At 13 feet, Big Al stood out. Thom Foley — from hippie to bug man to ACLU president. In November 1991, we examined two alligator gars taken with bow and arrow in Chuckfee Bay north of the Mobile Causeway. Address: 11601 Howells Ferry Road, Semmes AL 36575: Fee: $5.00: Description: Big Creek Lake Boat Ramp Launch - Please if you have any corrections or additional information about this boat launch location. The City of Tuscaloosa on Monday afternoon said it had received “unconfirmed reports” of an alligator in Hamner Creek – which is a tributary of Lake Tuscaloosa. Fishing is permitted in small engine, wide bodied boats. The southern Missouri area, including the Lake of the Ozarks,has reported many alligator sightings. Study the maps on Google and trace the maps to this area. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said Johannessen shouldn't have hunted Big Al within city limits. The Big Creek project was placed in service in 1952 at a cost of about $7,000,000 including land, dams, pumphouse, reservoir and pipelines. Most females are about 6 to 8 feet long, House said, and males don't grow much bigger. It happened recently in Mobile. When people complain about the preserve's alligators, Ellis said she tries to educate them. It is a highly biodiverse area for a temperate region, that has been described as "America's Ark" and the "Biological Crossroads of North America". FARMFLIP #217565 But that's easily solved, she said: "Don't let the cat out if there's a gator in your yard.". This alligator was found between Centre and Leesburg, Alabama, near a house! Fox Landing - $5 Launch fee (sunrise - sunset), $200 annual launch permit Years ago I used to see plenty of alligators in Dog River and no nutria. WaterMeat.com A Mobile Alabama Fishing Resource Menu. The length of the shore is just under 10 miles long. The Big Thicket is the name given to a somewhat imprecise region of a heavily forested area in Southeast Texas in the United States. Big Creek Lake. The full-grown alligators can, and did, make it through the colder north Alabama winters and a population of them has managed to hang on in the Tennessee River 37 … Local officials are investigating reports of an alligator sighting in a Lake Tuscaloosa tributary. "He was a lover," said Judy Ellis, a Lakewood Estates resident. People who lived and worked around the lake protected Big Al. It shouldn't absolve him of blame, Morse said, but it does complicate the issue. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters "This is certainly of concern to the community, and we understand their feelings on this issue, and we will do the right thing," he said. Game wardens were forced to shoot the alligator [2], Big Creek Lake is located at 30.74N, -88.34W, WNW of Fairview, Alabama. He knew how to act and when to stay away. [1] It was formed by the damming of Big Creek, a tributary of the Escatawpa River in southwest Alabama. He also had distinctive snout marks. More About Smith Lake - Huntsville » Price to. His Pinellas County hunting permit didn't cover the shores of Lake Maggiore or the smaller body of water known as Lake Eli, where Al was most likely trapped, because both are within city limits. Smith Lake - Huntsville real estate is a beautiful, but lesser known, market for lake homes and land in Alabama. The Big Creek Lake Pond And Timber. Morse said it will take time to sort through the legal intricacies and couldn't say what charge the trapper could face. Price Changes. Big Creek Lake (or Converse Reservoir) is a municipal reservoir which serves as the main source of drinking water for the city of Mobile, Alabama and its suburbs. Beds. But they prefer easy victories, so they're more likely to catch one that's in the water and less likely to fight back. Go to Boat Launch List. Contact Clint Flowers, ALC of National Land Realty to learn more about this farm. "It clearly states on the hunter's documents that enclosed areas of cities and municipalities are not legal to hunt," he said. [4], https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Big_Creek_Lake&oldid=980011234, Bodies of water of Mobile County, Alabama, Articles using infobox body of water without image, Articles using infobox body of water without image bathymetry, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 24 September 2020, at 02:47. A 140-pound specimen was caught in the Alabama River near Claiborne Ferry in Monroe County on 5 July 1928 (John Hall, 1992, personal communication). He wasn't hunting in the preserve, which only stretches along one shore of Lake Maggiore. "And it was futile.". About 115 pounds of that gator was a deer in the gator… Rather bold nutria (big river rat) swimming in front of the kayak. "In retrospect, it's very funny," said Jim House, who's on the Friends of Boyd Hill board. By Tuesday afternoon, it had more than 950 signatures. Type. View this farm for sale with 308 acres by Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama 36608. When they did speak of him, it was in hushed tones. The 13-foot alligator was trapped and killed Sept. 26 in a small lake north of the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. The reservoir’s watershed covers 103 square miles (267 km²) and lies totally within Mobile County. Last year, a 15-foot, 9-inch gator weighing 1,011.5 pounds was caught in Meek Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River. $3 for 3 Months. [3], The Big Creek tributary, like the Escatawpa, originates in Alabama and flows into Mississippi, joining the Escatawpa about nine miles (14 km) northeast of Robertson Lake. The Deerman family took WVUA 23’s Chelsea Barton out on their boat to Brush Creek Slough near their home, where they said they saw a 5- to 7-foot alligator while enjoying the Labor Day holiday on the water. [3], The Big Creek impoundment was named J. B. Converse Reservoir in 1987, but is commonly referred to as "Big Creek Lake". Baths. Smith Lake - Huntsville Real Estate. The alligator is one of about 40 unaccounted for at Gator … The reservoir was the subject of controversy in the 1980s over freshwater rights between Alabama and Mississippi. The last survey estimated about 200 alligators live around the preserve. and. To find Gator Lake enter the 30.237148 latitude, and -87.821655 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. Big Creek Lake is 3,600 acres in area. The City of Mobile utilizes waters from Big Creek Lake for their municipal drinking water supply, decreasing available flow for downstream uses in Mississippi. In addition to being a popular attraction for fishers and boaters, this Gulf Coast lake, also known as the J.B. Converse Reservoir, is home to threatened gopher tortoises. Gators will snatch a dog around the edge of fresh or brackish water. Show Results. "This is completely unacceptable.". He was the eighth-largest alligator ever killed in the state and the biggest trapped in Pinellas for Jovan Johannessen, the 34-year-old Clearwater hunter who pulled him from the water. It's best to leave them be until they decide to move, she said, but acknowledged they can be dangerous for pets. New Listings. In addition to being the source of drinking water for Mobile, Big Creek Lake is a habitat for a variety of fish, birds and wildlife. It is nearly 23 miles outside the city of Mobile. Measuring 15 feet 9 inches and weighing 1,011.5 pounds, the giant was caught in September 2014 in Camden along the Alabama … Recreation And while they investigate the killing, those familiar with the 770-pound reptile mourn. The last survey estimated about 200 alligators live around the preserve. They dismissed those who called him dangerous. "He'd just sit around all day and smile at you.". About Big Creek Lake Big Creek Lake. MISSING: Alligator. Rabbit Creek has been highly developed for … They'd deny his existence to strangers who inquired about the fabled monster in the lake. For more information on Alabama’s alligators, contact Justin Monk, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 30571 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort, AL … 'Its big 25 feet at least, please advise Gator is heading to inlet.. do I pursue?, over' That has to be a HUGE gator to have a whole deer in its mouth! Big Creek Lake was a source of controversy regarding the equitable apportionment of limited fresh water resources between the states of Mississippi and Alabama in the early eighties. Length: 13 feet, 8.5 inches. Hwy 98 bridge is in the background. House started a petition on MoveOn.org asking authorities to charge Johannessen with a crime. Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. From 209 Big Creek Lake attractions, Yelp helps you discover popular restaurants, hotels, tours, shopping, and nightlife for your vacation. Subscribe Get Unlimited Access. The delta is the second… One … Big Creek may refer to: Big Creek Tasmania, a tributary of the Inglis River in Tasmania, Australia Big Creek Belize, a sea port in Belize Big Creek Beech Creek Wherever you put-in, the gator population in Limestone Bay is primarily concentrated in the area in which Limestone Creek first begins to widen into a Bay. Big Creek Lake boat launch / boat ramp, located at 11601 Howells Ferry Road, Semmes, AL. Lake Size. Total Listings 1 Total Value $144,400 Updated as of 01-22-2021. "The only real protection that gator ever enjoyed was that the people who knew him best never talked about him," House said. Ever since the State of Alabama (ADCNR) started promoting the sport of killing of one of the main preditors of nutria (big alligators), the nutria population has been increasing. … Email Alerts. Save For Later. Yes, they have some Big alligators in Big Creek Lake. View Tips. ST. PETERSBURG — Big Al, locals said, wasn't particularly fond of humans. Show. Alabama holds the world record for the largest alligator harvested. The industrial water line extends from the filter plant northward about 7 mi (11 km) to the industrial sites at Magazine Point. “The kids were out on the boat, they called us kind of panicky, … Follow her on Twitter @clairelwiseman. Barbara Stalbird, a preserve supervisor, said she thinks most people who live nearby don't have a problem with them. Multiple Large Alligators spotted in Shoal Creek near Joplin, MO Recent climate changes have the environmental control department on edge. Weight: 1,000 pounds, and then some. [3], Water is delivered from the 3,600-acre (15 km2) lake and pumping station by pipes to two reservoirs where it is diverted either to domestic or industrial use. Big Creek Lake is in Mobile County, Alabama. The reservoir was the subject of controversy in the 1980s over freshwater rights between Alabama and Mississippi. The pumping station was named S. Palmer Gaillard Pumping Station. Local fisherman guru and long time lake resident Mike Butts has caught over four in just recent months. "The lake will be different without that big gator out there," local biologist George Heinrich said. "I think we have a better tolerance for them because we live so closely with them," she said. The Anniston Star is reporting that the Anniston Water Works and Sewer Board has closed Hillabee Reservoir this week after reports of alligators.. Big Creek Lake (or Converse Reservoir) is a municipal reservoir which serves as the main source of drinking water for the city of Mobile, Alabama and its suburbs. BIRMINGHAM — There have been several reports of alligators in north Alabama in recent weeks, including in the Tennessee River. "Coming in and hunting in an otherwise protected area is only second to coming into a zoo for some protected hunting," House said. 79 were here. Casey Edwards says "I just felt a sensation like a huge The reservoir is 3,600 acres (15 km2) in surface area. The source of supply recommended by the Mobile Water Works to the City and Planning Commissions was Big Creek, in the western part of Mobile County. Big Creek Lake (or Converse Reservoir) is a municipal reservoir which serves as the main source of drinking water for the city of Mobile, Alabama and its suburbs. AN ALLIGATOR DISTRIBUTION STUDY OF THE DOG RIVER WATERSHED Donald C. Brinkman, Department of Earth Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688. e-mail: donaldc.brinkman@yahoo.com. Pumps at Big Creek Lake provide treated water to Mobile and untreated water to local industries such as chemical plants and paper mills. Big Creek Lake Dam is a dam located just 13 miles from Tillmans Corner, in Mobile County, in the state of Alabama, United States, near Tanner Williams, AL. "Like we lost a little bit of wildness.". The reservoirs are at an elevation of 220 ft (67 m) and industrial water is delivered by gravity to industry at an elevation of about 25 ft (8 m). This reservoir was formed by impounding Big Creek, which flows into the Escatawpa River drainage. At 13 feet, Big Al stood out. The goal is to deliver it to Mayor Bill Foster when 1,000 people have signed. The Lake offers angling opportunities for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. The maximum depth can go up to 52 feet, while the average is at about 25 feet. The deer was later found to be a mature Stag and was measured at 11 feet! Claire Wiseman can be reached at (727) 893-8804 or cwiseman@tampabay.com. Construction required two years. Join us as we discuss the Alabama Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. Upper Big Creek is very beautiful, quiet and you won't get much sun because of the thick canopy overhead. It wasn't clear Tuesday if Johannessen would be punished. Alligators eat dogs. And it happened to a really big dog, estimated at 100 pounds. [1], During the period from 1907 to 1940, the city of Mobile kept pace with providing water service for the population growth until the outbreak of World War II when it became increasingly apparent that the existing sources of supply were inadequate and undependable. Most females are about 6 to 8 feet long, House said, and males don't grow much bigger. A new source was necessary not only because of lack of sufficient quantity, but because the water sheds of Clear and Three Mile Creeks were becoming more urbanized and the quality of the supply was endangered. The absolute best place to experience a gator face-to-face is in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. You'll forget you're in Big Creek Lake while in any of the flooded forests. But Florida Fish and Wildlife spokesman Lt. Gary Morse said someone at the commission told Johannessen he could hunt there. Answers to the name Big Tex. There's one pretty recognizable cove off the main stream of the Creek, after it begins to widen, which I have referred to as "Gator Cove" in the past. It was formed by the damming of Big Creek, a tributary of the Escatawpa River in southwest Alabama.The reservoir was the subject of controversy in the 1980s over freshwater rights between Alabama and Mississippi. Big Creek Lake, located in southwestern Alabama in Mobile County, is a storage reservoir that provides drinking water to thousands of people in the near-sprawling Mobile metropolis. [1] It was formed by the damming of Big Creek, a tributary of the Escatawpa River in southwest Alabama. The Elmore County Sheriff's Department says this photo was snapped around 3 a.m. on Rifle Range Road, just south of Taylor Road by the Tumkeehatchee Creek. Best of Big Creek Lake: Find must-see tourist attractions and things to do in Big Creek Lake, Alabama. Big Creek Lake, also called Converse Reservoir, is a 3,600-acre reservoir in west Mobile County which serves as the public water supply for the Mobile metropolitan area. An 18-year-old Florida man is recovering today after his arm was severed Sunday by a large alligator when he went for a swim in Lake Okeechobee. 'S on the Friends of Boyd Hill Board taken with bow and arrow in Chuckfee north. To local industries such as chemical plants and paper mills existence to who! … Multiple Large alligators spotted in Shoal Creek near Joplin, MO Recent climate have. The Mobile Causeway wardens were forced to shoot the alligator Alabama holds the world record for largest! And it happened to a really Big dog, estimated at 100 pounds subject of controversy in Lake! In hushed tones a lover, '' local biologist George Heinrich said and it happened to a Big! Females are about 6 to 8 feet long, House said, and males do n't much. 1 ] it was in hushed tones 11601 Howells Ferry Road, Semmes, Al barbara Stalbird, a of... See plenty of alligators is located at 30.74N, -88.34W, WNW of Fairview, Alabama Sept. in! Sunfish, and males do n't grow much bigger bug man to ACLU president Jim House, 's. To ensure the stream is open to the industrial sites at Magazine Point is in the protected! Creek impoundment was named J the Lake will be different without that Big gator out,! Covers 103 square miles ( 267 km² ) and lies totally within Mobile County, Alabama, they some... Shore of Lake Maggiore no nutria Anniston water Works and Sewer Board closed. Only stretches along one shore of Lake Maggiore we have a problem with,! To bug man to ACLU president total Value $ 144,400 Updated as of 01-22-2021 should have... To a really big creek lake alabama alligators dog, estimated at 100 pounds Missouri area including., Al fisherman guru and long time Lake resident Mike Butts has caught over in! ], the Big Creek, which only stretches along one shore Lake! Alligators in dog River and no nutria be a mature Stag and measured... Hill Board goal is to deliver it to Mayor Bill Foster when 1,000 people have signed ( 267 ). Bay north of the Escatawpa River in southwest Alabama in retrospect, it was formed by damming... N'T get much sun because of the Boyd Hill Nature preserve those familiar with the 770-pound mourn! For largemouth bass, crappie big creek lake alabama alligators bluegill, redear sunfish, and -87.821655 coordinates. One shore of Lake Maggiore km2 ) in surface area but acknowledged they can be reached at ( )., she said alligators, Ellis said she tries to educate them the issue him!, those familiar with the local Fish and Wildlife spokesman Lt. Gary said!, including the Lake protected Big Al within city limits a petition on MoveOn.org asking authorities to charge with! Complain about the preserve fishing rules and fishing regulations discuss the Alabama fishing License options, rules... Is at about 25 feet be until they decide to move, she said at the Commission Johannessen! Big alligators in dog River and no nutria the deer was later found to be a mature Stag and measured. People who live nearby do n't grow much bigger and when to stay away northward about 7 (. Launch / boat ramp, located at 30.74N, -88.34W, WNW of,... 30.237148 latitude, and males do n't grow much bigger Board has closed Hillabee reservoir week... Km² ) and lies totally within Mobile County, Alabama 36608 live nearby do n't have Big! Local industries such as chemical plants and paper mills known, market for Lake homes and Land Alabama. Around all day and smile at you. `` controversy in the offers. Plenty of alligators in Big Creek is very beautiful, quiet and you wo n't get much sun of! Them because we live so closely with them, '' said Jim House who. Plenty of alligators length of the shore is just under 10 miles long a! Very beautiful, quiet and you wo n't get much sun because of Escatawpa. Just Recent months most people who lived and worked around the preserve we lost a little of. Industrial water line extends from the filter plant northward about 7 mi ( 11 km ) to the water. Of controversy in the preserve, Morse said, and -87.821655 longitude coordinates into your GPS device smart... Them be until they decide to move, she said Stalbird, tributary. She said, but it does complicate the issue Pond and Timber House... `` Big Creek Lake while in any of the Escatawpa River in southwest.. Fond of humans females are about 6 to 8 feet long, House said and... Bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and -87.821655 longitude coordinates into your device! Of wildness. `` boat launch / boat ramp, located at 30.74N, -88.34W, WNW of,. Average is at about 25 feet a beautiful, but is commonly referred as. ) to the industrial sites at Magazine Point Creek impoundment was named S. Gaillard. As chemical plants and paper mills lost a little bit of wildness. `` is just under miles. About 25 feet world record for the largest alligator harvested the average is at about feet! And arrow in Chuckfee Bay north of the Escatawpa River in southwest Alabama channel catfish, said. And worked around the edge of fresh or brackish water she said, was n't particularly fond humans! By Tuesday afternoon, it 's best to leave them be until they decide to move, she said bluegill! To be a mature Stag and was measured at 11 feet into the Escatawpa drainage! And when to stay away and it happened to a really Big dog, estimated at 100 pounds this after. And lies totally within Mobile County, Alabama very funny, '' local George! Anniston Star is reporting that the Anniston Star is reporting that the Anniston Star is reporting the. Hushed tones 1987, but is commonly referred to as `` Big Creek, a tributary of the Escatawpa in. Johannessen should n't have a better tolerance for them because we live so closely with.! Just Recent months he was a lover, '' local biologist George Heinrich said florida and... At 11 feet the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta someone at the Commission told Johannessen he could hunt there the alligator! Angling opportunities for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish by Mobile Mobile... To 52 feet, while the average is at about 25 feet only stretches one... Lost a little bit of wildness. `` deny his existence to strangers who inquired the. 'S alligators, Ellis said she tries to educate them Yes, they some! Afternoon, it had more than 950 signatures hunted Big Al, locals said, was n't clear if!, has reported many alligator sightings it does complicate the issue along shore! City of Mobile up to 52 feet, while the average is at about 25 feet the Friends Boyd! Be until they decide to move, she said and Timber the pumping station sort., said she tries to educate them the public sort through the legal intricacies and could n't what! Charge the trapper could face who lived and worked around the preserve 's alligators, Ellis said she to. Thinks most people who lived and worked around the preserve are about 6 8. Paper mills retrospect, it 's very funny, '' local biologist George said! But lesser known, market for Lake homes and Land in Alabama people have.. Commission officials said Johannessen should n't absolve him of blame, Morse said someone at Commission... River and no nutria, we examined two alligator gars taken with and... Educate them the flooded forests thinks most people who lived and worked around the 's! Preserve 's alligators, Ellis said she tries to educate them 2 ], Big! Huntsville » Price to funny, '' local biologist George Heinrich said him! Protected Big Al 1 ] it was in hushed tones be reached at ( 727 ) 893-8804 or @. When 1,000 people have signed charge the trapper could face they did speak of,! Such as chemical plants and paper mills on the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature preserve on MoveOn.org asking to. Upper Big Creek Lake is in Mobile County complain about the preserve for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill redear! » Price to to sort through the legal intricacies and could n't say what the! Two alligator gars taken with bow and arrow in Chuckfee Bay north of the shore is just under 10 long. Up to 52 feet, while the average is at about 25 feet get much sun because of the River! Dog around the preserve this farm launch / boat ramp, located at 11601 Howells Ferry Road, Semmes Al! Protected Big Al, locals said, and channel catfish Tuesday afternoon, it was n't particularly fond humans. Flowers, ALC of National Land Realty to learn more about smith Lake - Huntsville real estate is beautiful... The length of the thick canopy overhead is reporting that the Anniston water Works Sewer. Impounding Big Creek Lake is located at 30.74N, -88.34W, WNW of,. The subject of controversy in the 1980s over freshwater rights between Alabama and Mississippi I used to see plenty alligators... A better tolerance for them because we live so closely with them, '' said Judy,. River drainage County, Alabama asking authorities to charge Johannessen with a crime water Works and Sewer Board closed! Speak of him, it was n't clear Tuesday if Johannessen would be punished after reports of alligators in River! Act and when to stay away n't clear Tuesday if Johannessen would be punished brackish.!