Alligator spotted in same area where 9-year-old boy was attacked

NEW ORLEANS – Casey Caldwell and her friend regularly take walks along Lake Pontchartrain near Bayou St. John, where it’s not uncommon to see an alligator or two.

“Every other time, definitely. If you stand still long enough, you’re bound to spot one,” Caldwell said.

WWL Louisiana spotted one of these beetles during an interview with Caldwell on Wednesday morning. It’s the same area where a 9-year-old boy was attacked by an alligator on Sunday night.

“People should not let their children or dogs swim in this bayou at all,” Caldwell said.

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the boy was in shallow water with his family when he was attacked. First responders say his father began to beat the alligator, estimated to be 6 feet long, and it released the boy, who sustained wounds to one leg. He was taken to the hospital and is recovering at home.

As far as we know, this is the second time in less than a year that an alligator has attacked a child in Lake Pontchartrain.

In late August, a three-year-old was attacked by an alligator at the long-closed Lincon Beach. The child was taken to Children’s Hospital, but his condition was never released.

Weeks later, an alligator caused a stir at the lake between Orleans Avenue and Canal Boulevard. Jerry Latner fishes near the lake every week. He says he saw two alligators about two weeks ago.

“When you’re in the water, you have to be careful what you do and you have to be careful how you move in the water,” Latner said.

Wildlife and Fisheries officials were called to the area where the boy was attacked to try to find the alligator, but they had no luck.

“Alligators are afraid of people most of the time,” said Jeb Linscombe, the agency’s alligator program manager.

According to Linscombe, alligator attacks are extremely rare in Louisiana, but people need to be careful near the water.

“Just assume. Assume there are alligators somewhere in this body of water,” Linscombe said. “Just because I don’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there.”

There is no evidence that Caldwell is cautious.

“We are in their habitat. There are swamps across the lake. So be careful,” Caldwell said.

The Louisiana Flood Protection Authority will be putting up alligator warning signs in the area. There is no date yet for when they will be completed.

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