Alligators on the move

Alligators are more likely to be seen out and about in the coming weeks, in the midst of warmer weather.

Warmer weather causes reptiles to stray from habitat – and sometimes into yards

As the weather warms up, some odd and potentially dangerous visitors might pop up in one’s yard — alligators on the move.

The St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter begins receiving more calls this time of year about stray alligators that aren’t inclined to attach themselves to the water. That said, Shelter Supervisor Dr. Jena Troxler says it’s important that residents not panic if they see a gator out and about.

In fact, many alligators, Troxler notes, are as afraid of humans as humans are of them. Often, they pose no notable threat.

“The mere presence of an alligator does not qualify it as a nuisance, even if it is located in an unexpected place. Most alligators, if left alone, will move on,” Troxler said.

Alligators less than four feet in length are naturally fearful of humans and are generally not a threat to pets, livestock or humans,  Troxler noted. However, it’s important to not feed the alligators, she noted. Doing so can cause them to lose their fear of humans, and thus become dangerous.

Troxler said the alligators tend to be seen out and about more often during the spring and summer, because it represents the time they’re moving to breed or relocate to a new habitat.

“Most of the alligators moving around are smaller ones that have been pushed out of their normal habitat by larger alligators,” Troxler added.

Starting on May 11, a resident property owner may call the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to send someone out to retrieve the stray gator (1-337-262-2080). Calls will be answered between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., and on weekends, one may call 1-800-442-2511.

Those calling those numbers will be issued a claim number to then call Kenny Schmill at 1-985-785-9007. Residents will not be charged.

[pullquote]“The mere presence of an alligator does not qualify it as a nuisance … most alligators, if left alone, will move on.”- Jena Troxler[/pullquote]

According to the LDWF, it licenses approximately 65 nuisance alligator hunters to capture the animals, a way to address nearly 2,200 annual complaints and minimize conflicts.

If a gator is actively near a person or posing a threat, though, the animal shelter will dispatch an animal control officer to assess the situation.

“One was recently in a Mimosa neighborhood and in a person’s front yard,” Troxler recalled. “When the animal control officer arrived, to avoid a repeat scenario, he did safely remove him, put him in the truck and relocated him to a remote area.”

The LDWF advises that unless the alligator is approaching people or otherwise posing an obvious threat, up should wait a few days to even a week to report it, as they are simply moving on.

Dos and dont’s

  • An alligator hissing noise means one has ventured too close.
  • If one has a close encounter with an alligator, back away slowly. It is extremely rare for wild alligators to chase people, but they can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances on land. Never assume an alligator is slow and lethargic.
  • If one walks near the water and an alligator comes straight toward you, especially if it comes out of the water, it is definitely a nuisance alligator that needs to be reported to the LDWF.
  • In areas near alligator sightings, it is wise to keep pets inside a fenced area or in the house for a few days, during which the alligator will often move on.

 

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