Whenever you are swimming in a lake in the south, especially in Florida, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, and Alabama, you should always keep an eye out for gators. Alligators are very common in the south and thrive in the wetlands. However, they have been known to spread out and make their home away from swamps.
Alabama’s Lake Eufaula is on the Chattahoochee River near Eufaula, Alabama. It’s one of the most popular lakes in the entire state. The lake covers 45,000 acres with 640 miles of shoreline. But are there alligators in Alabama’s Lake Eufaula? How many? Keep reading to discover if there are alligators in Alabama’s Lake Eufaula.
About Alligators
Alligators are old animals. They are native to the United States, Mexico, and China. Alligators are aggressive and solitary animals, preferring to hunt and live alone. However, young juvenile alligators sometimes live in groups. Alligators evolved and split from caimans 53 million to about 65 million years ago. Chinese alligators split from American alligators 33 million years ago. There are two alligator species still alive.
Size and Appearance
©meunierd/Shutterstock.com
For this article, we are going to cover the American Alligator, since this is the species that reside in Alabama’s Lake Eufaula. Alligators are large animals, easily surpassing 13 feet long. The average American alligator weighs over 990 pounds. The largest alligator caught in the world was 19.2 feet in Louisiana. American alligators have black or dark olive-brown tough skin with white undersides. Juvenile alligators look slightly different, apart from being smaller. Young juvenile alligators have bright yellow or whitish stripes. This helps them camouflage and hide amongst reeds and wetland grasses.
Diet
Alligators aren’t picky eaters, but despite the stereotype of alligators being hungry beasts, they only eat when they are hungry. Adult alligators eat birds, deer, muskrats, and larger fish like gar. Young juvenile alligators eat smaller fish, insects, and worms. Interestingly, some alligators also attack larger animals like the Florida panthers and black bears.
Predators
Adult alligators are apex predators meaning they have no natural predators. Humans might be the only predators, hunting alligators for their skin and meat. Alligator cuisine is popular in the south, especially in Louisiana and Florida. However, juvenile alligators are small and easy prey for coyotes, large birds, bobcats, and raccoons.
Are There Alligators in Alabama’s Lake Eufaula?
©iStock.com/Tom Nix
Alabama’s Lake Eufaula is teeming with alligators. This lake is considered one of the most dangerous in the entire state. While there is no estimated number for how many alligators call Lake Eufaula, you can expect to see at least one while on a trip to the lake. But why are there so many alligators in Lake Eufaula? The answer is actually pretty simple. Unlike other lakes in Alabama, you have to catch and release alligators found in the lake, unless they are 8 feet or longer. In other words, it’s a safe haven for alligators.
Can you Swim in Lake Eufaula?
Lake Eufaula is constantly called the most beautiful lake in Alabama, but is it safe to swim in? If you are looking for a nice and safe place to swim, this isn’t your best choice. Swimming with alligators always comes with a risk, and while you might not see one, it doesn’t mean they aren’t hiding close by. Alligators don’t attack humans for the fun of it, but splashing in their territory might attract their interest.
Instead of taking a swim in Lake Eufaula in Alabama, you can fish and boat on the lake! It’s actually one of the best bass fishing spots in the nation. People travel from all over the world for a chance of catching monster bass. A lot of people also rent cabins and vacation homes along the water, enjoying the countless beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
The Largest Gator Caught in Lake Eufaula, Alabama
©iStock.com/Cindy Larson
The largest gator caught in Lake Eufaula, Alabama weighed 920 pounds. Scott Evans, of Center Point, and his friends, Jeff and Justin Gregg caught this massive gator on August 14, 2015. The alligator also measured 13 feet and 6 inches long. It produced about 250 pounds of alligator meat. Evans commented he was ready to cook some new recipes at a family barbeque with the impressive catch.
While Scott Evan and his friends caught the largest gator in Lake Eufaula, it’s not the largest gator in the state. The largest gator ever caught in Alabama weighed 15 feet 9 inches long and weighed 1,011.5 pounds. Mandy Stokes and her crew, which also consisted of her husband caught this gigantic alligator on August 15, 2014. They fought and chased the alligator for five hours before finally killing it.
Up Next:
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- Alligator Attacks: Do Alligators Eat People?
- Alligator Infested Lakes: How Many Alligators Live in Texas’ Lake Lewisville?
- Florida’s Alligator Infested Lakes: Why Alligators Thrive in Lake George
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