The City of Highland Haven posted the following information:

On the morning of September 12, 2024 the city was notified of a possible alligator sighting in the lake. While alligator sightings are rare, they do happen in the highland lakes area. Texas Parks and Wildlife has been notified by the POA and is in the process of evaluating the situation. The animal that was seen was estimated to be around 2 feet long. While we await a response from Texas Parks and Wildlife, we wanted to provide some further information to area residents.

Generally, Texas Parks and Wildlife will only remove an alligator when it is considered a nuisance. An alligator is considered a nuisance if it:

• Threatens human health or safety
• Depredates livestock or pets
• Follows boats, canoes, or other watercraft repeatedly
• Maintains a close distance without submerging

If you see an alligator that may be a nuisance, you can contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement communications center at (512) 389-4848 or your local game warden at 1-800-792-1112.

Safety Tips

• Never feed alligators.
• Avoid swimming and other water activities in areas with large alligators.
• Swim only during daylight hours.
• Do not dispose of fish scraps in the water.
• Closely supervise small children in and around water.
• Do not allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in waters where alligators may be found.
• If you hear an alligator hiss, move away. You are too close.

General Alligator Information

Description: Alligators are the largest reptiles in North America and can reach an adult length of more than 10 feet. They are generally black with yellowish or cream cross bands that become less apparent with age. An alligator’s body is usually not seen when in the water. An alligator’s size can be determined by estimating the distance between the eyes. For each inch between the eyes, add one foot to the length, i.e. 4” between the eyes = 4’ alligator.

Habitat: Any freshwater habitat is suitable, but alligators are most common in areas with aquatic vegetation and suitable basking sites. They prefer areas with little human activity but will follow their food source.

Diet: Consists of rough fish (carp, gar), small mammals, birds, turtles, snakes, frogs and invertebrates. The diet changes as the alligator grows with preferred food items getting larger with age.

State law prohibits feeding, killing, disturbing or attempting to move an alligator.