Interesting AlligatorFacts inthe Guadalupe River, 3 Safety Tips for Swiming in Alligator-infestedWaters. [6], The San Marcos River is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse aquatic ecosystems known in the Southwestern United States. She is a 2016 graduate of Allen High School and a 2021 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied liberal arts, journalism and Arabic. 6. The springs are home to several threatened or endangered species, including the Texas blind salamander, fountain darter, and Texas wild rice. Alligators thrive in freshwater ponds, rivers, lakes, marshes, wetlands, swamps, and bayous. hb```e``b`a` B@68GCo[XZ]~FD/ ul8c "There are a lot of alligators in parts of South Texas, and some really big ones, especially along the Nueces River," said Amos Cooper, who runs TPWD's alligator programs. 555 Cheatham St. Map of San Marcos River (PDF) There are no lifeguards on duty. Near Gonzales, it flows into the Guadalupe River after a total of 75 miles (121km). The river is unexpectedly cold, so be forewarned. Unlike the alligator, which has webbed feet for better swimming, the crocodile does not have webbed feet but does have jagged feet. 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. While we don't know for sure whether it was an alligator or a salt water crocodile, many people commenting on the Facebook post believe it's an alligator because the snout is rounded while a crocodiles snout is narrow. The current grabbed me when I was without a tube and threw me underwater for what seemed like an eternity. Yes - there is alcohol on the river.. and crazy college students. Each float down river last about 45-60 min and ends at a three tiered rapid that you can opt out of if you like, but is lots of fun! While it is wonderful to dive into her healing waters, it is equally healing to see the herons in the shallows in the mist of a cold morning. Keep pets away from them, of course. Provided that the water levels remain high enough, the river is a freshwater river. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Return Policy, Facebook/Lydia Pantazes/Courtesy Of Neil Griffin. Though there have only been a few sightings of alligators up the river stream, those that do decide to visit the river should practice caution and remain vigilant at all times. During their spring mating season, which peaks this month, Texas half-million-plus alligators are on the move, increasing odds of human/gator encounters. The clean-up is coordinated yearly by Tom Goynes, president of the Texas River Protection Association, and is usually the first Saturday of every March. The San Marcos River is one of the best places to catch a really large bass on a fly. They had friendly relations with the Tonkawa Indians, but the hostile Comanche tribe forced them to leave in 1812. It is a college town. The Guadalupe River Delta has proven that there are alligators present in the river as well, and there have been samples extracted from alligators that are present in the Delta. Can you spend the night at San Marcos River? The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. `m4KFc $x_4~!*,#". With the population boom, Moreno especially feared for the inevitable littering and pollution that the San Marcos River would face. Alligator (or crocodile) surprises Waverunner tour off Marco Island. Parking was free, there are bathrooms and a playground. Nataly is the lead writer on Curious Texas and a breaking news reporter. The river is calm and beautiful; however, watch out for the waterfalls at the end of the route. Join the discussion on our new social platform Texjas.com! By THC Staff | May 9, 2016. Also, we had to stop several times along the river to avoid loud, foul-mouthed young people who didn't think to tone it down for others. . ", He tells his tour group, "Guys I've been doing this for 11 years and this is the first time I've ever seen this. Also, six new access points were to be added to the river in attempts to allow people to get in and out of the water without harm to the river banks. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Historical Building On The Square in Downtown San Marcos! Abbott criticized for dehumanizing victims of mass shooting by calling them illegal, Texas college baseball player shot during game, Man fatally shot by Dallas police wounded 2 relatives before shooting cop, dog, chief says, Developer proposes new apartments near Dallas Fair Park, Landmark Texas home becomes most expensive on the market with $60M price tag, Luxury North Dallas rental community sells to national investor, Forest Hill widow facing eviction for I-20 widening gets deadline extension, Texas latest mass shooting is about guns, not immigration, Cowboys 2023 undrafted free agent tracker: See which players Dallas added after NFL draft, How Dallas video game icon Randy Pitchford became the new owner of Hollywoods Magic Castle, North Dallas' posh Crespi Estate sells to prominent local family trust. Alligators have been a part of the landscape, he said. This was a big surprise for us when stopping in San Marcos. other than shopping n the river. The first key difference between these two reptiles istheir snouts. There are some small rapids at the end if you're the adventurous type. One action you can take is to join the River Authority and the San Antonio River Foundation by becoming a River Warrior.This program aims to build a volunteer community that supports and . Other exhibits include a frog habitat with rare species, the chance to watch seahorses and their colorful friend. 170 Charles Austin Dr. Park Hours. The phones start ringing off the hook people calling to report they saw an alligator in their yard, a ditch, a pond or crossing a road, and wanting someone to do something about it, said Cooper, Port Arthur-based alligator program leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The alligator's is broader and shaped like a U, whereas the crocodile's is longer and narrower and more V-shaped. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Now a few bad apples have spoiled it for everyone. Alligators loose in San Marcos River. Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 11:37 am, San Antonio hospital set to close next week owes millions in unpaid student salaries, suit alleges, Texas House passes bill slashing penalties for low-level cannabis possession. Is it Safe to Swim inthe Guadalupe River? . The river begins at San Marcos Springs, rising from the Edwards Aquifer into Spring Lake. on a hot day in February there were several people swimming and a bunch in kayaks and SUPs. document.write(theYear) San Marcos River is spring-fed from the Edwards Aquifer. No one has died of an alligator attack in Texas and there have only been a few reports of attacks. Alligators and Crocodiles Have Different Snouts. I was exhausted and gasping for breath when I finally surfaced past the 2 chutes.