š Do Not Get Eaten at Alligator Alley: Alabama! šŗļø
- saheimhaque
- Jul 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 16, 2024
Ready for a wild trip to Alligator Alley in Summerdale, Alabama? š Located just off US Highway 59, it's super easy to get to. If you're driving from Mobile, it's just a quick 45-minute trip. š Get ready to meet some gators up close and personal! ššø
Where is this Place?
šAlligator Alley is in Summerdale, Alabama! šIt is a must-see if you're visiting Gulf Shores! Meet and greet over 450 alligators for a wildly fun experience! šæ
Alligator Alley is not just any gator parkāit's a unique sanctuary! Alligator Alley started as a rescue center for "nuisance" alligators that were causing trouble in neighborhoods. š”
What is the Best Time to Visit?
Best Season:Ā
šø Spring (March to May): Warm weather, active alligators
š Fall (September to November): Mild temperatures, active alligators
Best Time of Day:Ā
š Mornings and late afternoons: š Cooler temperatures, better for exploring
Best Day to Visit:Ā
š Weekdays: To avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience
What are the Park's Opening Hours?
šš Enjoy viewing alligators and the park daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
š Feeding Schedule: š 11:00 a.m. š 1:00 p.m. š 4:00 p.m.
š« Pets are not permitted on the premises
ā³Please ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time for admission.
How Much Does it Cost?
šļø You can purchase tickets and gator food (Chow) from the visitor center or online. š° Admission costs just $18, and each cup of gator food is $6! š
What is Inside?
š“Gator Ponds
This adventure begins with a pond full of gators! š You can watch them swim freely in the water or sunbathe on the banks from elevated viewing platforms.
Did you know? The main difference between an alligator and a crocodile is their face shape! š Alligators have long, V-shaped faces, while crocodiles have a more U-shaped face.
šā”Remember, both are dangerous to humans, so always stay cautious! š« Be careful not to get too close to these majestic creatures!
šŖ¹ Gator Nests
š¶āāļøš¶āāļøBeyond the pond, you'll find nested areas where you can visit hatchlings, young gators, and adults on your way to the swamp.
Want to feed an alligator yourself? š Just ask the staff! They can let you feed the gators with the chow you bought from the gift shop, from the closest platform under supervision! š¾š
š Interestingly, many of them have unique names! For instance, there's Captain Crunch, who holds the world record for bite strength at 2,982 pounds!!! š®He is the largest gator at Alligator Alley and weighs over 800 pounds and is more than 13 feet long! š² He's a bit arrogant after his fame and not very friendly with others!
Alligators often stay in groups called congregations! š I was watching one congregation, and the leader didnāt like my interference... š¬ As a result, he showed all of his 80 teeth to me with a loud thud! Trust me, that was not fun!! š±
The Swamp
The park spans over 20 acres, giving the gators plenty of space to roam in a natural environment. šæThe most interesting area I found was the swamp. šæ It is designed as the natural habitat of the gators.
š There is an elevated boardwalk that spans the entire swamp area, where you can monitor these incredible animals' activities while they are resting, nesting, or sunbathing in a natural environment! šš“You can safely get within a few feet of the gators! š
š Feeding Show
There are more adventurous activities at Alligator Alley! š One of them is the feeding show, happening daily at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM near the swamp dock. šš
š An expert will serve them delicious meals (lamb/beef) up close!! š The rangers here are very knowledgeable about alligators. From one of them, I learned that an alligator can survive without food for up to 18 months! š®š
š¢Wild Encounter
There is a small area named āWild Encountersā where you can meet venomous rattlesnakes š, a few species of lizards š¦, some turtles š¢, and more. There's also a small picnic area for you to relax and enjoy! š½ļøš³
Want to hold an alligator? š Ask the staff members at the gator station (near the Wild Encounters area). They will let you hold a baby gator and maybe even take a āgatorfiā with it at no extra cost! šø Cool, right? š
So, pack your bags, grab your friends and family, and head to Alligator Alley in Alabama for an unforgettable gator adventure! ššš
Happy Travelling with Haque's EYE!
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