9-Foot Gator Found Near Church In Palmetto

When 79-year-old Nelene Guidroz heard his dogs barking early Monday morning, the last thing he expected to be causing the raucous was a 9-foot gator next to his back fence. He lives in the middle of the small St. Landry Parish town of Palmetto, right next door to St. Thomas Mission Chapel. However, there it was.

As you can see from the map below, there are bodies of water near him, but that alligator certainly had to make a trip.

According to a biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, calls from people spotting the scary-looking reptiles are up. Alligators are typically more active this time of year when the temperatures are warm.

We in south Louisiana are accustomed to seeing gators out and about. However, the increase in calls may be due to the fact that we all are hypersensitive of their existence and proximity because of the recent attack at a Disney resort.

Officials are quick to point out, though, that if anyone sees an alligator that is too close for comfort, or if you feel threatened in any way, please call the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. They have a special nuisance control division they will dispatch to make sure that you and your family are safe. They know how to do their jobs, and they do it well. Just ask Mr. Guidroz.

Call the office closest to you to report an alligator that may be a danger to you or your family:

Alexandria               318-487-5885

Baton Rouge           225-765-2811

Lake Charles           337-491-2575

Minden                    318-371-3050

Monroe                   318-343-4044

New Iberia              337-373-0032

New Orleans          504-284-5269

Opelousas              337-948-0255

Rockefeller             337-538-2276

Thibodaux              985-447-0821

Cameron Parish Sheriff Department           337-775-5111
(Cameron Parish Residents Only)