Alligator Etiquette

• ABSOLUTELY DO NOT feed or annoy the alligators.
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet.
Do not throw objects in water for your dog to retrieve.(They may get eaten!)
• Keep at least 30 ft. from an alligator – do not assume they’re slow-moving.(They will get you given the opportunity)
• Do not swim in or wade into any water in Brazos Bend State Park.(You may get eaten!)
• If an alligator goes after a fish you have caught, cut the line and let the alligator have the fish. (Now is not the time to fight for your food)
• Avoid any alligator sunning itself in the middle of the trail or lake bank.
• Stay clear of grasses, twigs and/or soil near the side of a trail: it may be a nest and the mother alligator is probably close by guarding it.
• If an alligator opens its mouth and hisses, you have come too close. Retreat slowly; make no quick moves. Keep your eyes on the alligator.



Brazos Bend should be a must see on everyone's bucket list. As we entered the park the ranger gave us a map with the "Aligator Ettiquette" listed above. Paul and I laughed as we entered the park and I read the rules aloud. Note: my thoughts are in the( ).
There are supposed to be hundreds of adult alligators over 6 ft, and thousands under. We were told we should keep to the trails for obvious reasons. When there are no fences keeping the beasts in you have to stick to some of the rules.
When Paul and I neared the first lake we understood why these rules were listed in plain sight on the map. The Alligator posted just left stood no less than 15 ft in front of us covered in green slime. There were 20 people gathered by the side of the lake staring at the ground (He would have gotten his pick of the big or small). I didn't understand what all the hype was about until I looked closer. We backed away to our 30 ft mark and Paul leans over to me with his comforting words. "It doesn't matter how close we get...as long as you can run faster than the fat guy standing next to you."
So if you want to walk among the wild.....just head out to Needville Tx. But remember not to get too close unless you can run faster than the fat guy next to you!