Warning! 2 Caddo Parish Lakes Most Alligator Infested In Louisiana

Though many might think that the state of Florida could boast the largest population in the country, those people might need to re-check those numbers for accuracy.

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There is a good reason why History Channel's long-running popular series "Swamp People" is filmed in Louisiana.

The Bayou State simply has more alligators than any other state in America. In fact, Louisiana has the largest alligator population of any place in the entire world!

In a story from A-Zanimals.com, we learn:

Louisiana has the largest alligator population in the world. There are more than 2 million alligators in the wild and another 1 million that live on alligator farms. Florida has the second-largest population of alligators with 1.3 million gators.

Of course most native Louisianans know that alligator sightings are not uncommon and that these giant beasts can turn up in some of the unlikeliest places, but are known to live near many types of water sources including swamps, creeks, bayous, marshes, canals, rivers and lakes.  Hey, we've got so many gators, they've actually stopped traffic on I-49 if you recall.

What A-Z Animals mentioned in their story that was surprising, is which Louisiana lakes are the most alligator infested and two of those lakes are right here in Northwest Louisiana in Caddo Parish.

What Louisiana Lake Has The Biggest Alligator Infestation?

In their report, A-Z Animals says that Lake Martin which is just east of Lafayette and south of Breaux Bridge has the largest alligator infestation in all of Louisiana.

The Second Most Alligator-Infested Lake In Louisiana

Some believe that a compelling argument could be made that Caddo Lake here in Caddo Parish on the Louisiana/Texas border could actually harbor the most alligators of any lake in Louisiana, but A-Z Animals lists it as Number 2.

Alligator sightings on Caddo, which is the largest cypress tree forest in the world, are regular as many of these gators have grown accustomed to passing watercraft and appear to show no fear of humans.

The Louisiana Lake With The Third Largest Alligator Population

Believe it or not, of all the lakes in Louisiana, A-Z Animals says that the third largest gator population in the state is right here in Shreveport's own water source, Cross Lake.

Cross Lake's alligator population has grown so much, the reptiles have even become somewhat of a nuisance to area neighborhoods.  Just check out this video from several years back.

For the most part alligators aren't overly aggressive, but provoked, hungry or protective of their nests, they are a vicious predator and worthy of a healthy respect and keeping a safe distance.

Might want to think about that next time you're dangling your toes out of the kayak while paddling through Caddo or Cross.