Protecting our Alligators During Hurricane Season

With hurricane season in full swing, many Gulf Coast residents begin prepping for the possibility of a big storm. The team at Alligator Alley is no different. We work to make sure that our scaly friends remain happy, healthy and protected every day, not just in the event of a hurricane. Of course, there are some precautions we take when storms approach our area – securing trash cans, covering glass, taking down shade cloth and moving some of the reptiles indoors – but all in all we stay ready year-round.

Our 500+ alligators are protected by a double-fenced boundary surrounding the property, one of which goes four feet into the ground and stands 10 feet tall. Since we are located so far inland, the chance of major flooding is highly unlikely, but we still plan ahead. Our spillway allows us to adjust the water level, which is particularly important during nesting season. Avoiding flooding also helps prevent the escape of our reptiles from the swamp – but with plenty of girls, free food and great real estate, who would ever want to leave!? 

Humans are not the only ones who have an emergency plan for storm season – although, alligators have a much more claws-off approach. They have an instinctual response that allows them to read barometric changes. When they sense the low pressure bringing in dangerous weather, they submerge themselves to the bottom of the swamp to ride it out. 

Other animals on the farm require a little more attention. Snake exhibits get boarded up with plywood to keep the glass from breaking, while lizards, turtles and tortoises take shelter indoors. 

In the wild, alligators often find safety under nearby porches and decks, so watch your back when inspecting storm damage around your home. If you were to find an unwanted guest on your property, LEAVE IT ALONE and contact Alabama Fish and Wildlife. They will be able to capture your reptile friend and safely remove it. 

In the event of an emergency, we always want to be prepared. Come see for yourself all of the fascinating features around the swamp. Check out the details on pricing and hours, and stay tuned as our seasonal hours kick in. We can’t wait for your next visit to Alligator Alley!