Lake Santeetlah also has a good population of crappie, bream and lake trout. How do you catch big brown trout at night? Appalachian Trail is between two of North Carolina's national forests: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. Most wild alligators have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years but can live as long as humans. Its a pretty popular attraction for Graham County. Are there saltwater crocodiles in North Carolina? "It is very difficult, expert water, Emmons said. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Nestled in the picturesque Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Lake is a beautiful man-made reservoir located in Macon County, North Carolina, near the towns of Andrews and Topton. If you get in trouble, you can just pull over. But you dont know youre going to get in trouble until youre in trouble. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in . My guess is more people die on waterfalls than rivers. Only three outfitters are permitted to offer guided trips Nantahala Outdoor Center, which only uses the river for training, Endless River Adventures of Bryson City and Outland Adventures of Cleveland, Tennessee. Its one of the things boaters look forward to each spring is Cheoah releases, Foy said. Nantahala Lake hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, which draw anglers from all over the region. In the fall of 2005, after nearly 80 years, the power company began releasing water back into the streambed to simulate natural flows, to help restore some endangered species including the Appalachian elktoe mussel and Virginia spiraea. Its hard to believe as normally such stunning features out in nature arent human-crafted. The more opportunities we can give people to enjoy being outside and to challenge themselves, without endangering them, thats living. Deer hunting and squirrel hunting are the most popular, with turkey hunting available during spring. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. Fishing can be from the shoreline or by boat. The lake has two public boat landings, and primitive camping sites are scattered around the lake on national land. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Alligators are not native to the Uwharrie Mountains, but one was found Monday paddling around in High Rock Lake in North Carolina. Are there alligators in Texas? However, present North Carolina still has a strong, pronounced population of Cherokee.[3][5]. The Weeks Act, named after John Weeks, was signed by President William Taft to protect forests and has been named to be the most successful piece of conservation legislation by protecting over 20 million acres of land. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. ; 2,149.97km2). Visitors can access the lake via several boat ramps and marinas located around the lake. Lake Glenville is a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Fall brings new life, as far as shallow fishing is concerned, and if big largemouth and smallmouth is your target, this lake ranks right there with the best of them. The picnic areas offer picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities, making it an excellent location for families and groups to gather and relax. The state is mainly known for being home to one of North Americas most extended rivers, the Mississippi River. This alligator 'popsicle' is making sure it can breathe in its frozen lake. Its also pretty shallow. Thank you for reading! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Among these animals present within the lake premises, alligators can also be seen. What kind of fish are in Lake santeetlah? Shortly after, John Bartram was appointed by King George III to be the royal botanist of the New World in 1765. Some of its species are catfish, walleye, smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass along with crappie, salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, rainbow, and brown trout. A secondary benefit was recreational boating. Like many reptiles, alligators reach a larger size in Florida and other southern latitudes, sometimes reaching 15 feet. The Cheoah is unique in the Southeast, Emmons said. Fish and Wildlife Service and river outfitters to hash out a new agreement. Nantahala Lake is a popular boating destination, offering ample opportunities for visitors to explore the lakes secluded coves and pristine waters. But in terms of fatalities, Cheoah is not on top. Maria Noakes' husband recounts her adventurous life, World champ Asheville kayaker and mom drowns in Cheoah River, Public memorial, fund set for Maria Noakes, who died in Cheoah River, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Kastorff said she believes Noakes would have wanted people to keep paddling, including on the Cheoah. Heres more on how you can enjoy the bluest water in North Carolina. Additionally, the lakes close proximity to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a popular destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience an adrenaline-fueled adventure. The Forest Service held an informal discussion with Brookfield representatives immediately after the accident. These companies had often stripped the land of its resources before selling to maximize profits and evade taxation. [2] Nantahala is located at 3,000 feet (910m) in the Nantahala National Forest. Alligators are not native to the region and cannot survive in the colder water temperatures of the lake. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. Neuse and Governor Caswell Memorial, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nantahala_National_Forest&oldid=1136086360, Protected areas of Macon County, North Carolina, Protected areas of Graham County, North Carolina, Protected areas of Cherokee County, North Carolina, Protected areas of Jackson County, North Carolina, Protected areas of Clay County, North Carolina, Protected areas of Swain County, North Carolina, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. But she said about 80 percent of Cheoah rafters are return customers. In North Carolina the American alligator inhabits fresh and estuarine bodies of water as far west as Robeson and Cumberland Counties, building dens with submerged entrances at the waters edge. ROBBINSVILLE - Laura Farrell was surprised to see her friend and kayaking mentor, Maria Noakes, last Saturday at the Cheoah Rivers Santeetlah Dam put-in. Located in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, the 531,148-acre Nantahala National Forest is the state's largest national forest. There is no charge to access Nantahala Lake, and it is open to the public year-round. It is the home of many western NC waterfalls. Lake Santeetlah has a wide variety of fish. Wilkins said he sees waterfalls as a bigger safety problem than whitewater rivers. The three paddled together until a large rapid known as Bear Creek Falls, when the kayakers lost sight of Huggins. Also on Wayah Road, the Lakes End Marina (828-321-3001), rents pontoons, fishing, and ski boats. Deer and bears are sometimes seen swimming across the lake or along the banks enjoying a drink of water or a bath. Theres no other place in North Carolina where youll be surrounded by small towns and charming locales. Residents, vacationers, and visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and camping on Lake Nantahala. Nantahala Lake in North Carolina gets its water primarily from the Nantahala River, which flows through the Nantahala National Forest. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. However, with many unwilling to sell, private land remains scattered throughout the Nantahala. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Noakes was not paddling during a dam release, but on a day after heavy rains. With 42 miles (68 km) of shoreline, the lake offers recreational opportunities at Nantahala that include swimming, boating, skiing, and many other activities. I got to give her a hug, Farrell said. Due to its environmental importance and historical ties with the Cherokee, the forest was officially established on January 29, 1920, by President Woodrow Wilson. Fish in the lake include trout, bass, catfish, walleye, crappie, sunfish, and freshwater salmon. Visitors may also need to purchase permits or licenses for certain activities, such as fishing or hunting. However, there may be fees for some of the recreational activities offered in the area, such as boating, fishing, and camping. People without experience have gotten on river.. 20 BEST Lakes in South Carolina. There are many things you may encounter when swimming in the ocean. At peak flow, the river produces Class IV rapids, considered high-volume whitewater that is difficult to navigate. The Nantahala National Forest (/nnthel/), is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina, lying in the mountains and valleys of western North Carolina. Among guided rivers, the Nantahala, considered a Class III, is the most popular. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". Several areas of old-growth forest have been identified in the Nantahala National Forest, totaling some 30,800 acres (125km2). We do Boat Rentals, storage (short and long term), Boat Repairs. People label themselves as kayaker because of the river and the passion that people have for the river. However, the last significant sighting dates back to 2017, when someone from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated that he saw three alligators at the lake. In some spots, the sun reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the forest only when it is high overhead at midday. These fees and permits are typically managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission or other governing bodies, and the specific costs and requirements may vary. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The lake has two public boat landings, and primitive camping sites are scattered around the lake on national land. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Make Short Casts. Boaters call it creeky because of its constant flow of whitewater without stretches of flat water, its many rocks and ledges. Are there saltwater crocodiles in North Carolina? Lewisville Lake is one of the largest lakes in north Texas, with 29,000 acres and 233 miles of shoreline. Combined with Jackson County, the two make up almost 30% of Mississippis alligator population. Kastorff is devastated by the loss of her friend. She said that was not the case with Noakes. The Nantahala National Forest (/nnthel/), is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina, lying in the mountains and valleys of western North Carolina.The Nantahala is the second wettest region in the country, after the Pacific Northwest. The forest then faced major remapping in 1936.[3]. But she said the accident was a fluke and it should not lead to boating restrictions on the Cheoah. Many miles of trout water exist in the forest. It defines life., When asked if he believes boating should be restricted on the Cheoah, Williams said, Hell no. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! When the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission dam license came up for renewal, the current power company, Brookfield Renewable, worked for years with stakeholders including American Whitewater and other paddling groups, the Forest Service, the state Wildlife Commission, the U.S. Inner tubes are prohibited, and everyone must wear a helmet and life jacket. Crocodiles can not mate with alligators. One of the largest lakes in north Texas, Lewisville Lake, is infested with alligators. There is the potential to take longer swims (when a paddler comes out of their boat). Crocodiles are not native to North Carolina, but two extremely rare Orinoco crocodiles are now living on one of the states barrier islands. One of the most extended river systems in the country, the Mississippi River is home to many wildlife species such as the paddlefish, leopard frog, cottontail, blue catfish, beaver, coyote, white-tailed deer, otter, muskrat, and even alligators. It was the last time she would see her friend. The river has several rapids with varying degrees of difficulty, providing visitors with an exciting and memorable experience. The temperature is about 48-52 year around. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. mi. The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in . Alligator Lifespan: How Long do Alligators Live? Jackrabbit Mountain. This page was last edited on 28 January 2023, at 17:48. The Nantahala is the second wettest region in the country, after the Pacific Northwest. Catching a cooler full of seatrout can sometimes be downright easy. Whether youre an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to relax in nature, Nantahala Lake has something to offer for everyone. The highest point in the district is Tusquitee Bald (5,280 feet (1,609 m)) located in Clay County. Nantahala Lake North Carolina also offers several mountain biking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Lake Nantahala is a special gem, up in the North Carolina mountains, as the water of the lake is well known for its clarity. This time of year, the surface temps are still warm so I would suggest fishing early and late. Water is released from the Nantahala Dam to create the [whitewater rapids] in the river. The water is being pulled from the bottom of Lake Nantahala about 250 feet below the surface. When speaking of alligators, Mississippi is one of the most alligator-infested places in the country. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. Some of the largest ones are Lake Mattamuskeet, Lake Waccamaw, Alligator Lake, and Pungo Lake. What is the cheapest lake to live on in North Carolina? Shackleford Banks is home to turquoise water that rivals the Caribbean. Several cautions by the lake management are now made to prevent further interaction with potentially-dangerous alligators. Lake Nantahala was formed in 1942 when the Natahala River itself was dammed to create a clean and crystal clear reservoir. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The lake is home to several species of fish, including trout, bass, and walleye, as well as other wildlife such as turtles, snakes, and various bird species. The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Energy and is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. And even if you know a river really well, that doesnt make it easier. The Nantahala River is a tributary of the Little Tennessee River, which eventually flows into the Tennessee River. These experienced guides offer insights into the best fishing spots around Nantahala Lake, along with tips on the best baits and lures to use. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. It is said that the most scenic portion of the trail is along Trimont Ridge in the Nantahala Mountains, where it crosses Fishhawk Mountains. The lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide electricity for war effort. In 2017, there were two waterfall deaths, and one so far this year when a 37-year-old man fell to his death from Upper Catawba Falls Feb. 24 in the Pisgah National Forest. Located high above the Wayah prong of the Nantahala River, Rocky Branch is the main lake access point. The average Kokanee Salmon across the country is 12 with a few lakes producing larger fish. Due to its environmental importance and historical ties with the Cherokee, the forest was officially established on January 29 . ; 1,011.7km2) in Macon, Jackson and Swain counties. Phone +1 828-257-4200. Families and tourists will have a lot to do when visiting this lake, with one full-service campground, four parks, and three designated swimming areas. The lake offers several boat ramps and marinas, where visitors can rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the lakes waters. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provides the latest information on fishing regulations at Nantahala Lake. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Its a gem in the Southeast and it brings a pretty decent economic impact to the area. Wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing are among the most frequent activities. I was happy to see her. Still, the most relevant can be dated to last year, in 2021, when someone spotted a 12-foot gator within the Pascagoula River drainage system. My absolute favorite time of year to hit Nantahala is winter and although it can be bone chilling with the high mountain winds, its reward is usually a great mess of yellow perch, smallmouth, and largemouth bass. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". How far north in North Carolina do alligators live? The Pascagoula River and its pristine drainage system make its bayous an excellent habitat for alligators. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, there are about 55 alligators currently making Okatibbee Lake their home. mi. With 42 miles (68km) of shoreline, the lake offers recreational opportunities at Nantahala that include swimming, boating, skiing, and many other activities. A view of the lake bottom from the Lakes End Marina dock. Nantahala was constructed in 1942 and is one of our many earthen dams. MORE: World champ Asheville kayaker and mom drowns in Cheoah River, More: Public memorial, fund set for Maria Noakes, who died in Cheoah River. Colonists from South Carolina established a trade of deer hides with Cherokees from the Nantahala region, their homeland. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. These wilderness areas provide an opportunity for solitude in a rugged, natural setting. Some really good catches come from the main body of the lake this time of year, Trolling seems to work best for me but vertical jigging can produce just as well. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Some guides also provide fishing equipment and transportation to and from the lake. In 2016 alone, there were six deaths from people falling off waterfalls or drowning in waterfall pools across Western North Carolina. They tend not to realize the danger, whereas the paddling community, theyre pretty well educated and trained and wearing safety equipment, Wilkins said. In conclusion, Nantahala Lake is a beautiful and serene destination located in the western part of North Carolina. The temperature is about 48-52 year around. The Best Camping near Nantahala National Forest. The Nantahala River (/ n n t h e l /) is a river in western North Carolina in the United States, within the Nantahala National Forest, and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Two-lane U.S. Highway 19/74 runs along the river, picnic areas dotting the route. She also led expeditions on rivers around the world, taught kayaking at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and competed in local races including the Green River Race and Jerrys Baddle. Rumbling Balds private sandy beach is the perfect spot to enjoy the sun, or to take a dip in the Lake. Look for schools of live bait getting crushed by sunshine bass and schooling largemouth bass at the mouths of the , 2023 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Lake Monroe & St. Johns River Fishing Forecast March 2023. Can you camp anywhere in Nantahala National Forest? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Catfish . One of the most overlooked gems in our mountain lakes is Nantahala Lake. Four long distance trails pass through the district: the Appalachian, Bartram, Foothills, and Mountains-to-Sea Trails. Beautiful Lake Santeetlah is one of most unspoiled lakes youll find in the North Carolina mountains, and often called one of the most beautiful in the country. The district also contains the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and part of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. You get breaks in between the rapids, alternating with flat water. The Appalachian Trail winds through the Cheoah Ranger District after leaving the Nantahala Ranger District on its way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most waterfall deaths occurred when people entered areas that were off limits. Visitors can marvel at the Milky Way, constellations, and shooting stars on a clear night. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". Lake Glenville is a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. When trolling, I usually use spoons and Alabama Rigs. There are two public boat launching areas the Rocky Branch ramp is on the east shore just off Wayah Road and the Choga public access area is on the west shore. With a sandy bottom and shoreline covered in white sand, a day spent at White Lake Beach is like a day at the (actual) beach, only much safer. Alligators can also be found in eastern Texas. Nantahala Lake Marine 5 20 #3 of 6 Outdoor Activities in Topton Gear Rentals Visit website Call Write a review About We are a full service Marine. Most of the Nantahala River deaths were attributed to foot entrapments, in which people stand up when falling out of a boat instead of floating feet-first to the bank, said Mike Wilkins, Nantahala District Ranger based in Franklin. Residents, vacationers, and visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and camping on Lake Nantahala. It adds an added element of challenge, especially for boaters from around here who are used to a slower pace of pool drop whitewater. The Cheoah is one of the most technically complex rivers on the East Coast, saidHeath Emmons, U.S. Forest Service natural resource specialist for the Cheoah and Tusquitee Ranger Districts. Marcus Tooker captured video and photos of the rare sight. Alligators become less common in coastal NC as you move from south to north. Some of its species are catfish, walleye, smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass along with crappie, salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, rainbow, and brown trout. There are a lot of drops and bends, rocks are obscured by water, creating hydraulics, holes and river features that werent there previously and need to be negotiated, Emmons said. There are several picnic areas located around Nantahala Lake North Carolina, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the serene surroundings while having a picnic. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Walleye anglers are not left out on Santeetlah. The river is also strongly preserved as it is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States. Nantahala Lakes natural beauty and tranquil surroundings also provide visitors with a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and to immerse themselves in nature. The most relevant alligator sighting here happened in 2011 when a visitor at the lake spotted and captured a photo of a small 3-foot alligator at the Mississippi River. The district's features include the Hiawassee River, Jackrabbit Mountain as well as Lake Chatuge, Lake Hiawassee, Lake Appalachia. Florida is known for its stunning beaches with crystal clear waters that draw in millions of visitors each year. The large alligator was swimming in the ocean at Masonboro Island last week. ; 640.8km2) Tusquitee Ranger District is the forest's second-largest district, and it is located in the far southwestern tip of North Carolina, within Cherokee and Clay Counties. Emmons said the Forest Service does all it can to restrict river use to the most experienced paddlers. The district's name, Cheoah, is the Cherokee word for "otter" because the lands adjoin four large mountain reservoirs and contain numerous streams. mi. The best time to fish at Nantahala Lake is during the spring and fall seasons when the water temperatures are ideal for most fish species. Bartram Trail was created in his memory in the Nantahala Ranger District, where most of his travels occurred. untouched outdoor spaces in the state. Shackleford Banks is home to turquoise water that rivals the Caribbean. In combination with swift-moving water, that can make it easier to flip over.. There is more angler content on Social Media! The man-made, 1,500-acre lake provides drinking water for Burlington. The Appalachian State University student was on a private raft trip with a group of friends when the raft hit a hydraulic, she fell out and became trapped under a rapid. ALLIGATOR FACT SHEET HISTORY The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has changed little from its original form some 180 million years ago. The most popular being smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and walleye. William Bartram, son to John Bartram, is considered to be "America's first native-born naturalist-illustrator". The trails range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal activity for visitors of all ages and abilities. Biologists say it is hard to determine ecologic restoration success after only a decade, but that the reintroduction of species is going well. The total area under management is 531,270 acres (830.11 sq. Nantahala Lake Marine & RV (828-321-BOAT) provides boat service, shrink wrap storage . Its one of highest lakes east of the Mississippi, and the water is so cold, theres no way there are any alligators here. In North Carolina, they inhab- it freshwater areas mostly east of Robeson County northward to Gates County. The water is tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Hickory Nut Gorge. What is the best lake to live on in North Carolina? The water is tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Hickory Nut Gorge. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. Here is some more information on Nantahala Lake fishing: Nantahala Lake is home to several fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, and various trout species. Lake Nantahala is a special gem, up in the North Carolina mountains, as the water of the lake is well known for its clarity. Comprised of various natural habitats such as wetlands, woods, forests, grasslands, and beach fronts, it is no surprise that wildlife is diverse and plentiful in the southern state of Mississippi. Originally built as one of the four flood control reservoirs in Mississippi, Grenada Lake is also now open to the public for recreational activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and watercraft sports. Crocodiles are not native to North Carolina, but two extremely rare Orinoco crocodiles are now living on one of the states barrier islands. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. [3], January 29, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson made the purchase of combined lands in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to form the Nantahala National Forest, which was much of the original territories of the Cherokee. He believes boaters should still have access to the river. Lake Nantahala is the only recognized area in North Carolina for salmon fishing. Fish and Wildlife Service. Due to the variety of habitats in the state, many interesting animals, like armadillos, bottlenose dolphins, flying squirrels, kingsnakes, and alligators, have been seen living here. Nantahala is the largest of North Carolinas four national forests and features a number of notable attractions, including them the Appalachian and Bartram Trails; Whitewater Falls near Cashiers, which are the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains; and the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, famous for its 400-year- . ; 486.1km2) in Graham and Swain Counties, and it is headquartered in Robbinsville, North Carolina. After that sighting, specific cautions advise lake visitors to report to the authorities once they spot an alligator during their visit to the lake. However, the depth of the lake can vary depending on factors such as water levels, rainfall, and the season. You can pick up your areas local edition at over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores. Its upper falls goes down 411 feet, totaling 811 feet. Within the most recent century, Bartram's work has contributed to increased public awareness of environmental preservation. Over the past 30 years, there have been at least six deaths on the Nantahala River and since 1996, there have been six deaths on the French Broad River, according to American Whitewater, which keeps tallies of river boating accidents and fatalities. (Image credit: David Arbor, courtesy of U.S. Forest Service) Oklahomans came face-to-face with popsicle-like alligators .