American alligators currently live as far north as coastal North Carolina, which is considered the northernmost extent of their natural range due to relatively mild winter temperatures
. They have also been found slightly beyond this range, with occasional sightings in Chesapeake, Virginia, and inland areas like Columbia, South Carolina, where they were not previously seen
. There are even reports of individual alligators in Maryland near Chesapeake Bay, though these are believed to be escaped or released pets rather than established populations
. The range of the American alligator is slowly expanding northward, likely influenced by rising global temperatures and climate change, which create more suitable habitats further north
. Alligators are cold-blooded and require warm temperatures to be active and digest food, so their survival and reproduction are closely tied to environmental temperatures
. Northeastern North Carolina is about the northernmost region where alligators live and breed naturally
. In summary, wild American alligators are primarily found up to coastal North Carolina, with occasional sightings further north into southern Virginia and possibly Maryland, reflecting a gradual northward range expansion driven by climate factors.
