Mississippi considers alligator hunt due to rising population
State officials said that the hunt would not be a recreational hunt, but would be targeted at reducing the state's population of alligators
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Mississippi may be saying "see you later" to some of its alligators.
The state's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has proposed a hunt with the goal of reducing the alligator population in the state. The hunt would be focused on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, where local officials say there is a high number of reports of nuisance alligators.
State officials in Mississippi proposed an alligator hunt for two weekends in May 2023. (iStock)
The proposed hunt would be scheduled for May 5-7 and May 12-14 in 2023, the Associated Press reports. The state plans on issuing 24 permits, or 12 for each weekend.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The permits would allow the hunters to harvest two alligators each. Also, certain safety precautions would have to be followed due to the area's proximity to residential areas.
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The alligator population in certain areas of Mississippi has been rising, causing more reports of nuisance alligators. (iStock)
Alligator Program coordinator for the state Ricky Flynt explained, "We’re trying to control the adult breeding population. The adult females are what we’re trying to get out. This is not a recreational hunt, but we want to offer an opportunity and allow recreational hunters to help us."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The hunt would prevent participants from killing alligators within 100 yards of any structures. Also, the timing of the hunt would set it right before the animals start to have the most interactions with residents.
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The hunt would offer 24 hunters the opportunity to harvest two alligators each. (iStock)
"We get tons of alligator complaints," Flynt said. "It’s chronic during the months of June and July."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}According to Flynt, he realized how bad the problem was during a survey of the bay last year.
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He explained, "It was eye-opening. I found 18 nests. I know there’s more, I just can’t find them. At a minimum of 18 nests, my estimate is we’re producing about 350 to 450 hatchlings a year."