MIDDLE RIVER, Md. — It was March of 2025 when Maryland’s Air National Guard gave up their treasured A-10 Thunderbolt planes.

The U.S. Air Force planned to retire the planes, 21 of which were stationed at Warfield Air National Guard Base at Martin State Airport.

Warfield was ordered to transition from flying missions to offensive and defensive cyber operations.

Air Force to retire Maryland National Guard’s A-10 planes in leadup to Cyber transition

On Wednesday Maryland Congressman Andy Harris said the Air Force decided to preserve the A-10 Thunderbolt II program through 2030, giving Warfield some hope they could get the planes back.

Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink made the decision amid an ongoing war in Iran, in an attempt to preserve the U.S. military’s combat power as aircraft production ramps up.

“We are pleased that the A-10 program is now being extended,” said Harris. “The Maryland Guard has extensive experience to bring to the table, and we are in contact with the Office of the Air Force Secretary to urge them to bring A-10s back to Maryland so our airmen can help defend the nation.”

Alligators are iconic in Mississippi. Time outdoors, especially near lakes or rivers, often brings close-up encounters with wildlife, whether you expect them or not.

If you walk on the wild side, chances are good you’ll find alligators in freshwater somewhere in the state. Knowing where they tend to gather — and when they’re most active — can help both people and gators avoid unwanted surprises.

“The American alligator is native to Mississippi and still turns up across much of the state, but not everywhere in equal numbers. Mississippi has around 32,000 to 38,000 alligators across 408,000 acres of habitat, and while 14 of its 82 counties have no alligator record, others have some of the highest concentrations in the state,” World Atlas wrote.

That uneven distribution is key. Some rivers, lakes and wetlands are far more gator-heavy than others.

World Atlas compiled a list of the most alligator-infested waters in Mississippi. Two Mississippi rivers also made its ranking of the most alligator-filled water in the Deep South.

Not interested in a wild encounter? There’s always a zoo or animal park. HGTV even chose a Mississippi swamp tour to see the giant reptiles as part of a bucket list of 50 things you should do across America.

Here’s what to know about where alligators are most common, when they’re most active and what to do if you get too close so everyone leaves safely.

Where is the most alligator-infested water in Mississippi?

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks says alligators can live anywhere in the state. Most live in the southern two-thirds.

They’re not usually aggressive, but juvenile gators often move to new areas in spring and summer. That makes them more likely to turn up near people. They’re also attracted to food sources.

According to World Atlas, these are these waterways have the highest alligator populations in Mississippi.

Pascagoula River is home to giant alligators

About 24% of the alligators in Mississippi live in Jackson County, according to MDWFP. It’s the highest concentration by county.

The Pascagoula River Basin is one of the last unimpeded river systems in the lower 48 states. The area is known for record-breaking gator sightings, including some about 14 feet long.

The current Mississippi state records are 11 feet, 3/4 inches for longest female caught and 324 pounds for heaviest female caught. Both came from the Pascagoula River.

The river also made World Atlas’ list of the seven most alligator-filled places in the Deep South.

Fish, wildlife in Pear River help gators thrive

The Pearl River is home to a diverse range of fish and animals, which helps the alligators in the area thrive.

The river flows through LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson and continues south to the Gulf. There are lots of recreation options along its path.

Rankin County is home to about 7.4% of the state’s gator population, MDWFP said. There are about 7.35 alligators per mile.

“Most of the Rankin County alligator population is located in and around Ross Barnett Reservoir and in the Pearl River to Ratliff Ferry,” they wrote.

Mississippi love story: They were hunting alligators. He asked her to marry him

Wolf River wetlands are gator-friendly

Hancock County is home to about 12% of the state’s gators, according to MDWFP.

Most are found in the Wolf River, which World Atlas says provides ideal breeding and habitat conditions thanks to its wetlands and tidal marshes.

Gators bask along Leaf and Chickasawhay river banks

The Leaf River flows 185 miles before joining the Chickasawhay River, which runs 159 miles. The two rivers form the Pascagoula River system.

Both rivers are home to significant alligator populations.

“Gators are often seen gliding through the water and basking along the banks,” World Atlas wrote.

What to know: The world’s deadliest animal is probably outside your Mississippi home. See what the CDC says

North Carolina State University is calling for a fairly average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season similar to recent years.

Researchers predict:

• 12 to 15 named storms (the average between 1994 to 2025 is 15 storms)

• 6 to 9 hurricanes (the average between 1994 to 2025 is 7 storms)

• 2 to 3 major hurricanes (the average between 1994 to 2025 is 4 storms)

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Look for WRAL’s hurricane season outlook airing May 18.

NC State’s forecast was released on Wednesday by Lian Xie, a professor of marine, earth and atmospheric sciences.

Xie and researchers are calling for 1-3 named storms and 1-2 hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea (slightly below recent averages) and 2-5 named storms and 1-2 hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico (near recent averages).

Researchers at Colorado State University released their Atlantic hurricane season outlook earlier this month, pointing to a slightly below-normal year ahead and calling for 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.