How Many Alligators Live in Louisiana’s Lake Maurepas

Key Points

• Alligators are native to Louisiana.
• The population of alligators in Lake Maurepas ranges between 15-25 reptiles.
• People can also spot alligators in Lake Pontchartrain.

American alligators are all over the Southeastern United States. Moreover, they are all over Louisiana. There are an estimated two million alligators all over the state. Ultimately, they are everywhere, and it will be difficult not to spot one.

Alligators are present in numerous lakes across the United States. Hence, there are always questions as to how many are present in each lake.

But some lakes do not have the same prescience of alligators as others. Therefore, there are lakes that many people in Louisiana do not associate with alligators despite the obvious chances they could encounter one. It is essential to understand that alligators can frequent lakes in varying numbers. Likewise, the population is increasing due to migration patterns.

We will discuss how many alligators live in Lousiana’s Lake Maurepas, as well as other animals that surround the lake. Additionally, we will profile the alligator and also discuss some history of Lake Maurepas.

Species Profiles: The American Alligator

Alligators live in Lake Maurepas. Yes, it is a fact. There was an incident where an alligator bit a child swimming in the lake. Lake Maurepas provides the perfect conditions for alligators as it is a freshwater environment in which they thrive. Furthermore, alligators are apex predators who do not have any natural predators. The only animal that might come close is the Burmese python, which only happens when there is a massive size advantage.

What Do Alligators Look Like?

Alligators are large reptiles that look like oversized lizards. Also, they have the same characteristics of a lizard as they tend to hiss at anyone who approaches them first. Alligators usually are dark green all over, which usually distinguishes them from their cousins, the crocodiles. Additionally, they have tiny legs, which are evident when they are crawling on land.

Alligators also have among the strongest bites measured on Earth, estimated at 2000 pounds for every square inch. Furthermore, they have strong tails that help level their weight to allow them to perform their killing maneuver, the death roll. When you’re wondering about how many alligators live in Louisiana’s Lake Maurepas, it is essential to be aware of how much damage they can inflict, especially when they grow large.

How Large Can Alligators Become?

Alligators usually can grow up to 15 feet. However, there have been larger alligators found in Louisiana. The biggest alligator ever found in Louisiana was allegedly 19 ft 2 in. However, there have been other recordings of alligators along the scale of 20 feet.

Alligators who survive the rigors of the first years of their lives can grow very large. Furthermore, the larger they get, the more courageous they become with the type of prey they can eat.

Where Will You Find Alligators?

You will likely find alligators in freshwater areas. Sometimes, an alligator will venture out into saltwater or the ocean. There are even alligators that go out into the Gulf of Mexico. Regardless, they prefer freshwater environments because they do not have the salt glands to tolerate the saltwater, according to the National Science Foundation. The only reason they venture out into saltwater is to recalibrate their salt levels. Also, they go out to search for additional food.

The History of Louisiana’s Lake Maurepas

Lake Maurepas is a round-shaped body of freshwater that has been around since the 1600s. Moreover, the lake got its name from Jean-Frederic Phelypeaux, who was the chief advisor to King Louis XVI. He was the son of Louis Phelypeaux, who was the basis for the naming of Lake Pontchartrain.

The two lakes are connected as Lake Pontchartrain is to the northeast. Additionally, the lake is connected to the Maurepas Swamp, which covers the large terrain around Lake Maurepas.

People use the lake for all sorts of activities. Ultimately, it is a good lake for fishing and boating. People also enjoy camping around the lake, as well as hunting and trapping food. Also, it is a good place for bird and wildlife viewing. There is also terrain that makes for a good hike around the swamp grounds.

Lake Maurepas was initially a good lake for swimming. However, with the recent increase in alligator sightings, that might be changing. Alligators do not generally attack humans unless they feel threatened. Unlike crocodiles, they are generally timid. But there have been attacks in this lake, as previously mentioned. Unfortunately, there is speculation that the alligators in this lake are becoming more comfortable with people since they have been feeding them. When you feed an alligator, it loses its fear of you. Then, the alligator associates you with food.

How Many Alligators Are in Lousiana’s Lake Maurepas?

Alligators are all over Louisiana. However, when trying to determine how many alligators live in Louisiana’s Lake Maurepas, you need to look at some of the available evidence.

While other lakes in Louisiana have more alligators, there are enough in Lake Maurepas to cause concern. Currently, the U.S. Geological Survey for Geological Science estimates that the population of alligators is increasing.

Alligators used to be sparse in the area. However, the numbers are rising, and there are about 15-25 live alligators in the lake. But alligators come and go from this lake while passing onto other freshwater environments. Ultimately, they are always gravitating to the next environment for food.

Danger to Humans

It is one thing to determine how many alligators live in Louisiana’s Lake Maurepas. Conversely, it is another thing to determine how much of a threat they are to humans. As highlighted before, alligators are timid in most scenarios. However, the alligators in Lake Maurepas have become more aggressive. It has resulted in several attacks. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities.

But it does not change the fact that the collisions between alligators and humans are rising. Unfortunately, it is due to alligators becoming more comfortable with humans. It is resulting in more opportunities for alligators to bite or attack humans. Therefore, there are multiple ways to prevent this from happening.

The first thing one should do before entering Lake Maurepas is to scan the horizon and be vigilant. Likewise, there are certain patterns to uncover. Before understanding if it’s safe to swim, you must follow some tips.

Do not swim at night or around dusk. Ultimately, this is the time of day when alligators do most of their hunting. It is also important not to splash the water frequently. Unfortunately, making plenty of noise is the worst thing you can do in a situation where alligators are around. They gravitate toward the sound and will swim toward it.

It’s also important to remember that alligators are less likely to hunt during cooler weather. Ultimately, they prefer the heat. While it is not entirely safe, you have a better chance of safely swimming in alligator-infested waters during the winter than in the summer.

What Other Wildlife Lives in Lousiana’s Lake Maurepas?

Numerous other animals live in Lake Maurepas. Significantly, you will see bald eagles in the lake. There was about a time when there were 15 bald eagle nests in the nesting grounds. The USGS reports that the bald eagle population remains steady.

Waterfowl also are in the area. Ultimately, their population also remains steady. You also will see wading birds and migrant marsh birds. Moreover, some of these migrant birds include wood ducks and herons. You can see these wading birds and migrant marsh birds throughout the year.

Fish are abundant in Lake Maurepas. Therefore, do not be surprised when you come across some blue crabs or largemouth bass. Channel catfish are also present in the lake.

There are also numerous land animals around the lake. Moreover, you may encounter a white-tailed deer. Squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits also frequent the area around the lake. Therefore, the wildlife is varied and unique, as each animal plays a role in the ecosystem.