As warm weather arrives, bringing people outdoors to enjoy nature, it’s not just humans soaking up the sunshine in Mississippi. Alligators are also making their presence known as they hunt, bask in the sun, and engage in breeding and nesting activities.
Unfortunately, this increased activity can sometimes lead to conflicts between humans and alligators, resulting in bites or even fatalities. However, Mississippi has been fortunate in avoiding such tragic incidents, and Andrew Arnett, coordinator of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Alligator Program, aims to keep it that way.
While encounters with alligators are relatively rare, there have been a few incidents in recent years. For example, in 2022, a teenager in Stone County was bitten by a 4-foot alligator while in a popular creek. In 2020, a man in Meridian was bitten by a 9½-foot alligator while walking in tall grass, and another man in Rankin County had a close encounter while swimming in Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Despite these incidents, Arnett stresses that alligators typically shy away from humans and will only bite in self-defense or if provoked. To avoid dangerous encounters, he offers some helpful guidelines:
1. Assume alligators are present near water.
2. Never feed alligators, intentionally or unintentionally, to avoid associating humans with food.
3. Avoid harassing, capturing, or handling alligators, as it is not only dangerous but also illegal.
4. Keep a close watch on people and pets near water, and maintain awareness of your surroundings.
5. Avoid swimming at night, when alligators may mistake you for prey.
6. If approached by an alligator, calmly move away and do not provoke it further.
In the rare event of an alligator attack, the University of Florida recommends running away in a straight line, fighting back aggressively if necessary, and attempting to escape when the alligator repositions its prey.
Finally, Arnett emphasizes that not all alligators are nuisances, but those that pose a threat to humans, pets, or livestock should be reported and handled accordingly. With these precautions and guidelines in mind, Mississippians can safely coexist with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
