July 1, 2022
How to safely avoid encountering Arkansas’ alligators
By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- American alligators are present in southern, central Arkansas
- Fatal attacks on humans are rare
- Never approach, provoke or corner an alligator
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LITTLE ROCK — While enjoying the Natural State’s many bodies of water this summer, swimmers and boaters need to avoid hazardous wildlife. This includes American alligators, which are present in southern and central Arkansas. Becky McPeake, extension wildlife specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said understanding alligators is key to avoiding negative encounters.
McPeake said dense populations of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) have been reported at Arkansas Post National Memorial in Arkansas County and Millwood State Park in Little River County. In June, a kayaker videoed a large alligator on Lake Conway in central Arkansas.
Though this species was considered endangered 60 years ago, McPeake said their populations have recovered throughout most of their native range, including southern Arkansas. The state is considered the northwestern edge of the alligator’s range in the United States, and most of northern Arkansas is “too cool temperature-wise for these reptiles to survive,” McPeake said.
Alligators are “opportunistic predators” that consume a variety of animals during their different life stages and sizes. Young alligators eat crayfish, insect larvae, snails, spiders, worms, small fish, snakes and lizards. Older alligators typically prey on larger creatures, including nutria – a type of large, semiaquatic rodent – beaver, muskrats, raccoons, opossums, water birds, feral hogs and white-tailed deer. When able to access domestic spaces, alligators are also known to prey on domestic dogs, cats and calves.
“Typically, an alligator will not chase you down and eat you when seen in a natural state,” McPeake said. “Scary movies and social media entertain audiences by showing aggressive alligators. Like many wild animals, they are wary and avoid people when given the opportunity.”
While fatal attacks on humans are rare, they do occur, primarily in the southeastern United States. McPeake said being safe around alligators is straightforward: never feed them and move away when they are seen.
“Be mindful of their presence and avoid them,” McPeake said. “Do not provoke, throw objects, or try to move an alligator. Keep away from shorelines, especially pets and children, where alligators are present.”
McPeake said most alligator encounters occur in a few different scenarios: when the reptiles are basking beside water; when a female alligator is protecting her nest or babies; when an alligator is crossing a road; and when they have been fed or become familiar with being around people.
It’s important to be cautious when swimming, canoeing or fishing in waterways with alligators. Keep at least 60 feet away.
“If an alligator hisses or lunges at you, you are too close,” McPeake said. “Do not corner alligators. Always provide them with an escape route.”
If an alligator is a threat to humans, pets or livestock, call the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 800-364-4263.
For more information about alligators and other nuisance wildlife, visit the Cooperative Extension Service’s Nuisance Wildlife page.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact:
Rebekah Hall
rkhall@uada.edu
@RKHall_
501-671-2061