Severe flooding in South Texas has led to multiple alligator sightings along roadways in the Rio Grande Valley.
Around 20 inches of rain fell on Thursday, March 27, causing what officials described as “catastrophic flooding.”
The Texas Department of Transportation (Pharr District) posted on X about the alligators on Sunday, warning residents to stay alert.
“Our crews spotted these four-legged friends along FM 106, north of Los Fresnos, while monitoring our state highways,” TxDOT wrote.
Mars Fishin Adventures also shared a Facebook post on Saturday showing a man holding a young alligator in his front yard. The image showed him standing barefoot in several inches of water.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, alligators are native to South Texas and typically inhabit swamps, rivers, bayous, and marshes.
TPWD previously told MySA that spring and early summer are mating season, which often results in alligators appearing in unexpected places.
In Texas, alligators are classified as protected game animals, requiring special permits for hunting, raising, or possessing them.
Beyond the alligator sightings, the flooding left many vehicles stranded and prompted numerous high-water rescues.
NBC News reported that at least three people lost their lives in Hidalgo County, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller described the situation as a “devastating tragedy” for the Rio Grande Valley community.
He highlighted the widespread destruction and the serious threat to residents, farmers, and ranchers.
In addition to damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, the region is also facing major agricultural and livestock losses, Miller said.
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