Alligator feeding to be reconsidered

A possible repeal of the the ordinance against feeding alligators in the parish was discussed at the July 18 St. Martin Parish committee meeting.

Atchafalaya Basin tour operators are concerned that they may face fines for the practice, which they do so their customers will be able to see the popular reptiles.

Tucker Friedman, owner/tour operator at Basin Landing, said that the risk posed by alligators is exaggerated. He added that, in 30 years working in the basin, he has never heard of a single incident of a person being injured by an alligator.

Friedman continued that feeding is only carried out by Atchafalaya tour operators far from the levee or other areas where people congregate. Without feeding, he said, the animals would not be visible enough to satisfy visitors.

“The large Alligators become very inactive in this high heat,” he said, “our business depends on  being able to show big gators to the tourists.”

Councilman Brook Champagne said the ordinance was originally passed because alligators were becoming bolder and more of a perceived risk to paddlers and fishermen at Lake Martin, not in the Basin.

Henderson officials  Mayor Sherbin Collette and Council Member Jody Meche both make their living in the Basin. They spoke in support of removing the feeding restrictions. “Our future is tourism, and, like it or not, alligators are really the biggest draw for most of our visitors,” Collette insisted.

Councilman Brook Champagne suggested that the council could consider leaving the restriction in place for Lake Martin and allowing feeding to be done under certain circumstances in the Basin. The issue will appear on the August 2 meeting agenda for a vote.