FORT WORTH -- Authorities are investigating the death of an alligator whose 11-foot-3-inch carcass was found by game wardens last week in the Trinity River between Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Worth.
"We are trying to determine the facts of how it died," said Tom Harvey, a spokesman for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.Harvey would not discuss details including how the carcass was discovered and whether authorities suspect the alligator was intentionally killed.The state allows alligator hunting in North Texas from April 1 through June 30, but only on private property. They cannot be hunted in public waters.Harvey said alligators, even large ones, do not necessarily pose a threat or problem."The problem is 'nuisance' alligators that have lost their fear of people and do pose a threat to people, pets or property," he said. "Such nuisance problems usually arise because someone has fed alligators or allowed them to get fish scraps or human food. This is why it's illegal to feed alligators."Harvey said that although alligators are more prevalent in East and Southeast Texas, "boaters and fishermen are well aware of the presence of alligators in the West Fork of the Trinity."In April, a small alligator was spotted in Lake Arlington.For more information go to www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/alligator/safety/index.phtml.Deanna Boyd, 817-390-7655Twitter: @deannaboyd
Safety tips
Never feed alligators.
Avoid swimming and other water activities in areas with large alligators.
Swim only during daylight.
Do not throw fish scraps in the water.
Closely supervise small children in and around water.
Do not allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in waters where alligators may be found.
If you hear an alligator hiss, move away. You are too close.
Nuisance alligators
To report an alligator that threatens people, call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's district office 817-831-3128 weekdays or 800-792-4263 after hours or on weekends.
Source: City of Fort Worth
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