Large American alligator gets territorial, bellows at Corkscrew Swamp in Naples, Florida
Adult male alligators bellow as a way of communicating with other alligators. They do this to demonstrate their size, protect territory and entice mates.
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.
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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.
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Yazoo River is known for record-breaking gators
The Yazoo River has earned a reputation as a prime spot for alligator hunters. It is known for producing large gators.
The longest male harvested in public water was caught in the Yazoo River in 2023. It measured more than 14 feet long and weighed over 800 pounds.
The river also appears on World Atlas’ list of the most gator-infested waters in the Deep South.
Alligator Lake is true to its name
Alligator Lake in Washington County is a 60-acre oxbow lake known for its dense gator population. It sits inside Leroy Percy State Park, a designated wildlife management area.
“The resident alligators can be seen swimming in the lake, lounging in the shade under cypress trees, or lazing on logs in the sunshine,” World Atlas wrote.
Tchoutacabouffa River has lots of smaller alligators
Development around the Tchoutacabouffa River near Biloxi has pushed larger alligators away from populated areas, according to World Atlas.
That’s left behind a population made up largely of gators under 10 feet long.
The river winds for 31 miles and flows through the DeSoto National Forest.
Ross Barnett Reservoir is fishing hotspot
Gator hunters flock to Ross Barnett Reservoir, which is popular for fishing and boating. There’s a lot to do around the lake.
“The gentle waters of the reservoir, its marshy banks, and a large fish population create ideal conditions for gators to live, breed, and hunt in the area,” World Atlas wrote.
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Where are the most alligator-filled waters in the Deep South?
“Alligators like slow-moving freshwater rivers but are also found in swamps, marshes, and lakes,” World Atlas wrote.
According to World Atlas, these places have the highest alligator populations in the Deep South.
- Lake Martin, Louisiana
- Cypress Lake, Louisiana
- Pascagoula River, Mississippi
- Caddo Lake, Louisiana
- Yazoo River, Mississippi
- Millwood State Park, Arkansas
- Lake Marion, South Carolina
Is it legal to feed alligators in Mississippi?
MDWFP warns that feeding alligators causes serious problems.
“Usually an alligator that has been fed will begin seeking out people and has trouble differentiating hands from handouts. That alligator has become a nuisance and will probably need to be removed; generally, ‘a fed gator is a dead gator,’” MDWFP wrote.
Alligators will come to food sources, including fish feeders or places that fish remains get thrown into the water.
If you know someone is feeding a gator, you can report it to your local MDWFP regional office or conservation officer.
Is it legal to shoot a nuisance alligator?
MDWFP says an alligator simply existing near people isn’t considered a nuisance.
“If an alligator is in a river, oxbow, swamp, or lake — particularly if they are in public water simply doing what alligators do — that is not a nuisance alligator. If you choose to live in alligator habitat, then alligators are an amenity that often comes with the property,” MDWFP wrote.
If it’s being aggressive and approaching people or trying to hunt humans, pets or wildlife, it needs to go.
If you have a nuisance alligator, don’t try to handle it yourself. Contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to help move or destroy the animal.
Hunting requires a permit and must be done in the right places and during the specified hunting seasons. Shooting one illegally could carry jail time or a fine of $2,000 to $5,000.
I’m way too close to an alligator. Now what?
GatorWise suggests that people stay aware any time they’re near water. Assume gators are present and watch pets and kids closely.
If you hear it hissing, you’re already too close, according to Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Don’t panic. Back away slowly and calmly.
While most alligators retreat, mothers protecting nests may charge. And they’ll defend themselves.
Gators can run surprisingly fast, up to 35 mph. for short distances. Don’t assume it’ll be slow.
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What to do if an alligator attacks
Unprovoked alligator attacks are rare but possible. Here’s what the University of Florida suggests if it happens to you.
- Run away in a straight line. Do not zig-zag.
- Fight as if your life depends on it. Poke it in the eyes, punch and kick it, especially around the head.
- Try to make the alligator gag by jamming objects in the back of its mouth.
- Alligators will often reposition prey in their mouths. Use the opportunity to escape.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY NETWORK. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
A lifelong outdoorsman and wildlife enthusiast, Brian Broom has been writing about hunting, fishing and Mississippi’s outdoors for the Clarion Ledger for more than 14 years. He can be reached at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.
