ATLANTA — The Muscogee County Sheriff's Office has issued an alert after deputies say they've noticed an uptick of alligators along the Chattahoochee River.
According to the sheriff's office, its divers and boat patrol has reported sightings along the Riverwalk -- the Fort Moore Dive team and MCSO divers said around 30 alligators were hanging out near the 280 Bridge behind the Civic Center.
"We urge you to use extreme caution when boating, fishing, swimming/wading, or climbing on the rocks/banks in these areas downstream, where the water is typically calmer," the sheriff's office said. "We especially urge you to keep little ones away from these areas."
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Game Management Assistant Chief Tina Johannsen said sightings are not uncommon, especially on large rivers like the Chattahoochee.
Johannsen explained that Columbus, Georgia, is the westernmost city along the state's "Fall Line," which runs along what is known as the geographical transition zone, separating "the gentle hills of the Piedmont and the flatter, sandier country of the upper coastal plain region." The Fall Line runs east to Macon and then Augusta and is generally the northern extent of alligator range. Habitats this far out are uncommon, but that doesn't mean Georgians in the area won't see a gator.
"The Sheriff’s Office warning is an important reminder to those who live around water on the northern edge of alligator range that these animals may occur in places where people are not used to seeing them," Johannsen said in an email. "If you know or suspect alligators may be in the area, keep children and pets away from the water’s edge and do not let them swim there."
Johannsen recommended that people watch from a distance and to give the gators their space.
"Healthy wild alligators are not interested in people and will move away if you approach too closely," she explained.
She emphasized that people should never feed alligators either.
"Alligators like prey that they can swallow whole, like fish and turtles, and it can be tempting to toss them a small fish off your line or the remains of your sandwich. It only takes a few such rewards for an alligator to associate people with free handouts," she said.
Feeding them could turn them into a serious potential threat to pets and people, especially as they get larger and bolder.
She said it's unlawful to feed alligators and people should report violators to DNR law enforcement.
