When it comes to tourists in New Orleans, it’s human nature to expect the unexpected: live jazz, amazing street art, and bistros with local Cajun cuisine are just the start.
But what about the alligators? Are there alligators in the Mississippi River in New Orleans?
The short answer is: yes. But it’s complicated. While there are alligators in the Mississippi River, they are not actually native to the area.
Alligators are most commonly found in the Southeast United States, in areas like Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. In the Mississippi River area, they are found mainly in southern parts of the river, like Mississippi, where alligators are native. So when someone sees a gator in the Mississippi River, it is likely that it has either been released there or wandered there from the Southern swamps. That is how the alligators found their way to New Orleans.
According to Michael Chenley, a local wildlife expert, “ While alligators are not native to the Mississippi, they’ve learned to live and thrive here due to the abundance of food and lack of predators.” He goes on to say that it’s not uncommon for alligators to try to make their home in the Mississippi River, but that it’s not really their natural habitat. Chenley also notes that “the alligators usually don’t stray very far from their original Southern home. They are typically found close to its shores in search of food and shelter.”
It’s important to note that alligators don’t pose a great risk to humans in the area. Sure, some may act aggressively, but they are generally non-threatening. In fact, Steve Krost, a professional Alligator Handler, says that “alligators are actually very shy and docile animals, and they will generally avoid contact with people if possible.” He further states that they are rarely seen in the wild, and that they prefer to stay hidden in the waters of the Mississippi.
What do Alligators Eat?
Alligators are scavengers that feed mainly on whatever they can scrounge in their environment. According to biologists, the most common food for alligators in the Mississippi River is fish, crustaceans, reptiles, and small mammals. They also hunt birds, frogs, and turtles.
Some alligators may even hunt and eat larger animals, but these cases are rare. Most of the time, they prefer to stay away from any danger, and they certainly don’t attack humans unless provoked.
Alligators will also eat carrion, which is the remains of dead animals. This is not a desirable way of eating for the alligators, but it is a common behavior for them when food is scarce.
Regulations and Safety
It is important to remember that alligators can be dangerous, so it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions when near them. Michael Chenley suggests that “people should be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with alligators. It’s always best to just leave them alone.” Steve Krost agrees and says that “people should never attempt to handle or touch an alligator in the wild, no matter how impressive it might appear.”
In addition to general safety tips, it’s also important to be aware of the regulations surrounding alligators in the Mississippi River. Alligators are protected under the Wildlife and Fisheries Department’s rules, so it is illegal to hunt or take any alligators from the river. Likewise, it is illegal to feed alligators, as this could lead to aggressive behavior from the animal.
In spite of this, there are still some people who take unnecessary risks when it comes to alligators. There have been reports of people harassing and even trying to catch alligators in the Mississippi River. However, this is highly discouraged and can result in serious consequences.
Conclusion
So, are there alligators in the Mississippi River in New Orleans? Yes, there are alligators in the Mississippi River in New Orleans, though they are not native to the area. They are typically found close to the shores of the river in search of food and shelter.
It is important to remember that alligators can be dangerous and to take the necessary safety precautions when near them. It is also important to be aware of the regulations surrounding alligators in the Mississippi River, as it is illegal to hunt or take any alligators from the river.
