They've been here since the early to mid-1970s, reintroduced by then-refuge director Tom Atkeson with the help of former U.S. Rep. Ronnie Flippo, from what I've been told.
Mostly found in the Limestone, Garth Slough, Cotaco areas. Breeding pair up in Blackwell Swamp for several years. The refuge had some baby gators at the visitors' center (maybe 8-10 years ago, or longer?) One was found in southwest Decatur a few years ago. Likely up in the Flint, too.
One was caught in the Florence area last year near a camping-swimming area.
Some people still don't believe they're here, either.
Yep... They released them to control beaver population and said that our winters would kill them... They were wrong..
