Two Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were put to work catching and wrangling an alligator who was called in for “trespassing” in a residential area on April 14. Body camera video shows the officers capturing the gator with a rope, sitting on it to tape its mouth shut and dragging it out of the private property.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Louisiana expands its recreational alligator hunt.
- Selected hunters will have one month to harvest alligators beginning Oct. 1.
- Hunters will be able to harvest up to 10,000 alligators.
LOUISIANA – As alligator attacks rise in Louisiana, the state is expanding its recreational alligator hunt, allowing hunters to harvest up to 10,000 alligators.
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The expansion comes after several attacks in the state, including one that killed a 12-year-old boy and another that injured a fleeing DUI suspect.
An alligator is seen in a pond next to the ninth green prior to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
(Stacy Revere / Getty Images)
Under the expanded recreational hunting program, selected hunters will have one month to harvest alligators beginning Oct. 1.
Applications for the 2026 recreational alligator season opened earlier this year, with up to 5,000 hunters eligible to participate.
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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said the recreational season provides a controlled opportunity for resident hunters to harvest alligators separately from the state’s commercial alligator program.
An alligator is seen in a lake in Louisiana.
(Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
Those selected to participate will receive two harvest tags, allowing them to hunt alligators during the season. Hunters must be Louisiana residents, at least 16 years old and have completed a hunter education certification.
Louisiana estimates its alligator population at roughly three million.
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Wildlife officials say the recreational hunt is intended to provide a controlled harvest opportunity while helping manage the state’s large alligator population.
An alligator swims in a lake across from Camp 57 at Angola Prison, the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
(MATTHEW HINTON/AFP / Getty Images)
With alligator encounters remaining a concern, officials are also encouraging residents and hunters to learn how to stay safe during the season.
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Experts recommend visiting the state’s Gator Wise website for information and safety tips.
