The American Alligator: What to do if you encounter these large reptiles in the Houston area

HOUSTON – If you have been in Southeast Texas for any period of time and you are into activities on the water, chances are you have either encountered or seen evidence of the American Alligator.

These large reptiles are fascinating creatures that can be seen in the bayous, creeks, and rivers of Southeast Texas.

• Cleveland police officer recovering from surgery after being bitten by alligator

Due to continued growth and the continued expansion of the human population, encounters between people and alligators continue to rise.

While attacks on humans by alligators in the State of Texas are rare, they can and sometimes do happen.

Tuesday morning, the body of a missing woman was found in the jaws of an alligator in Horsepen Bayou in the Clear Lake area. While it is unclear whether the woman was killed by the alligator or died in another way before the alligator consumed her, it is a reminder to be vigilant around area waterways and to always think safety when you encounter these creatures.

• Body of missing woman found in jaws of alligator in Clear Lake bayou

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has some tips on how to stay safe in gator country and how to make sure any encounters are safe ones.

• Don’t kill, harass, or attempt to move alligators. State law prohibits such actions, and the potential for being bitten or injured by a provoked alligator is high.
• Do call your TPWD regional office if you encounter a nuisance gator that has lost its fear of people.
• Don’t allow small children to play by themselves in or around water.
• Do closely supervise children when playing in or around water.
• Don’t swim at night or during dusk or dawn when alligators most actively feed.
• Do use ordinary common care. Swim only during daylight hours.
• Don’t feed or entice alligators. Alligators overcome their natural shyness and become accustomed or attracted to humans when fed. It is now a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, to intentionally feed an alligator.
• Do inform others that feeding alligators creates problems for others who want to use the water for recreational purposes.
• Don’t throw fish scraps into the water or leave them on shore. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators, the end result can be the same.
• Do dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at most boat ramps or fish camps.
• Don’t remove any alligators from their natural habitat or accept one as a pet. It is a violation of state law to do so. Alligators do not become tame in captivity and handling even small ones may result in bites. In particular, never go near baby alligators or pick them up. They may seem cute and harmless, but mama alligator will be nearby, and will protect her clutch for at least two years.
• Do enjoy viewing and photographing wild alligators from a safe distance of at least 30 feet or more. Remember that they’re an important part of Texas’s natural history, as well as an integral component of many wetland ecosystems.

There are some situations where certain alligators can be considered nuisance gators. These are alligators that have lost their fear of people. The current legal definition, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife, of a nuisance gator is “an alligator that is depredating [killing livestock or pets] or a threat to human health or safety.” The agency shared some information that can help you determine whether a gator can be considered a nuisance and what to do should you encounter one.

• If the alligator is not approaching people or otherwise posing an obvious threat, wait a few days if possible - even up to a week - before contacting TPWD. In spring and summer, alligators are moving to breed and find new habitat. Most of the alligators moving around are smaller ones that have been pushed out of their normal habitat by larger alligators. Usually, these smaller alligators will move further on in a week or two.
• If you hear an alligator hiss, it’s a warning that you are too close.
• Alligators have a natural fear of humans, and usually begin a quick retreat when approached by people. If you have a close encounter with an alligator a few yards away, back away slowly. It is extremely rare for wild alligators to chase people, but they can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances on land. Never make the mistake of thinking that an alligator is slow and lethargic. Alligators are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered. A female protecting her nest might charge a person who gets close to the nest, but she would quickly return to the nest after the intruder left.
• It is not uncommon for alligators to bask along the banks of a pond or stream for extended periods of time. These alligators are usually warming their bodies; they are not actively hunting. Often times a basking alligator may be seen with its mouth open; this is a way to cool its body temperature down, since alligators do not pant or sweat. An approaching human should cause these alligators to retreat into the water. (In some cases, the alligator may be protecting a nest.) However, an alligator may be considered a nuisance if it leaves the banks of the water body to spend time near homes, livestock pens, or other structures.
• If you walk near the water and an alligator comes straight toward you, especially if it comes out of the water, it is definitely a nuisance alligator that needs to be reported to TPWD. In many cases, these are alligators that have been fed by people or have been allowed to get human food.
• If you see an alligator while walking a pet make sure that your pet is on a leash and under your control. Your pet will naturally be curious, and the alligator may see an easy food source. Alligators have a keen sense of smell. In areas near alligator sightings it is wise to keep pets inside a fenced area or in the house for a few days, during which the alligator will often move on.
• If you see an alligator in the roadway, DO NOT attempt to move it! Notify local authorities so the alligator can be handled safely.
• If you see a large alligator in your favorite swimming hole or pond, do not swim with it. Although alligator attacks in Texas are rare, it can happen. The “attack” reports in Texas are usually more accurately described as “encounters.” As with all outdoor activities, realize that wildlife encounters are a possibility.
• It is not uncommon for alligators to pursue top-water fishing lures, and this activity does not constitute a threat to humans. As with fish, alligators are attracted to these lures because they mimic natural food. Most alligators can be easily scared away from boats or fishing lures. However, alligators that repeatedly follow boats, canoes, or other watercraft, and/or maintain a close distance without submersing may be considered nuisance alligators.
• If you see a nuisance alligator, consider why it is there. Did someone clean fish and throw the heads into a pond or river? If so, they created a potential alligator problem and could be breaking state regulations. Since October 1, 2003, it has been a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 for anyone caught feeding an alligator.

• Wrangler tells you what to do if you come across a big alligator in Houston-area