The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife officials are investigating the poaching of an alligator after a carcass was found in Choctaw County.
CHOCTAW COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) - The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife officials are investigating the poaching of an alligator after a carcass was found in Choctaw County.
Regional Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Game Ranger Jim Gillham confirmed, over the weekend of July 20-21, a citizen reported an alligator carcass in Southern Choctaw County. Upon investigation, a gator was found to have been poached and butchered, as the hindquarters and tail had been removed.
An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
There is a small, stable population of alligators present in southeastern Oklahoma, however, not in large enough numbers to permit an open hunting season, according to Wildlife officials.
“There is no open season on alligators in Oklahoma"
Regional Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Game Ranger Jim Gillham
Anyone with information about the taking of this alligator, or any other case in which wildlife has been illegally harvested is encouraged to contact their local Game Warden or Operation Game Thief at telephone #800-522-8039. Callers can remain anonymous.
