Gator sightings in North Fort Worth are nothing new, blame flooding and spring

In North Fort Worth, two alligators have recently become a topic of conversation as they’ve been spotted swimming in Eagle Mountain Lake.

According to experts at Texas Parks and Wildlife, this occurrence isn’t particularly unusual. Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Worth have housed a relatively small population of alligators for centuries. Additionally, the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, nestled between Lakeside and Lake Worth, features wetlands where alligators are native, particularly along the Trinity River.

However, recent sightings across the state have increased. Jonathan Warner, the leader of Texas Parks & Wildlife’s alligator program, attributes this to significant flooding in East and Central Texas. The flooding has displaced alligators, leading to sightings in areas where they’re not typically found, particularly in the greater Houston area and the eastern part of the state.

Adding to the activity is the fact that it’s alligator mating season, further increasing the likelihood of sightings.

Warner advises people to appreciate the sight from a distance and not to approach, disturb, or provoke the reptiles. Alligators are protected game animals, and state law prohibits actions such as feeding, killing, disturbing, or attempting to relocate them.

For more information on alligator awareness, the City of Fort Worth provides a flyer accessible on the city’s website.