Texas is known for its diverse wildlife, and many people wonder if the state is home to crocodiles or alligators. While the American Crocodile is an extremely rare visitor, the American Alligator is a native and well-established resident throughout the eastern and coastal parts of Texas. Understanding where these large reptiles live and how to interact with them is important for coexisting with the state’s natural environment.
The Difference Between Crocodiles and Alligators in Texas
The distinction between the two types of crocodilians is important because only the American Alligator is a common, native species in Texas. American Crocodiles are primarily found in the United States only in southern Florida, though they are occasionally sighted in the extreme southern tip of Texas, near the Rio Grande. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) considers the American Alligator the only native crocodilian species in the state.
These two animals can be identified by key physical characteristics, primarily their snouts and teeth. American Alligators have a broad, rounded, U-shaped snout, which is well-suited for crushing hard-shelled prey like turtles. The American Crocodile, by contrast, has a narrower, more pointed, V-shaped snout, adapted for catching fish and smaller animals. When an alligator closes its mouth, the wider upper jaw hides the lower teeth, but a crocodile’s jaws are nearly the same size, leaving some of the lower teeth visible. Alligators also prefer freshwater habitats, while crocodiles possess salt glands that allow them to excrete excess salt and thrive in brackish and saltwater environments.
Where Texas Crocodilians Live
The American Alligator’s distribution is limited to the eastern third of Texas due to temperature and habitat requirements. Their range extends from the Sabine River in East Texas, west toward the Interstate 35 corridor, and south along the entire Gulf Coast. This area includes about 120 counties, with the highest concentrations found along the Gulf Coastal Plains.
The alligators inhabit a variety of wetlands, including freshwater swamps, rivers, marshes, bayous, and lakes. The greatest densities occur in areas with the best wetland habitats, such as coastal marshes and riverine wetlands. Caddo Lake on the Texas-Louisiana border is known to have one of the largest alligator populations in the state, thriving in its dense cypress trees and bayous. While they prefer fresh water, they can tolerate brackish water, which explains their presence in the coastal estuaries and marshes.
Safety and Encounter Guidelines
Because alligators are common in Texas wetlands, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers specific guidelines for public safety. It is illegal to kill, harass, molest, or attempt to move alligators, as they are a protected game animal in the state. Intentional feeding of an alligator is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine, because fed alligators lose their natural fear of humans and begin to associate people with food.
People should maintain a safe distance of at least 30 feet from a wild alligator. If an alligator makes a hissing noise, it is a clear warning that a person is too close and should slowly back away. Pets should be closely supervised and kept away from the water’s edge, as they are the size and shape of natural alligator prey. If a large alligator is repeatedly following boats, is found in an area without direct access to a body of water, or is approaching people, it may be considered a nuisance, and local wildlife authorities should be contacted.