survived in this location. In fact, decades later, it is estimated that the population has only blossomed since their introduction. But how and why were alligators introduced in this area to begin with? And how do the residents of northern Alabama feel about this today?

How Did Alligators Arrive in Northern Alabama?

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the American alligator was considered an endangered species. In an effort to stabilize and secure the population, roughly 55 alligators were introduced into the environment of the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge located in Decatur. These gators were placed in remote sections of the refuge so that they were less likely to interact with human beings.

While it was rumored that gators existed along the Tennessee River long before this population was introduced in the 1970s, there is no evidence to support these rumors. It is likely that locals were spotting non-native gators that were once pets, brought in by tourists who purchased them in Florida (a very popular activity back in the day). The 50 or so gators that were brought to the refuge are the only gators with a clear and accurate record when it comes to identifying alligator populations along the Tennessee River.

Why Were Alligators Relocated to Northern Alabama?

Avoiding extinction was the primary reason alligators were relocated to Alabama, particularly the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Hunting and uncontrolled killing of alligators were both common activities in the 60s and 70s. Scientists and alligator experts wanted to secure the species as a whole, so introducing alligators into new areas of the country seemed to be the best way to accomplish this.

It wasn’t just the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge that received a bunch of alligators. Nearly ten other wildlife sanctuaries and natural refuges received a small alligator population in the hopes of establishing the species in a new, more protected environment. While the cold weather of northern Alabama threatens the lives of baby alligators the most, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge still has a stable alligator population to this day!

Reactions to Alligator Relocation: Mixed Reviews

Even in our modern society, the reaction to an alligator population along the Tennessee River is mixed. When the species was first introduced back in the 70s, many residents in Decatur and towns near the refuge feared for their safety and the safety of their pets. Even towns further along the Tennessee River worried about what introducing alligators would mean for their comfort and way of life.

In fact, shortly after alligators were introduced in Decatur, a local politician ran a campaign against the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. This figure was successful in their attempts to remove the alligators from the refuge, but the actual hands-on approach was less successful. It is estimated that less than ten alligators were removed from the refuge after so much push-back, leaving a healthy population in northern Alabama.

Are There Still Alligators in Northern Alabama?

Despite local complaints, there are still alligators in northern Alabama, particularly along the Tennessee River. In fact, locals as far as Huntsville and Guntersville, Alabama experience alligator sightings, though there are very few reports of these alligators interacting with humans. The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge finds nests and signs that their alligator population is still thriving today, despite the colder climate.

Interested in learning more about the American alligator population in the United States, particularly in Alabama? Check out some of our other alligator-centric articles below!

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