You’re walking down the waterfront in St. Marys, the sun is dipping low over the marsh, and you see a log. Except the log has eyes. And it’s blinking.
Honestly, if you spend any real time in Southeast Georgia, you’re going to run into an alligator. It’s basically a rite of passage. But there’s a massive difference between "cool wildlife sighting" and "local news headline." Most people visiting St. Marys—and even some folks who just moved here—have some pretty wild misconceptions about these reptiles. They aren’t mindless monsters, but they aren’t swamp puppies either.
The St. Marys River and the Great Gator Population
The St. Marys River is one of the most alligator-dense waterways in the state. We’re talking about a blackwater river that winds through 130 miles of perfect reptile real estate. Because the water is stained dark with tannins from the cypress trees, it is incredibly easy for a ten-foot gator to hide in plain sight just inches below the surface.
In Georgia, we have somewhere between 200,000 and 250,000 alligators. Most of them are south of the Fall Line (that imaginary line through Macon and Augusta). Down here in Camden County, they are everywhere. You’ll find them in the marshes near the Cumberland Island ferry dock, sunning on the banks at Crooked River State Park, and tucked into the lagoons of golf courses like Osprey Cove or Laurel Island Links.
I’ve seen them sitting on people's porches. Back in 2022, a police officer in Kingsland literally had to wrangle one off a resident's front door and relocate it to the river. It happens.
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Where you’ll actually see them
If you want to spot them safely, go to Crooked River State Park. The Palmetto Trail often has smaller ones near the edge of the marsh. Another prime spot is the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which is just a short drive from St. Marys. There are about 15,000 alligators in the swamp there. You are practically guaranteed to see a dozen just by driving the Swamp Island Drive or taking a boat tour.
On Cumberland Island, they hang out in the freshwater ponds like Horton Pond. It’s eerie how still they can be. You’ll see them basking on "gator decks"—platforms built specifically so they can soak up the sun without being bothered by hikers.
The "Aggressive" Myth and Real Danger
People always ask, "Will it chase me?"
The short answer: No.
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The long answer: They aren't interested in you. Humans are big, loud, and annoying. Usually, if an alligator sees you, it’s going to slide into the water and vanish. The real danger comes from habituation.
A "nuisance alligator" isn't just one that’s big; it’s one that has lost its fear of humans. This almost always happens because someone fed it. In Georgia, feeding a gator is a crime. Why? Because a fed gator is a dead gator. Once they associate people with food, they become a public safety risk and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) usually has to euthanize them.
What to actually do if you see one
- Keep your distance. The general rule is 60 feet. If it hisses or lunges, you are way too close.
- Watch your pets. This is the big one. To a gator, a splashing dog is just a loud dinner bell. Don't let your dog swim in the St. Marys River or any local lagoons.
- Don't fish near them. If a gator starts eyeing your bobber, move. They aren't above stealing your catch.
Why Gators in St. Marys GA Actually Matter
They aren't just there to look scary. They’re "wetland engineers." During droughts, they dig out "gator holes" in the mud. These holes hold water when everything else dries up, providing a lifeline for fish, turtles, and birds.
They also keep the ecosystem in check. They eat the things that would otherwise overpopulate—raccoons, snakes, and even smaller gators. Without them, the marsh would be a mess.
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Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're heading to St. Marys soon, don't let the fear of gators ruin your trip. Just be smart.
- Book a Guided Tour: If you really want to see the big guys, take a tour with Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions. They know the exact bends in the river where the 12-footers like to hang out.
- Report Nuisance Sightings: If you see an alligator in a residential pool or one that isn't moving away when people approach, call the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. Don't try to be a hero with a broom.
- Stay on the Trails: When hiking at Crooked River or Cumberland, stay on the marked paths. Bushwhacking through the marsh is a great way to accidentally step on a submerged juvenile.
- Evening Vigilance: Alligators are most active at dawn and dusk. If you're walking the waterfront at sunset, keep your eyes on the water's edge.
Respect the reptile, keep your dog on a leash, and enjoy the prehistoric view. It’s their swamp; we’re just visiting.
Next Steps:
Check the local tide charts before heading to the St. Marys waterfront; alligators are often more visible on the muddy banks during low tide when they come out to regulate their body temperature. You should also download a trail map of Crooked River State Park to identify the specific lookout points near the salt marsh where sightings are most frequent.