Found an Alligator?

WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING ADMISSIONS FOR THIS SPECIES. 

Have you found an alligator in your YARD?

If you have found an uninjured alligator in your yard or near a place where people walk by it is better to keep your distance. Alligators can be naturally found in creeks and bayous and should be left alone, but if one is in a small pond or a nuisance to people, it is better to call the TPWD nuisance gator reporting line 512-389-4848 for help.

 

Have you found an ILL or INJURED alligator?

If you find an alligator that is:

  • Dragging a limb
  • Visibly injured
  • Lethargic
  • Covered in ants or fly eggs
  • Has fishing line tangled around it
  • Swelling or has discharge from eyes or ears

Please contact us at 713-468-8972 as soon as possible to determine further steps. If we are closed, leave a voicemail and follow the Temporary Care Instructions below.

 

Temporary Care Instructions:

  • Do not handle the animal! Wait for professionals to arrive before taking any action.
  • Do not give the animal any food or liquids. Feeding an animal an incorrect diet can result in injury or death. In addition, rescued animals can get wet from liquids and become hypothermic and/or spill food on their fur/feathers, potentially causing damage.
  • Keep children and pets away. BE CAREFUL! An animal that is injured or frightened may bite.
  • Call HHS Wildlife Center at 713-468-8972 as soon as possible!
 

General Information about Alligators in the Houston Area

Because Houston and its surrounding cities have lots of bayous and bodies of water, alligators are quite common in the area. Alligators are defensive rather than aggressive, so conflicts with humans are very rare. Alligators are usually found in large wetland areas and bayous, but sometimes make their way into creeks and ditches, especially during flooding and heavy rains. It is important to keep your distance to avoid disturbing or unintentionally threatening them.