Taken from the local state park info website Brazos Bend, where we go about twice a week, and have had no problems with alligators, and the dogs.
Alligator Etiquette
Thousands of people visit Brazos Bend State Park every year and there have been no alligator attacks of humans.
When you visit the park you are the guest in this wild habitat and should treat all wildlife with respect. All wildlife in the park is protected. Feeding, harassing, injuring or removing wildlife is prohibited.
You can ensure your safety by following these rules.
1. Absolutely do not feed or harass alligators.
2. Pets must be on a leash at all times. The leash must be no longer than 6 feet at
any time. Bring water for your pet when you walk the trails. Never allow your pet to drink from or enter the lakes.
3. Keep a safe distance of 30 feet at all times. Do not assume the alligators are
slow and sluggish. Remember they can move at speeds up to 30 mph for the
first 30 feet.
4. If you hook a fish, an alligator may go after your catch. Do not continue to fish near an alligator which shows interest in your fishing line or catch. Do not use a stringer for your fish; keep them in a bucket.
5. Avoid any alligator sunning itself on the trail. The alligator has the right-of-way.
You may turn around and go back the way you came.
6. If you see a pile of twigs, grasses and/or soil near the lakeside or side of the trail,avoid it. It could be a nest and the mother alligator is probably close by guarding
it. This also goes for any group of small alligators one foot in length or smaller.
This is what we call a “pod” and they are still under the protection of their mother.
Mother alligators can be very aggressive if they feel their nest or pod is in
danger!
7. When an alligator stands its ground and hisses, you have come too close. This
is a warning! You need to slowly back away until the alligator no longer
demonstrates this behavior.
And another one.
On One Hand: Potential Dangers
Hiking around lakes in East Texas presents potential dangers that are unique to the area. The American alligator is native to East Texas. Most alligators in Texas are about five to six feet long, but they can reach over 14 feet long. The area is home to four types of venomous snakes; copperhead, coral, cottonmouth and rattlesnake.
On the Other: Safety Tips Protect Hikers
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, alligators usually avoid contact with humans. They warn that hikers should never feed, disturb or annoy alligators. On record, there has never been a human death involving an alligator attack in Texas. Learn how to identify venomous snakes and remain on marked trails.
Bottom Line
If hikers use common sense and good judgment, they can safely enjoy the trails around lakes in East Texas. Hikers should treat wildlife with respect, and keep their distance from potential dangers.
Both state, keep to trails, keeping dog on a lead, and never going to the water's edge.