From 1 to 31 October, 5,000 hunters will be allowed to hunt alligators for sport in Louisiana, marking the end of a ban that lasted 64 years. By 1962, alligator numbers in the state had fallen to about 100,000, leading to a total ban on hunting. Later, this was relaxed to allow very controlled, small-scale hunting. Since then, numbers have increased to more than three million. The result of this is that alligators and people are living more closely together. Alligators form a vital part of Louisiana’s wetland ecosystem (community of living things), such as by keeping waterways clear of weeds. This spring, hunters in Louisiana could enter a lottery for a chance to hunt alligators in a controlled way. So, should alligators be hunted, or should the ban stay in place?
Yes – there are too many alligators
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the alligator population has fully recovered. As the population has risen, people and alligators now live more closely together than they used to. As a result, alligators are often removed from areas where they threaten pets, livestock and humans. Hunting supporters say this shows there are too many alligators. The existing system, which allows people to hunt for meat and skin, shows the population is stable, even with some hunting. The alligator industry in Louisiana is worth £185 million a year. This has provided a financial benefit (way to make money) for people, encouraging them to preserve this habitat, rather than build on it or drain it for farming.
No – too many animals will suffer
Activists at the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida say methods used to catch the alligators, such as hooks, can cause them to suffer before they are killed. Some also argue that recreational hunters (people who hunt for fun) will try to catch the largest alligators they can find. Activists say this could interfere with the population as a whole, changing its average age and size, rather than just reducing numbers. It is expected that 10,000 animals will be killed under the new licences. Hunters only need a basic education certificate to enter the lottery. Activists fear some hunters may be inexperienced and many of the alligators will not be killed humanely, which would increase the risk of the animals suffering.
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