If you plan to travel near the Rio Grande Valley, you should be aware that there has been a recent increase in alligator activity, especially on roads.
According to a report by NBC 23’s Richard Moore highlights that recent rainfall in the Rio Grande Valley has stirred an unexpected surge in alligator activity, leading to increased sightings of the massive reptiles on local roadways. The phenomenon has prompted caution among locals, particularly in Cameron County, where alligators have been spotted near the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
Some alligators have been seen crossing roads and even resting on them. Drivers in the area should use caution these days, especially at night when alligators are most active.
In one of the incidents Moore reported, a young alligator was spotted resting on a caliche road, issuing an intimidating hiss at onlookers. In another, a 12-foot alligator weighing nearly 500 pounds was seen on the roadside in Cameron County, demonstrating just how close these reptiles have come to human-populated areas. Unfortunately, not all of these encounters end safely. A large gator, over ten feet in length, was recently struck and killed by a motorist on Highway 106. Though the driver fled the scene, the damage to the vehicle was likely extensive, given the reptile’s size and weight.
The number of alligators in the Rio Grande Valley is unknown, although populations thrive in Laguna Atascosa and surrounding ranchlands. Residents and travelers are advised to remain vigilant, as the sudden appearance of an alligator, even in daylight, can be dangerous.
