{"id":10119,"date":"2023-10-19T04:50:09","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T03:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=10119"},"modified":"2023-10-19T04:50:09","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T03:50:09","slug":"are-there-alligators-in-the-mississippi-river-in-memphis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/are-there-alligators-in-the-mississippi-river-in-memphis\/","title":{"rendered":"Are There Alligators In The Mississippi River In Memphis"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Thousands of years ago, the waters of the Mississippi River welcomed American alligators, an endangered species that inhabits the river’s southernmost reaches. Though the reign of alligators on the Mississippi has waxed and waned over the years, Memphis still has some alligators that call the riverside home. <\/p>\n

Alligators have been living in the Mississippi River in Memphis for decades, according to records from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The alligators can often be found basking in the sun on the banks of the river, or swimming in the cool waters in search of food. <\/p>\n

Though the TWRA states that alligators in Memphis are typically between two and three feet long and relatively harmless, some experts worry that the increasing population of alligators in the Mississippi River could lead to a bite or attack if they become too comfortable around humans. <\/p>\n

In the wild, alligators are opportunistic predators that can grow to eight feet in length. Scientists believe that alligators’ introduction to the area centuries ago was due to the animals’ willingness to move freely in search of food, and that today’s alligators in the Mississippi River are descendants of those original animals.\n<\/p>\n

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When near populated areas, alligators tend to be more aggressive, especially during the mating season. Although humans are not a regular part of their diet, if an alligator feels threatened or hungry, it may attack to protect itself. <\/p>\n

Residents living along the banks of the Mississippi in Memphis should always be on the lookout for alligators and use caution when entering the river. It is also a good idea to keep pets away from the banks of the Mississippi, as alligators may see them as potential prey. <\/p>\n

The TWRA recommends that residents and visitors to Memphis remember the following three tips when encountering an alligator:<\/p>\n