Are There Alligators In Arkansas?

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Arkansas‘s geographical features, vegetation, and animals contribute to the state’s beauty.

Alligators are among the larger species of reptiles and are closely related to crocodiles.

Both are amphibians and look closely alike despite having distinct features and behaviors.

Alligators are endemic in the southern coastal plains of the United States.

You will likely see an alligator in the waters where it resides, but only parts of it.

Alligators basking in our water look fantastic, and you can thoroughly study these magnificent animals. 

Are There Alligators In Arkansas?

 Alligators are native to Arkansas, having lived there for thousands of years.

The history of alligators in Arkansas exemplifies how a man can destroy and build.

In 1960, gators were listed among animals facing extinction in our state.

The draining of wetlands from 1860 to 1960 led to the destruction of the gator’s habitat.

Uncontrolled hunting led to many alligators being killed for their hides and skin.

However, conservation efforts and legislation interventions by the state and the senate have gradually increased the population of alligators in Arkansas.

Do you want to see an alligator in Arkansas?

The best parts of our state where you will easily spot an alligator are the southern parts.

Alligators do not thrive well in freezing temperatures, and you will not likely see one in the northern parts of Arkansas.  

Are There Specific Sites Where You Can See Alligators in Arkansas?

Unlike in Florida, where you can sight an alligator everywhere, Arkansas is different.

In Arkansas, alligators keep a low profile, and it’s not likely to see one basking by the roadside. 

Alligators in Arkansas can be seen in the wild, occupying their natural habitat or as captives in zoos or conservation centers.

Visit any of these sites and see a wild alligator in Arkansas in its natural habitat.

Arkansas Post National Memorial

Arkansas Post is located at the juncture of the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers.

Here is where the first Europeans settled in our state.

It is an important gathering place.

The Arkansas Post National Memorial and Museum is located on this site.

The aim of the memorial cum museum is to commemorate and teach the history of Arkansas and the initial settlers.

The site is on a headland bordered by rivers and backwaters, the location is excellent for fishing and watching wildlife, and you will get an opportunity to spot alligators.

The Arkansas Post National Memorial waters are a valuable natural habitat for more than a dozen alligators, with some reaching a length of fourteen feet.

Millwood State Park

The park is on the outskirts of Ashdown, Arkansas, and Texarkana.

Millwood Lake in the park is a significant attraction for bass fishing and is famous for holding a regular bass fishing tournament.

Millwood State Park leads in Arkansas with the highest population of alligators.

An excellent opportunity to see an alligator is during warm weather when you can spot the animals basking at the bottom of the spillway.

Are There Places Not In The Wild Where You Can See Alligators In Arkansas?

Alligators in Arkansas are not only found in the wild.

We have zoos, farms, and nature centers that raise and give sanctuary to the animals.

They significantly contribute to alligators’ studies and their conservation and protection.

1. Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo – Are you an alligator enthusiast? The Arkansas Alligator farm and Petting zoo should be top of your priority for a visit. The alligators on the farm will give you an up-close, personal interaction because they are used to human interaction.
2. Little Rock Zoo – The zoo is within the town of Little Rock, Arkansas. Little Rock Zoo is legendary for giving sanctuary to the famous Big Arkie. The zoo has been dealing with alligators for many years, and you will get a lot of info on these reptiles.

Who is Big Arkie?

Big Arkie is an alligator spotted in 1952 after floods near Hope, Arkansas.

It was rare to spot an alligator then because their population had significantly declined.

The alligator was captured by hunters who took it to Little Rock Zoo and became a resident there until his death in May 1970.

1. Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center – If you are looking forward to seeing a baby gator, visit our Nature Center, where baby gators are on view. We are located in downtown Little Rock.
2. Delta Rivers Nature Center – If you want to learn more about Arkansas Delta wildlife and ecology, visit us in Pine Bluff. Experience exhibits, trails, and boardwalks where you will interact with not only alligators but also turtles and snakes.

Alligator Species in Arkansas 

Science classifies alligators in the family of Crocodylidae under the sub-family Alligatorianae.

The Alligatorianae sub-family has two main species – Alligator Mississippiensis (American Alligator) and Alligator Sinensis (Chinese Alligator).

The Chinese Alligator is a native and only found in China.

If you spot an alligator in Arkansas, it will be the American Alligator (Alligator Mississippiensis).

There is fossil evidence of the existence of alligators millions of years ago.

Is It Safe To Swim In Arkansas?

Are you planning to spend your summer vacation in Arkansas and love splashing your time away in the water?

The areas where you can swim in Arkansas are many and diversified.

You can sample our beaches, streams, mountain lakes, and plenty of swimming holes in Arkansas.

Arkansas Beaches, where you can spend summer time playing in the water

Eight state parks out of more than twenty in Arkansas have beaches on rivers or lakes.

If you love splashing on the beaches, among these parks, you get an opportunity and can sample more than one.

• Village Creek
• Crowley’s Ridge
• Charles
• Dardanelle
• Catherine
• Ouachita
• Woolly Hallow  
• DeGray Lake
• Jacksonport

Tucked away mountain water bodies.

 Arkansas will not let you down about that thrilling experience of a swim in crystalline blue waters in the mountains.

You can splash water in Norfolk, Beaver, Table Rock, Shoals, Bull, and Greers Ferry lakes.

All are located within mountains.

Watery playgrounds

Ozark and St. Francis national forest is home to eight watery playgrounds.

The playgrounds offer you a chance to swim in the confines of a forest.

Recreational areas

There are recreational areas located on the banks of small lakes and mountain streams – Charlton, Albert Pike, and Knoppers Ford in Ouachitas, Arkansas,

Areas with controlled access

These are properties with limited access in Arkansas, having nice spots for taking a dip if you have authorization.

They include privately owned lakes and other water bodies in Arkansas and the one under the U.S. Army.

The Army controls eight properties, all of which have sandy beaches.

Other popular swimming destinations are Shady Lake and Lake Sylvia.

Interesting Alligator Facts

• Adult alligators have 78 teeth and some of the most robust jaws. A rearing mother knows that her mouth is the safest and most comfortable way to move the fingers from the nest to shallow waters.
• The temperature of the mama alligator nest determines the sex of the hatchling.
• An alligator mother protects her young ones for up to two years. She will then start frightening the grown babies away for them to seek their independence. 
• Alligators in Arkansas skip meals during winter; their bodies’ temperatures during the period are too low to digest food. In winter, the gators spend most of their time basking in the sun to generate body warmth.

Alligator Vs. A Crocodile?

If it proves difficult to differentiate a gator from a croc, don’t worry; not many can.

We will give tips to help you easily differentiate the two reptiles.

Both are giant reptiles and are found in water bodies as their natural habitat.

Despite having similarities (powerful tails, short legs, long snouts, bony-plated backs), they are from different families.

To tell an alligator apart from a crocodile, look for the following telltale signs.

1. The Animals Snout

 An alligator’s snout’s shape is broad and in a U-shape, while the one of a crocodile is narrow and sharp-pointed.

2. Does the reptile display its teeth when the moth is shut?

In a crocodile, when it closes its mouth, you will note the large fourth tooth is not entirely covered. An alligator’s teeth will be fully covered when it shuts its mouth.

3. They have different colors

It is a gator if you spot one of these similar reptiles colored grey or black. A crocodile is colored olive or tan.

4. Differences in their natural habitats:

 You will spot crocodiles mainly near or in saltwater bodies. Alligators reside primarily in still freshwater bodies.

3 Safety Tips For Swimming In Alligator Infested Waters

We strictly do not recommend swimming in areas known as a haven for wild alligators.

Gators are predators; some adult species’ length and weight surpass a human’s.

An attack by a big animal like such can be fatal.

However, they have trained small alligators in some areas to accompany people swimming if swimming in territories with alligator history; observe the following to avoid accidents.

1. Avoid Areas Infested With Adults and Species That Grow Into Large Sizes.

An alligator hunts for prey, and its bite can be fatal.

The larger the size, the more powerful gators become and daring in the size of prey they hunt.

Large gators can attack when you are splashing in the water, aiming to target a wounded prey in distress.

2. Do Not Swim Near Nesting And Nursing Mothers.

When a mama alligator lays eggs, she builds a nest on the shoreline or banks.

The mother protects the nest as she awaits hatching.

When the eggs hatch, she takes the fingerings by her mouth to shallow waters, where she starts to nurse them.

Mama alligator will always consider another animal a threat to her territory when nesting and is prone to attack.

If you venture close to mama alligator’s nursery, she will offer the protection of her young one. 

3. Never Let Your Children And Pets Swim In Waters Infested with Alligators.

Alligators hunt for small and medium-sized prey less than the hunter’s size.

Our children and pets, even dogs, may be attractive to alligators as prey due to their size.

Children’s and pets’ sizes may attract an alligator to seek a meal.

During the hunt, it may become aggressive and may attack you when trying to defend your child or pet.

A cornered alligator will attack by instinct to defend itself.

Alligators are giant, powerful reptiles and can overpower a man quickly.

Avoid swimming in wild habitats where alligators are known to reside.    

Summary

Does your budget and plans for the vacation allow you to visit Arkansas?

Whether you are seeking on-hand information about alligators or want to have a glimpse of one, Arkansas will not let you down.

There are plenty of sites where you can see alligators in Arkansas.

You find alligators in the wild.

There are also farms, parks, and centers where you can talk to experts while enjoying personal interaction with the alligators.

Arkansas Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Arkansas Safety Review

Safety Index:

74

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW