Child attacked by alligator in Bayou St. John

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

LDWF agents reported that the incident occurred on Sunday, July 14, when the boy was in the shallow water area.

Agents said the child’s father was able to quickly free him from the clutches of the reportedly 6-foot-long alligator and he is expected to make a full recovery.

After the attack, an LDWF agent said they stayed and waited for an alligator hunter, but when the hunter arrived, the alligator was nowhere to be found. Agents have been working with the Levee Board to find and remove the alligator.

LDWF officials say licensed hunters capture and remove more than 1,000 nuisance alligators each year to minimize human encounters.

“The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries would like to remind the public that alligators are dangerous predators and it is important to always be cautious and alert for the presence of alligators in Louisiana waters. The public is also reminded to never feed alligators as this can cause them to associate humans with food,” LDWF agents said.

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