Alligator caught on video swimming in north Texas lake

TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — It's a sight to behold. His two alligators casually swim in a lake in North Texas.

Caitlin Burgess posted a video to Facebook on May 5 showing an alligator swimming in Eagle Mountain Lake, just northwest of Fort Worth. Here's the video:

The video has received hundreds of thousands of views since it was posted.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department told WFAA that the DFW region is “within the known and expected range of the American alligator, so it is not unusual or unexpected for alligators to be found in suitable habitat.” he said. TPWD officials also said,Crocodiles in an area are not themselves a concern for human safety.”

However, TPWD officials said feeding crocodiles by humans can cause problems, and in some cases, pets should also be careful.

”“TPWD generally allows alligators to reside in human habitation areas unless there are special circumstances that justify their removal,” officials told WFAA in an email.

American alligators can grow from 6 feet to 14 feet in length. According to the TPWD website.

Here are TPWD's guidelines for what to do if you see an alligator:

• If the alligator is not approaching people or posing an obvious threat, wait a few days if possible, or even a week, before contacting TPWD. During spring and summer, alligators migrate to breed and find new habitat. Most of the crocodiles roaming around are small crocodiles that have been forced out of their normal habitat by larger crocodiles. Usually these small crocodiles will move on in a week or two.
• If you hear an alligator hiss, it's a warning that you're getting too close.
• Crocodiles have a natural fear of humans and will usually begin to retreat quickly if a human approaches. If you approach an alligator from a few meters away, back away slowly. Crocodiles in the wild rarely chase humans, but they can run up to 35 miles per hour over short distances on land. Don't make the mistake of thinking alligators are slow and lethargic. Crocodiles are very fast and agile and will defend themselves if cornered. Females guarding the nest may attack those who approach the nest, but return to the nest as soon as the intruder is gone.
• It is not uncommon for alligators to bask for long periods on the banks of ponds and streams. These crocodiles usually keep their bodies warm. They are not actively hunting. Crocodiles can often be seen basking in the sun with their mouths open. Crocodiles don't pant or sweat, so this is a way for them to keep their body temperature down. If humans approach, these crocodiles should retreat into the water. (In some cases, alligators may be guarding their nests – see below.) However, if alligators leave the shores of bodies of water and spend time near homes, barns, or other structures; You may be considered a nuisance.
• If you see an alligator coming straight at you while you're walking near the water, especially if it comes out of the water, it's definitely a nuisance alligator and you should report it to TPWD. Often these crocodiles are crocodiles that have been fed by humans or allowed to obtain human food.
• If you see an alligator while walking your pet, keep your pet on a leash and under your control. Your pet will naturally be curious, and the alligator may find easy food. Crocodiles have a keen sense of smell. If you are near areas where alligators are seen, it is wise to keep your pet in a fenced area or inside your home for several days. During that time, crocodiles move frequently.
• If you see a crocodile on the road, do not move it. Please notify local authorities so they can safely handle the crocodile.
• If you see a large alligator at your favorite swimming hole or pond, don't swim with it. Alligator attacks in Texas are rare, but they can happen. Reports of “attacks” in Texas are usually more accurately described as “encounters.” As with all outdoor activities, be aware that you may encounter wildlife.
• It is not uncommon for alligators to chase topwater fishing lures, but this activity is not a threat to humans. Like fish, alligators are attracted to these lures because they mimic their natural prey. Most alligators are scared of boats and fishing lures and run away. However, alligators that repeatedly chase boats, canoes, and other watercraft or maintain close range without submerging may be considered nuisance alligators.
• If you see a nuisance alligator, consider why it's there. Did someone clean the fish and throw its head into a pond or river? If so, they could be creating a potential alligator problem and violating state regulations. After October 1, 2003, if you were caught feeding an alligator, it became a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

• If you encounter a nuisance alligator that has lost its fear of humans, call your TPWD regional office.
• Carefully supervise children when playing in or near water.
• Follow normal general care. Swim only during the day.
• Tell others that feeding alligators creates problems for people who want to use the water for recreational purposes.
• Dispose of fish remains in trash cans at most boat launches and fish camps.
• Enjoy observing and photographing wild alligators from a safe distance of at least 30 feet. Remember that they are not only an important part of Texas' natural history, but also an integral part of many wetland ecosystems.

• Killing, harassing, sexually abusing, or attempting to relocate a crocodile. State law prohibits such behavior, and you are likely to be bitten or injured by a provoked alligator.
• Allow young children to play alone in and around water.
• They swim at night, dusk, and dawn, when crocodiles are most active feeding.
• Feed or lure the crocodile. Crocodiles overcome their natural shyness and become accustomed to or attracted to humans when fed. Intentionally feeding an alligator is now a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
• Dump fish remains into the water or leave them on shore. Although you are not intentionally feeding the alligators, the end result could be the same.
• Remove alligators from their natural habitat or adopt them as pets. Doing so is a violation of state law. Alligators are not tame in captivity, and handling even small alligators can cause bites. In particular, never approach or pick up baby crocodiles. Although they may look cute and harmless, mama crocodiles will stay nearby and protect their mama crocodiles for at least two years.