When do the Alligators get active in Louisiana?

Question

I'll be in southern Louisiana towards the end of March photographing swamp plants. Is there much chance of getting some good gator pics too?

I was down there in January doing some preliminary stuff for this job and didn't see much moving then, but I was mostly on the roads then.

Answer 1

In January it was cold and they were asleep. They're starting to wake up here in Florida, so I suppose by the end of March up in Lousiana, they'll be everywhere. Be careful because you will be out at about the same time courtship and breeding will be starting. This is when the bull gators are most territorial and aggressive.
Bear in mind, I have had people from Lousiana ask me about why our gators here act different from theirs, I won't go into all that right now, so maybe you won't have a problem...
But there's places down here you wouldn't be able to pay me to go out into in a canoe or kayak at certain times of year because in one of these boats, you're just something else long and low on the water.........

Answer 2

It's hot down there. They're always active. Be careful and watchful!