Gulf Shores, Ala. – (GSN) – Gulf Shores has many types of tourists during the summer months and most just soak up the sun and enjoy the local cuisine. Others might take advantage of swimming in local waters and a round of golf at one of the championship courses. This week the golfers have noticed a regular visitor on the One Club course. (not pictured)

Gulf Shores, Alabama, is celebrated for its stunning white-sand beaches, emerald waters, and laid-back coastal lifestyle. However, this region is also home to a rich and thriving ecosystem that includes a variety of native wildlife, most notably the American alligator. While visitors typically associate these reptiles with deep swamps or remote marshes, their presence is a natural aspect of the Gulf Coast environment.

While the majority of alligator activity is concentrated in designated nature areas such as Gulf State Park—specifically around Lake Shelby and the marsh boardwalks—sightings are not exclusively limited to the wild. Residents and visitors have reported seeing alligators on local golf courses.

Alligators in the Gulf Coast region are generally shy and prefer to avoid human contact. They are a natural part of the ecosystem and are not typically aggressive unless they feel provoked, threatened, or are being fed. They are opportunistic feeders that primarily hunt fish, birds, and small mammals, and they are frequently seen basking on the banks of ponds or cruising through slow-moving water.

Because alligators are a permanent fixture in the local environment, it is important to practice common-sense safety when enjoying outdoor activities, whether on a nature trail or a golf course:

• Do not feed wildlife: Feeding alligators—or even fish near them—is dangerous and creates an association between humans and food, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
• Keep pets on leashes: When walking dogs near golf course ponds, canals, or freshwater wetlands, keep them on a short leash at all times.
• Exercise caution near water: Be extra vigilant near the edges of freshwater ponds, especially during the early morning or evening hours when alligators are most active.
• Supervise children: Never allow children to play unsupervised near the edges of ponds or canals.

Remember, your whole golf bag weighs less than most of these long time visitors, so it is wise to give them a wide path. An alligator can run faster than a hacker with a two-iron so don't try to challenge them.