The home of the famous 'Alligator Forecast'

Check to see where the Alligators are easiest to view in the Okefenokee Swamp

The American Alligator: Facts

Alligators are closely related to reptiles that lived between 65 and 225 million years ago. The name alligator came from the Spanish El Lagarto, which means "The Lizard."

The American alligator is the largest of all members of the crocodile order in North America, growing sometimes to over 14 feet, with the record being 19 feet 2 inches. General coloration is black but light markings of youth may persist into adulthood. Alligators can weigh over 500lbs. and live up to 50 years. The voice of an adult male is a throaty bellowing roar with great carrying power. The female grunts like a pig when calling to her young, which she actively protects from predators. Baby alligators make a high keyed umph-umph-umph with mouth closed. Alligators of all sizes hiss.

The American alligator came very close to extinction earlier this century. Banning hunting has saved the alligator from extinction. They have since recovered and are now no longer a threatened species.

Alligators are spectacular to see, they are probably the closest living thing we have to a dinosaur. Gators in the swamp are wild, not pets and should not be teased or harassed. Never feed alligators, and always respect these impressive reptiles even in areas well used by people. Small children and pets warrant extra attention around gators. Swimming is not allowed but a fear of gators should not prevent you from the enjoyment of paddling or motoring the water ways of the swamp. Alligators just want to be able to exist, and not have run-ins with people. Just like any excursion into a wild place, common sense, preparation, and alertness make the experience enjoyable and without problem.

The chances of seeing alligators changes every season, and the temperature, rainfall and certain periodic conditions affect probability of sightings.

Overall, Summertimeis a HOT time to view alligators at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
                                         Summertime Sighting Probability: High

"Swimming with the Alligators" Tour #18U2

Description: At last you can stay one up on your elitist friends who swim with Dolphins and Sea Turtles in exotic Tropical Places. Never, will they top seeing you jumping into dark, alligator infested waters and swimming around with these incredibly toothy major league reptiles. You might even try to ride one if the nature spirit moves you. This activity is of course strictly prohibited in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge but we know of another nearby swamp that is just overrun with big hungry active Gators.We supply a professional videographer to document your watery reptile adventure. The lucky adventure participant is required to sign off on fourteen different legal documents dealing with assumption of risk and indemnification etc. etc. Also, the participant is required to purchase a special Lloyds of London one time limited individual hospitalization and accidental death life insurance policy at $4,375. This is a per event policy with a $15,000. deductible. The total cost of this exciting adventure is only $5,000. Be the first in your circle of friends to experience this thrillseeker once in a short lifetime adventure.

Brought to you by Tongue in Cheek Swamp Tours

After signing you up for the tour we would like to talk to you about a bridge that is for sale.

Experience the big "O" Okefenokee, that is.