American Alligator

Alligator Problems?

Found all along the Gulf Coast region, and expanding rapidly in both numbers and local, the American Alligator can be found in places such as lakes, rivers, streams, irrigation canals, drainages and even in your swimming pools.

Food Habits
Alligators are exclusively carnivorous and prey upon whatever creatures are most
available. Juvenile alligators (less than 4 feet [1.2 m]) eat crustaceans, snails, and
small fish; sub-adults (4 to 6 feet [1.2 to 1.8 m]) eat mostly fish, crustaceans, small
mammals, and birds; and adults (greater than 6 feet [1.8 m]) eat fish, mammals,
turtles, birds, and >other alligators. Diets are range-dependent; in Louisiana coastal
marshes, adult alligators feed primarily on nutria (Myocastor coypus), whereas in
Florida and northern Louisiana, rough fish and turtles comprise most of the diet.
Recent studies in Florida and Louisiana indicate that cannibalism is common among
alligators. Alligators readily take domestic dogs and cats. In rural areas, larger
alligators take calves, foals, goats, hogs, domestic waterfowl, and occasionally, full
grown cattle and horse.

Damage and Damage Identification

This American Alligator has taken an adult Whitetail Deer for its next meal.

Alligators are exclusively carnivorous and prey upon whatever creatures are most
available. Juvenile alligators (less than 4 feet [1.2 m]) eat crustaceans, snails, and
small fish; sub-adults (4 to 6 feet [1.2 to 1.8 m]) eat mostly fish, crustaceans, small
mammals, and birds; and adults (greater than 6 feet [1.8 m]) eat fish, mammals,
turtles, birds, and >other alligators. Diets are range-dependent; in Louisiana coastal
marshes, adult alligators feed primarily on nutria (Myocastor coypus), whereas in
Florida and northern Louisiana, rough fish and turtles comprise most of the diet.
Recent studies in Florida and Louisiana indicate that cannibalism is common among
alligators. Alligators readily take domestic dogs and cats. In rural areas, larger
alligators take calves, foals, goats, hogs, domestic waterfowl, and occasionally, full
grown cattle and horse.

** Note: Misidentification of an American Alligator and subspecies occurs often, and mostly
where beaver are present. When a beaver want to warn an intruder, it will dive, and while doing
so, slap it’s tail on the surface of the water as a warning. This creates an audible noise that
draws attention to it, but the tail is whats observed, and mistaken as an alligator. However, if
you suspect an alligator in your waters or on your property, stay away from the area and
contact us immediately. Thank you