HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) \u2014 The City of Huntsville said that there has been an uptick of alligator sightings recently.<\/p>\n
Just like deer or snakes, or even the ducks in Big Spring Park, alligators are a fixture in Huntsville\u2019s wildlife landscape.<\/p>\n
According to the city, wetlands, which are the homes of alligators, are located in areas on both the east and west sides of Redstone Arsenal.<\/p>\n
Officials told News 19 that there have also been sightings recently in the Aldridge Creek area in south Huntsville.<\/p>\n
City officials are reminding residents that alligators do not want people in their homes, just like people do not want alligators in their homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou really just need to leave them in their environments,\u201d said Jasmine Murree, program coordinator at Huntsville Animal Services (HAS).<\/p>\n
There have been no instances of alligators attacking or harming people in Huntsville, but sightings have been on the rise in recent years as developments have expanded near their natural habitats.<\/p>\n
Last month, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) confirmed that an alligator was euthanized in South Huntsville after acting abnormally.<\/p>\n
The City installed cautionary signs along the walking trail on Haysland Road in 2021, alerting people to the presence of alligators. More signs have been installed since then in other areas that are popular with alligators.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe absolutely do receive calls and emails about alligators,\u201d Murree said. \u201cAnimal Services doesn\u2019t handle that, but we do contact the game warden, and usually, if they are just going about their business and acting normally, they will remove them safely away from populated areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 1938, Alabama became the first state to protect alligators. Almost 50 years later, alligators were removed from the endangered species list, though they remain a federally protected species.<\/p>\n
The City is providing a few tips to residents if they encounter an alligator:<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t feed them; this is illegal<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Be aware of your surroundings when swimming<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Don\u2019t allow pets near areas where alligators are known to be<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
According to wildlife officials, alligators have a long history in Huntsville. The animals have gathered attention in recent years as sightings have ticked upward.<\/p>\n
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