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SAVANNAH, Ga ()– The American Alligator is one of the most fascinating creatures of the South. Most people are amazed at how much they resemble dinosaurs and scientists say the species is more than 150 million years old. When you see an alligator, you are looking at a reptile that has managed to avoid global extinction for millennia.
If you live in Georgia, it should not be too long before you run into one. There are approximately 250,000 alligators in the state. They can mostly be found in fresh-water lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshes; however, they can travel on land and have been known to find their way into neighborhood gardens, pools, and backyards.
Although they are natural predators, alligators have an important role in our ecosystem. They protect the nests of colonial birds like Egrets and Blue Heron by keeping raccoons and snakes away from their eggs.
Gators also keep our waterways clean by eating fish, frogs, birds, invertebrates, and mammals.
April through June is alligator mating season, so if you live near a body of water, there is a good chance you might see one traveling from lagoon to lagoon.
Russ Webb of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge says they can be slightly more aggressive when they’re out looking for love. Webb says there’s no need for people to fear alligators because we’re not their natural prey, but there are some things to be aware of when you’re in gator country:
- Never feed them. Giving an alligator food teaches them to approach humans.
- Don’t harass them. It’s a federal offence to throw objects, including marshmallows.
- Always maintain a safe distance. Stay 10 feet from water’s edge.
- Don’t walk your dog near a lagoon. It’s an unnecessary risk to you and your pet.
- Avoid nests and babies because mama is likely close by and watching.
Webb says the best way to see an alligator is from your car. The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge has driving trails that are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
