Poached alligator found in Bogalusa yard

Wildlife and Fisheries personnel discovered a dead, 11.5 foot alligator in the yard of a home near where Verret turns in Rio Grande Street. An investigation is continuing into the discovery and charges may be filed.


In Louisiana, possession of an alligator is a violation. The only times that is not the case is during wild alligator season, which starts annually on the first Wednesday of September and lasts for 30 days. Possession of an alligator during closed season is against the law as is possession of a live alligator without a permit.


In Louisiana, an alligator hunter must either own land or lease land that is classified as wetland habitat in order to qualify for alligator harvest tags.


The penalty for possessing an alligator during a closed season is $400 to $950, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court cost and forfeiture of anything seized.  The penalty for possession of a live alligator without a permit is $250 to $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court cost.