An American alligator is lurking in the waters of a North Texas town.
City officials in Coppell have warned residents to be wary of local waters after a resident spotted an alligator in the creek behind his backyard.
Coppell Animal Services confirmed Wednesday that an alligator has found a home in the small city that sits about 22 miles northwest of Dallas.
"It has been spotted in the northeastern portion of Coppell, in and around the small ponds and tributaries along Denton Creek," the city wrote in a Facebook post.
Because American alligators are protected under the Texas Endangered Species Act, the city cannot remove or relocate the species without authorization from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The city warns residents not to swim, fish or enter nearby waterways — and not feed the alligator, which is against state law.
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Are alligators native to North Texas?
Alligators are native to Texas, including North Texas. There are between 500,000 and 600,000 alligators in Texas, with the majority living in southeast Texas along the coast and the Louisiana border.
Sightings have become more common in North Texas in recent years, with habitat in various freshwater lakes and rivers, including Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake and the Trinity River.
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What to do if you approach an alligator?
If you see an alligator that isn't approaching people or posing an obvious threat, there's no need to contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife immediately.
During the summer, alligators are on the move to breed and find new habitats. Most of these alligators are smaller ones that have been displaced by larger alligators and are likely to move on within a couple of weeks.
If you hear an alligator hiss, you are too close. Alligators are typically docile creatures and will quickly retreat when approached by humans. Most people will never experience a close encounter with alligators, according to the DFW Wildlife Hotline. But if you do, back away slowly. They're unlikely to charge (though it's important to recognize that they may if there's a nearby nest, and they can run up to 35 mph!).
If you see an alligator while walking a pet, make sure your pet is on a leash and under your control. The alligator may see your pet as an easy food source. In areas with recent alligator sightings, keep pets inside a fenced area or in the house for a few days until the alligator moves on.
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How many people have died from alligator encounters?
It's rare for someone to die from an encounter with an alligator. There are only three fatalities recorded since the 1960s.
In 2015, a 28-year-old man died in Orange County while swimming in a bayou where a sign warned, "No Swimming Alligators." According to CNN, the man removed his shirt and, when someone shouted a warning, he responded with, "F--- the alligators" before jumping into the water. He almost immediately yelled for help.
Earlier this year, the remains of a missing elderly woman were found in the mouth of an alligator in Houston. A Houston Police Department sergeant shot and killed the alligator to prevent further damage to the remains.
It was not confirmed if the alligator was the cause of her death.
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What's the difference between alligators and crocodiles?
The American alligator is the only crocodilian native to Texas. There's a big difference between them and crocodiles — it's more than seeing one later and the other in a while.
Snout Shape
- Alligators: Have a broader, U-shaped snout
- Crocodiles: Have a narrower, V-shaped snout
Habitat
- Alligators: Prefer freshwater environments like rivers, lakes and swamps
- Crocodiles: Can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats, such as rivers, estuaries and coastal areas
Teeth visibility
- Alligators: When their mouths are closed, only the upper teeth are visible
- Crocodiles: When their mouths are closed, both the upper and lower teeth are visible, giving a more jagged appearance
Color
- Alligators: Typically darker, usually blackish-grey
- Crocodiles: Lighter in color, often a tan or olive brown
Behavior
- Alligators: Generally more docile toward humans
- Crocodiles: Often more defensive and are more likely to attack humans
Location
- Alligators: Primarily found in the southeastern United States and China
- Crocodiles: Found in various regions across Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, North America and South America
Size
- Alligators: Typically smaller, with males reaching up to 13 to 14 feet in length
- Crocodiles: Can grow larger, with some species reaching over 20 feet in length
Behavior in water
- Alligators: More likely to be found in fresh, slower-moving waters.
- Crocodiles: Adapt to a variety of water bodies, including brackish and saltwater
