NEW ORLEANS — Casey Caldwell and her friend routinely walk along Lake Pontchartrain, near Bayou St. John, where it’s not uncommon to see an alligator or two.
“Every other time for sure. If you stand still long enough, you’ll definitely spot one,” said Caldwell.
WWL Louisiana spotted one Wednesday morning during an interview with Caldwell. It’s the same area where a 9-year-old boy was attacked by an alligator Sunday evening.
“People should not be letting their kids or dogs swim in this bayou at all,” said Caldwell.
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the boy was with family while in the shallow water when he was attacked. First responders say his dad started beating the estimated six-foot gator, which then let the boy go with wounds to one of his legs. He was taken to the hospital and is now recovering at home.
This is the second time in less than a year that we know of that an alligator has attacked a child in the waters of Lake Pontchartrain.
Back in late August, a 3-year-old was attacked by an alligator at long-closed Lincon Beach. The child was taken to children’s hospital, but their condition was never released.
Weeks later, an alligator caused a stir along the lake between Orleans Avenue and Canal Boulevard. That’s near where Jerry Latner casts his fishing line weekly. He says he saw two gators about two weeks ago.
“If you be in the water, you’ve got to be careful what you do and you got to be careful how you move in the water,” said Latner.
Wildlife and Fisheries agents were called to the area where the boy was attacked to try to find the gator, but they had no luck.
“Most of the time, alligators are fearful of humans,” said the agency’s alligator program manager, Jeb Linscombe.
Linscombe says alligator attacks in Louisiana are extremely rare, but folks need to be mindful around the water.
“Just assume. Assume there may be alligators in this water bottom somewhere,” said Linscombe. “Just because I don’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there.”
Visible for not, it has Caldwell being cautious.
“We’re in their habitat. Swamps are right over there on the other side of the lake. So, be careful,” said Caldwell.
The Louisiana Flood Protection Authority is set to install alligator warning signs in the area. There is no date on when they will be ready.
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