Spotting an alligator in Liberty County is nothing out of the ordinary. Finding one floating down the East Fork of the San Jacinto River after someone killed it is another story.
Texas game wardens are investigating the illegal killing of an 11-foot, 1-inch American alligator discovered July 19 near Low Water Bridge Road in Cleveland.
According to Texas Game Warden Jake Guy, who serves Liberty County, a man spotted the alligator floating in the river, pulled it to shore and contacted authorities.
When game wardens examined the animal, they found two .22-caliber bullet wounds. One shot struck the alligator squarely on the top of its head.
Investigators now hope someone can identify the person responsible. Guy said it was not a legal harvest.
Liberty County falls within the American alligator’s natural range and is designated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a core county. That designation comes with strict regulations governing when and how alligators may be harvested.
In Liberty County, landowners cannot simply decide to kill an alligator. A Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist must first determine that the harvest qualifies under state regulations and issue a tag. Without that tag, killing an alligator is illegal.
Even with a tag, hunters must possess a valid Texas hunting license and complete the state’s hunter education course unless they were born before Sept. 2, 1971.
The legal alligator hunting season in Texas core counties does not open until Sept. 10 and closes Sept. 30.
Guy said residents sometimes assume they can shoot an alligator if it wanders onto their property or near a roadway. In reality, state law provides legal options for dealing with nuisance alligators.
According to Guy, if an alligator becomes a nuisance, don’t take matters into your own hands. Call someone who is authorized to handle the situation.
Liberty County contracts with a licensed nuisance alligator control hunter who can safely remove problem animals. Residents needing assistance can call 409-277-3617.
Texas Parks and Wildlife also reminds residents that feeding wild alligators is against the law. Feeding causes alligators to lose their natural fear of people, increasing the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact Operation Game Thief anonymously by calling 1-512-389-4848 or 1-800-792-GAME (4263), or through the Tip411 app with the keyword TXOGT. Include tip information and any applicable photos and information.