Wildlife officials catch 7.5 foot gator at City Park, looking for a larger one
NEW ORLEANS —
Louisiana wildlife officials confirm to WDSU Saturday a 7.5-foot gator was captured in City Park.
They also confirm they are still looking for a larger one in the area this after a large alligator was spotted in City Park near a popular walking trail.
Video of the alligator was shared with WDSU by Lisa Plaia on Thursday.
According to Plaia, the alligator normally is seen near Marconi by Allen Toussaint Boulevard, but Plaia is concerned by its proximity to the walking path.
Plaia said many people use the walking trail, and is concerned for residents who walk their pets nearby.
Plaia posted on Nextdoor about her concerns that the public is feeding the alligator due to a plate and food seen in front of the animal.
Her post read:
“This is regarding the gator that hangs out near the Marconi walking path by Allen Toussaint Blvd. I’ve suspected for some time that humans have been feeding it because of its proximity to the walking path and its interest in people passing by. It would swim towards you, stop, and then watch you, probably waiting for someone to toss it food. Gators are naturally shy and typically avoid humans, only taking interest in them when they are given food. There are ample food sources in City Park and the bayou. We do not need to feed them. The gators that seek out natural sources stay away from the humans.
“Yesterday afternoon, while walking my dog, someone called out to me and asked if I saw the gator. I did not. I was walking south toward Filmore, and the tree and bushes blocked my view. This was the first time I’ve seen him out of the water, near the path. As I went to take the first video, he ate a piece of unidentifiable food off the plate in front of him. Though I wasn’t quick enough to catch it on video, you can still observe him swallowing the food.”
Plaia’s post reminded residents not to feed alligators.
“Whoever is feeding the gators… STOP. You are endangering pets and people. You are also endangering the gators that you think you are helping. Those that approach humans are often euthanized, because they become a hazard to the community. It is illegal to feed the gators in City Park. Report people that are feeding/baiting them to City Park Police: 504-421-9307,” Plaia’s post read.
WDSU has also reached out to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regarding the alligator and feeding concerns. At the time of this publication, a response had not been received.