More alligators are popping up across the Rocket City.

While they have been in the Tennessee Valley for over a century, residents in the southern and western areas of Huntsville are seeing an increased number of alligators, according to the City of Huntsville.

The earliest sighting of an alligator in the area was in 1894.

Over the years, alligators have been seen in Morgan and Lauderdale counties, on Haysland Road and off Zierdt Road, like near this Madison apartment complex.

People may be seeing more alligators right now because the 900-pound animals are more visible after large amounts of rain.

While neighbors may want to approach an alligator and take a picture, officials warn against it.

“I would caution citizens to resist any temptation to play with, feed or otherwise interact with alligators when they are encountered,” District 5 Council Member John Meredith said. “No one wants to see anyone hurt or killed, especially children, as a result of human-alligator interactions.”

It’s rare for an alligator to attack a human. Florida only averages seven unprovoked attacks a year. An attack has not been documented in Alabama.

Because they are a federally protected species, it is illegal to kill an alligator without a reason. City of Huntsville officials say that you should call Huntsville Police if an alligator poses a threat to a person.