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.

Later, gator: Can I shoot an alligator in my yard? What to know about MS wildlife laws

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.

Gators in Mississippi: How common are alligator bites in MS? How to avoid them

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.