Alligator Spotted in Local Lake, Forces Closure

PALESTINE — The city of Palestine has closed Upper Lake after the discovery of an 8 to 10 foot alligator. According to KETK, the foremost concern is for public safety and they are not allowing anyone into that area until they can capture and safely move the animal. KETK spoke with Richard Ott of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to get some information on the risk involved. Ott says they have always been aware of alligators in area lakes but generally they keep to themselves as long as humans don’t feed them. This causes the animals to lose their natural fear and become more bold.

Ott says since the alligator fell under protection in the 70s, their numbers have grown, so we have seen more of them in our lakes in east Texas as well. The young males will sometimes venture out to expand their territory, but usually, they see us before we see them and they hide. If you spot an alligator, steer clear and report the location to the game warden, or Texas Parks and Wildlife.