Nature on the Bay - Reptiles
The coastal ecosystems of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and Mobile Bay create a unique habitat ideal for the proliferation of reptiles—turtles, snakes, lizards and, everybody’s favorite, the alligator.
Alabama is home to 93 indigenous reptiles, including 12 types of lizards, 49 varieties of snakes and 31 species of turtles. Easily spotted throughout the Delta and Mobile Bay is, of course, the area’s number one celebrity—the American alligator. While boasting of only one species, the gator is no doubt the most sought-after animal among area nature lovers. In fact, a popular pastime among Hampton Inn® Mobile-East Bay/Daphne hotel guests is watching alligators as they lounge around D’Olive Creek.
One of the best places to see gators up close is D’Olive Boardwalk Park in Daphne. From the half-mile boardwalk—which crosses D’Olive Creek next door to the hotel—you can watch gators (and turtles) of all sizes swim, eat and bask in the sun!
Lizards range from the familiar geckoes, skinks and anoles to four exotic species that have become established in the southern part of the state—such as the Eastern Six-lined Racerunner and the Texas Horned lizard. Snakes include the black racer, corn snake, rat snake, king snake, various water snakes, rattlesnakes, copperhead and cottonmouth (water moccasin).
Of the various mud turtles and soft-shell turtles that inhabit the Delta, the Black-knobbed Sawback turtle is popular among nature enthusiasts. Among aquatic turtles, the Diamondback Terrapin—the only brackish water turtle in the world—makes its home in the Delta’s bays.
Numerous marine turtles along the Alabama Gulf Coast are classified as endangered and are typically seen only in protected habitats. These include the gopher tortoise, Alabama red-bellied turtle, green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle.
Easily spotted throughout the Delta and Mobile Bay is, of course, the area’s number one celebrity—the American alligator. While boasting of only one species, the gator is no doubt the most sought-after animal among area nature lovers. One of the best places to see gators up close is D’Olive Boardwalk Park in Daphne. From the half-mile boardwalk—which crosses D’Olive Creek next door to the hotel—you can watch gators (and turtles) of all sizes swim, eat and bask in the sun!
Also check out Gator Alley in nearby Summerdale.
