Whether they're sunbathing on Gulf Coast beaches or lurking in the muddy waters of the Tennessee River, alligators are thriving in the Heart of Dixie.

While Florida gets most of the reptilian attention , Alabama quietly ranks among the top states for American alligator populations, and some are massive. Think over 13 feet and over 1,011.5 pounds.

Whether you're a kayaker, hiker, hunter or just a curious local, knowing where these prehistoric predators call home is more than trivia, it's safety. And a little thrill, too.

According to a recent WorldAtlas report, these are the top five most alligator-filled places in Alabama and what makes each one a reptilian hot spot.

Tennessee River

In 1979, 50 alligators were relocated from Louisiana to the alligator-free Wheeler National Wildl

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