There have been several reports of alligators in north Alabama in recent weeks, including in the Tennessee River.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office reported that an alligator was recently spotted by a man walking on a county road.
In Decatur, parks and recreation officials warned residents to be on alert after a gator was spotted near walking trails at Point Mallard State Park.
Reports of sightings in the Tennessee River are not unprecedented.
Al.com reports that about 56 alligators from Louisiana were dropped into remote parts of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in 1979. The relocation of those animals was part of an effort to expand their range.