Brazos Bend State Park

BOU AVENUE
Brazos Bend State Park

After leaving Space Center Houston on the afternoon of 30 March 2024, Zosia Zgolak and I had a lot of daylight left to pay a visit to Brazos Bend State Park located just southwest of Houston, Texas. The park is renowned for its abundance of American alligators and a wide variety of migratory birds. Our first stop was at the park's Nature Center where we were allowed to touch a live baby alligator. We next went for a walk around nearby Elm Lake where we spotted several adult alligators lounging on the lakeshore. While there are plenty of signs in the park warning about the presence of alligators, we were a bit surprised by the seemingly casual attitude of park staff regarding alligator-human encounters given the abundance of people that use the park for recreational activities. As we would learn though, attacks are virtually non-existent here, and alligators generally try to avoid humans due to our intimidating presence (standing upright high above them). After circumnavigating Elm Lake, we did the same at 40 Acre Lake and saw several more alligators there, but most of these were harder to spot since they were lurking in the waters. Satisfied with all the wildlife watching, we left the park as daylight began to wane and drove to find a suitable place to camp before our next adventure.

Zosia touches a baby alligator at the Nature Center in Brazos Bend State Park.

They're cute when they're small!

Here is a closer look at the baby alligator.

	The baby alligator already knows how to lurk in the water.
	Most of the alligators in the park are motionless and almost appear to be statues.
	This alligator was active enough to bare its teeth. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Despite the presence of alligators, the trail around Elm Lake is frequented by lots of people including families and cyclists.
	This alligator has camouflaged itself somewhat. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	There is an alligator hidden in this view of 40 Acre Lake. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	This small immature alligator does not seem too concerned about being seen out in the open.
	A northern cardinal stands out from all the branches. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	The signs on this observation tower mark the water level of some historic floods in the area. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	In this view from the top of the observation tower, an alligator can be seen swimming in the water.
	Here is one last alligator hiding among the marshy vegetation. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak