Are there alligators in Lake Ouachita?

A recent top Google search was, “Are there alligators in Lake Ouachita?” The answer to this question could influence the decision of some tourists or offer another season to our avid hunters.
There are alligators on the Ouachita River, but so far, there have been no alligator sightings in Lake Ouachita State Park. Alligators populate the southern half of Arkansas, as the north is too cold. They are most common in Millwood State Park and Arkansas Post National Memorial. You might also spot an alligator across other portions of the state, including the lower Arkansas River, Bayou Bartholomew, and Red River areas.
So why do we have alligators in Arkansas? The AGFC(Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) undertook an initial restocking effort in 1970 and 1971 utilizing native stocks. However, this attempt proved unsuccessful due to an inability to capture enough individuals to supply the restocking program. Shortly thereafter, an agreement was reached between the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the AGFC to provide alligators for the restocking program. This agreement provided wild caught Louisiana alligators to restock areas within the presumed historic range of the alligator in Arkansas. Between 1972 and 1984, 2,841 alligators were released in southern, eastern, and central Arkansas. Approximately 80 percent of these alligators were released on private lands at the owner’s request, believing they would control populations of rough fish, turtles, venomous snakes, and beavers.
Alligator populations in Arkansas have increased and are now stable and in sufficient numbers to support a regulated sport hunt. Two regions, one in the southeastern and one in the southwestern corners of the state, were found to harbor high alligator densities. These alligator population concentrations are located in areas with optimal habitats, containing large areas of shallow-water marsh and swamp habitat. The current alligator sport hunt is the result of an effort by AGFC to offer Arkansans another sport hunting opportunity.
If you are interested in harvesting alligators for sport, we encourage you to visit the AGFC website. There, you can find more details on obtaining a license and the restrictions involved for this species. https://www.agfc.com/hunting/more-game/alligator/hunt-details/