An alligator was seen carrying around a massive Burmese python in it's mouth after the snake invaded its waters.
There's nothing quite like being neck-deep in water the color of good sweet tea when someone a few feet away says "Hey, I think these are fresh slide and gator tracks!" (Ask me how I know.)
To avoid that "Final Destination" feeling, make sure you're aware of where you are and what could be swimming with you.
Alligators are iconic in Mississippi, and time in nature often means close-up encounters with wildlife, whether you realize it or not.
Want to keep the interaction tame? There's always a zoo or animal park. And HGTV chose a Mississippi swamp tour to see the giant reptiles as part of a bucket list of 50 things you should do across America.
If you love to walk on the wild side, you can find alligators in freshwater across the state. Knowing where to look can help you and the gator avoid a surprise.
"Alligators are a key species and a vital contributor to Mississippi's diverse ecosystems. If you're exploring Mississippi's beautiful outdoors and near a freshwater body of water, you'll likely be near an alligator but don't panic. Gators generally aren't a threat to humans unless they are harassed or fed. They don't see people as food and prefer to avoid interactions." World Atlas wrote.
The site has compiled a list of the most alligator-infested waters in the state. In fact, two Mississippi rivers are on a separate list of the most alligator-filled water in the Deep South.
Here's what you need to know about where and when alligators are most active, what to do if you get a little too close so everyone leave safely.
Where is the most alligator-infested water in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks notes that gators can live anywhere in the state, but most live in the southern two-thirds. They're not usually aggressive, but juveniles often move to new areas in spring and summer, meaning they're more likely to turn up near people. They're are also attracted to food sources.
According to World Atlas, these are the lakes, rivers and other waterways with the highest alligator populations.
Pascagoula River Basin has giant alligators
According to World Atlas, about 25% of the alligators in Mississippi live in the Pascagoula River Basin. The Pascagoula River drainage system is one of the last unimpeded river systems in the lower 48 states.
The area is known for record-breaking gator sightings, including some about 14 feet long. The current state record holders for longest female caught 11 feet, 3/4 inches and heaviest female caught 324 pounds, both came from the Pascagoula River.
The river also made World Atlas' list of the seven most alligator-filled places in the Deep South.
Yazoo River is known for record-breaking gators
According to World Atlas, the Yazoo River is a prime spot for gator hunters.
In fact, the longest male harvested in public water was caught in the Yazoo in 2023. It was 14 feet, 3 inches long.
The river also made the list for most gator-infested water in the Deep South.
Alligator Lake is true to its name
Alligator Lake in Washington county is a 60-acre oxbow that's home to tons of gators.
The lake is in Leroy Percy State Park, a designated wildlife management area. Just want to watch them from a safe distance? There's a trail that goes along the lake and through the hardwood forest.
Tchoutacabouffa River has lots of smaller alligators
According to World Atlas, heavy development around the Tchoutacabouffa River near Biloxi has led to larger alligators being relocated away from people, leaving lots of gators smaller than 10 feet long.
The river winds for 30 miles and goes through the DeSoto National Forest.
Ross Barnett Reservoir has special spring hunting season
Gator hunters flock to Ross Barnett Reservoir, which is popular for fishing and boating. There's a lot to do around the lake.
In May MDWFP offered an additional 24 alligator permits for a special spring season in the Pelahatchie Bay area of the reservoir. The goal is to reduce the population of breeding females.
Pear River has lots of fish, wildlife
The Pearl River is home to a diverse range of fish and animals, which helps the alligators in the area.
The river flows through LeFleur's Bluff State Park in Jackson all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of recreation options at the park and along the river.
Where are the most alligator-filled waters in the Deep South?
"Alligators like slow-moving freshwater rivers but are also found in swamps, marshes, and lakes," World Atlas wrote.
According to World Atlas, these places have the highest alligator populations in the Deep South.
* Lake Martin in Louisiana
* Cypress Lake in Louisiana
* Pascagoula River in Mississippi
* Caddo Lake in Louisiana
* Yazoo River in Mississippi
* Millwood State Park in Arkansas
* Lake Marion in South Carolina
Is it legal to feed alligators in Mississippi?
MDWFP notes that alligators will come to food sources, including fish feeders or places fish remains get thrown into the water.
If you're doing it to help the animal, you'll be doing more harm in the long run.
"Alligators that are attracted to a regular food source placed by humans will eventually become conditioned to associate human activity with food resources. This is a recipe for certain danger. Therefore, it is illegal to feed alligators in Mississippi. Alligators that have been fed by humans must be removed and are not suitable for relocation," MDWFP wrote.
If you know someone is feeding a gator, you can report it to your local MDWFP regional office or conservation officer.
Is it legal to shoot a nuisance alligator?
If you have a nuisance alligator, don't try to handle it yourself. Contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to help move or destroy the animal.
An alligator just being near people or homes isn't necessarily a nuisance situation, according to MDWFP. But if it's being aggressive and approaching people or trying to hunt humans, pets or wildlife, it needs to go.
Hunting requires a permit and must be done in the right places and during the specified hunting seasons.
Shooting one without meeting those criteria could lead to a Class 1 violation, which might carry jail time or a fine of $2,000 to $5,000.
I'm way too close to an alligator. Now what?
GatorWise is an alligator safety organization that includes state wildlife and fishery agencies for Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
They suggest that people stay aware any time they're near water. Assume gators are present and keep an eye on pets, kids and other people in your group.
According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, if you hear it hissing, you're already too close.
Don't panic. Do your best to back away slowly and quietly.
Gators usually try to get away quickly, but a mother with a nest might charge.
They'll also defend themselves, and they can run up to 35 mph for short distances, so don't assume it'll be slow.
What to do if an alligator attacks
According to the University of Florida, unprovoked alligator attacks are rare when compared to other dangers, even in the state with the most alligator attacks. Even so, they happen. Here's what the university suggests if it happens to you.
* Run away in a straight line. Do not zig-zag.
* Fight as if your life depends on it.
* Poke it in the eyes, punch and kick it, especially around the head.
* Try to make the alligator gag by jamming objects in the back of its mouth.
* Alligators will often reposition prey in its mouth. That is your opportunity to escape.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.