Alligators in Texas 2024

Don't miss a chance to see these beautiful and ancient huge reptiles

Best time: April–June | September–November

If you've come to Texas to see some alligators, you won't be disappointed. The best time to observe these beautiful reptiles is spring and fall. Alligators like the same weather as people do, thus summers are too hot for them and winters are too cold. They normally eat fish, turtles, frogs, crayfish, birds, and mammals such as raccoons, opossums, armadillos, rabbits, and even sometimes deer. Alligators tend to eat anything they can find near the water that looks and smells like food. But during winter, they can eat nothing at all. On cold days, they usually hide in underground or underwater dens, where they stay until it gets warm again. Alligators can mostly be found in the territory of south-east Texas. Some of the best places to see alligators are Brazos Bend State Park, Bay Area Park, Buffalo Bayou, Lake Huston, Caddo Lake, and the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. 500 hectares of water in the Brazos Bend State Park is home for about 250 alligators. The biggest lakes, like Elm and 40-Acre Lake, are the best viewing spots. Buffalo Bayou gives lots of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, boat touring, and alligator watching. Lake Houston is also a home to a great number of wild alligators.

Practical info

When is the best time to see alligators in Texas?

In Texas, alligators can best be seen during spring and fall. Cooler weather during these two seasons makes it more comfortable for both people and alligators alike. Summers get too hot for alligators, while during winter, they hibernate without eating. Therefore, the most feasible time to watch these reptiles in Texas is in the months of April through June and September through November.

Where are the best places to view alligators in south-east Texas?

Various places in south-east Texas allow visitors to observe alligators in their natural habitat. These places include Caddo Lake, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Brazos Bend State Park, Buffalo Bayou, Bay Area Park, and Lake Houston. Activities such as canoeing, fishing, touring, hiking, and bike-riding compliment these sites' viewing experiences. To spot alligators, the best sites are Elm and 40-Acre Lake, both in Brazos Bend State Park.

What do alligators eat in Texas?

The Texan alligators' feeding habits include a range of prey such as birds, turtles, frogs, fish, crayfish, and animals like opossums, rabbits, raccoons, and armadillos. The alligators don't eat during winters when the cold gets significantly intense. It is also important to note that alligators only feed on things that resemble food in the water. The reptiles can swallow big prey whole or tear it into chunks before consumption.

How do alligators survive during winter in Texas?

The alligators residing in Texas' state can enter a resting period called brumation during winter. During this time, which is similar to mammalian hibernation, alligators lower their metabolism and heart rates. They then become dormant and lie in underground or underwater dens with a stable temperature. Alligators may not eat or drink water during months in this state of dormancy in Texas, relying only on body fats for energy. They reemerge when the warmer temperatures return.

Are there any guided tours available for alligator watching in Texas?

In Texas, some guided tours offer the opportunity to see alligators. For instance, Brazos Bend State Park runs alligator hiking tours where visitors safely observe them from a distance. A certified guide leads the hike, identifying and pointing out different creatures, including alligators. The Buffalo Bayou tour complements canoeing, kayaking, and boat touring activities with alligator spotting experiences in Houston. These tours ensure visitors delight in the adventure and appreciate the alligators' majesty.