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! 

To kick off the season, we’re testing your knowledge on all things alligators! Brush up on your alligator facts and put yourself to the test! We’ve got a couple tricks up our sleeves.

Let’s play a little game of true or false.

First up…True or False?

Alligators rarely live past 30 years.

FALSE!

To date, the oldest alligator on record is in its early 70s!

True or False?

Alligators are unable to naturally regulate their temperatures.

TRUE!

Reptiles depend on the sun and other forms of warmth to maintain a stable body temperature.

True or False?

An alligator can go through 2,000 teeth in a lifetime.

TRUE!

Alligators have around 74 to 80 teeth in their jaws at any given time, and as they wear down or fall out they are replaced.

True or False?

Large alligators can go as long as 12 months with no food.

FALSE!

Alligators can go as long as 18 months with no food.

True or False?

Alligators often stay in groups called congregations.

TRUE!

These groups are typically seen basking in the sun or taking a swim together.

True or False?

Alligators grow to a maximum length of 10 feet.

FALSE!

Alligators can grow up to a whopping 14 feet – the longest at Alligator Alley is Captain Crunch, who is 13 feet, 8 inches.

True or False?

Alligators have poor eyesight.

FALSE!

With their eyes positioned on the sides of their head, they have a fairly wide range of sight.

True or False?

Alligators of 10 feet or longer can have as much as 1,800 pounds of bite.

TRUE!

Why do you think we call him Captain CRUNCH!?

So, how’d you do? If you answered all of these correctly, you’re an alligator expert – congratulations, farm friend! If not, don’t worry! Swing by and give us a visit this month and we’ll teach you a thing or two.