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Alligator Program Held at Community Center
Posted on May 15th, 2023
Pat Wolever, river resident, student and researcher of alligators gave an entertaining and fact-filled presentation at the FOR Environmental public education program "Alligators: Fact or Fiction" on Sat May 13th. Here he demonstrates how to tell the age of a gator by it’s size. Starting at 6 to 8 inches as a hatchling, it grows about 12” a year, so an 8 ft gator can be around 10 years old.
Are there alligators in the San Bernard — yes, but most you don’t see as they normally avoid humans which they do not consider a food source.
Do not feed an alligator under any circumstances which includes throwing the remains of cleaned fish back into the river when a gator is seen in your area. If a neighbor does that please ask him to stop because it attracts the animal. Gators are not “hunters” but rather “lurkers” when looking for feeding opportunities. It is now a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, to intentionally feed an alligator.
Alligators have been known to prey on pets and must be treated with caution. If a gator is sighted near your property it’s advised keep your small yappy-type dog away from the edge of the bulkhead. Alligators actively feed at night so use ordinary common care and swim only during daylight hours. Closely supervise children when they play in or around water.
Alligators that repeatedly follow boats, canoes, or other watercraft, and/or maintain a close distance without submersing may be considered nuisance alligators. Call Texas Parks & Wildlife Brazoria County Game Wardens if you encounter a nuisance gator.
Door prize winners are l. to r. Sally Muilenburg holds a banner sporting a sunglass wearing alligator, Dana Swanson shows off an alligator oven mitt, Sharon Sharp holds an alligator salt & pepper shaker and Ken Wright hugs a stuffed toy gator.
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