Texas Officers Wrangle Alligator from Backyard Pool

A family in East Texas breathed a sigh of relief after first responders safely captured an American alligator that had taken up residence in their backyard pool. Although alligators are native to the region, it is uncommon for them to wander into residential areas.

The alligator had originally been creeping up the walkway of the Smith County property — located in the Tyler area, about 100 miles east of Dallas — headed straight for the doggie door, according to Storyful. When it got spooked by the family’s presence, it quickly jumped into the pool and remained there until officers arrived.

Homeowner Lacy Jane Turner captured footage showing two men, including Smith County Deputy Brian Hutchins, carefully approaching the alligator armed with a net and a catchpole.

At first, it appeared they were trying to scoop the gator out with a pool net, but their true plan soon became clear. Hutchins stealthily slipped the loop of the catchpole over the alligator’s head and tightened it.

As the loop secured the reptile’s neck, the alligator thrashed. “Boom!” someone exclaimed excitedly as Hutchins maintained control. “You, sir, are the wrangler of the alligator.”

"We live in East Texas, out in the country," Turner said. "This does not happen here."

However, last week, police also captured an alligator hiding under a car in a church parking lot in Texarkana, located about 117 miles northeast of Tyler, just on the edge of the Arkansas border.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife, the American alligator is common in swamps, rivers, bayous and marshes of the southern U.S.

While Smith County isn't known for vast swamps or marshes like those found in coastal Texas, the region does have the Sabine River and surrounding creeks that can support alligator populations. It’s not common, but occasionally alligators wander into yards or pools in these parts, especially during mating season or when younger animals are exploring new territory.

Where do alligators live in Texas?

American alligators are native to Texas, including North Texas and East Texas. There are between 500,000 and 600,000 alligators in Texas, with the majority living in southeast Texas along the coast and the Louisiana border, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Sightings have become more common in North Texas in recent years, with habitat in various freshwater lakes and rivers, including Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake and the Trinity River.

What to do if you approach an alligator

If you see an alligator that isn't approaching people or posing an obvious threat, there's no need to contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department immediately.

During the summer, alligators are on the move to breed and find new habitats. Most of these alligators are smaller ones that have been displaced by larger alligators and are likely to move on within a couple of weeks.

If you hear an alligator hiss, you are too close. Alligators are typically docile creatures and will quickly retreat when approached by humans. Most people will never experience a close encounter with alligators, according to the DFW Wildlife Hotline. But if you do, back away slowly. They're unlikely to charge (though it's important to recognize that they may if there's a nearby nest), and they can reach speeds of up to 35 mph.

If you encounter an alligator while walking your pet, make sure your pet is on a leash and under your control. The alligator may see your pet as an easy food source. In areas with recent alligator sightings, keep pets inside a fenced area or in the house for a few days until the alligator moves on.

How many people have died from alligator encounters?

It's rare for someone to die from an encounter with an alligator. There have been only two fatalities recorded in Texas since the 1960s.

In 2015, a 28-year-old man died in Orange County while swimming in a bayou where a sign warned, "No Swimming Alligators." According to CNN, the man removed his shirt and, when someone shouted a warning, he responded with, "F--- the alligators" before jumping into the water. He almost immediately yelled for help.

Last May, the remains of a missing elderly woman were found in the mouth of an alligator in Houston. A Houston Police Department sergeant shot and killed the alligator to prevent further damage to the remains. It was not confirmed if the alligator was the cause of death.

What's the difference between alligators and crocodiles?

The American alligator is the only crocodilian native to Texas.

There's a big difference between them and crocodiles — and it goes beyond seeing one later and the other in a while.

Snout Shape

• Alligators: Have a broader, U-shaped snout
• Crocodiles: Have a narrower, V-shaped snout

Habitat

• Alligators: Prefer freshwater environments like rivers, lakes and swamps
• Crocodiles: Can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats, such as rivers, estuaries and coastal areas

Teeth visibility

• Alligators: When their mouths are closed, only the upper teeth are visible
• Crocodiles: When their mouths are closed, both the upper and lower teeth are visible, giving a more jagged appearance

Color

• Alligators: Typically darker, usually blackish-grey
• Crocodiles: Lighter in color, often a tan or olive brown

Behavior

• Alligators: Generally more docile toward humans
• Crocodiles: Often more defensive and are more likely to attack humans

Location

• Alligators: Primarily found in the southeastern United States and China
• Crocodiles: Found in various regions across Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, North America and South America

Size

• Alligators: Typically smaller, with males reaching up to 13 to 14 feet in length
• Crocodiles: Can grow larger, with some species reaching over 20 feet in length

Behavior in water

• Alligators: More likely to be found in fresh, slower-moving waters.
• Crocodiles: Adapt to a variety of water bodies, including brackish and saltwater