Child attacked by alligator in Bayou St. John

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — A child is recovering after being attacked by an alligator in New Orleans’ Bayou St. John, according to officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

LDWF agents reported the incident happened on Sunday, July 14, as the boy was in the shallow area of the water.

Agents said the child’s father was able to quickly free him from the 6-foot alligator. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Following the attack, an LDWF agent said they stayed and waited for a Nuisance Alligator Hunter but when the hunter arrived, the alligator was nowhere to be found. Agents have partnered with the Levee Board to locate and remove the alligator.

LDWF agents say the licensed hunters capture and remove more than 1,000 nuisance alligators every year to minimize encounters with humans.

“The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries would like to remind the community that alligators are a dangerous predator, and it is important to always exercise caution and stay vigilant for the presence of alligators while in Louisiana waterways. The public is also reminded to never feed alligators as this can cause them to associate humans with food,” said LDWF agents.

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