Toni Hopper
The Duncan Banner
DUNCAN —
Reports of an alligator near a public business could have some people in southern Oklahoma a little concerned, but instead it attracted a crowd that were more curious than concerned.
A team of four Oklahoma Game Wardens arrived on a recent afternoon at a fenced-in lagoon near the Duncan/Lawton Y, to capture the “gator” in a humane manner. The mission, headed by Chad Strang out of Cleveland County, was unknown as to if it would be accomplished quickly. But Strang, Jerrod Davis and their fellow officers, Mark Murray, Grady County warden, and Casey Young, McClain County, were ready if they were needed.
“Only a few of us have been through training in how to handle them. Me and Casey have been through training, but you never know what to expect,” Strang said.
Davis had arived earlier in the afternoon to survey the area and said he had seen an aligator. He didn’t think it was very big, but the possibility that a larger one lurking in the area was on his mind.
After the four game wardens toured the lagoon, they set up at the southeast corner when they caught sight of the gator, size still undetermined.
Strang’s first cast into the lagoon harmlessly hooked the gator and it was reeled in.
“I was surprised. Usually it’s not that easy,” Strang said.
Not leaving anything to chance the men made sure they had the 2 1/2-foot baby alligator by its tail and legs because the unsuspecting gator just had his peaceful evening disturbed. And he was upset, even making small gator noises. After taping it’s snappy jaws shut and its legs, the guys looked it over then began searching to see if there were any more lurking. After awhile, they determined all that was remaining in the lagoon were several extremely large turtles.
“In oklahoma, we’ve had no reported incidents involving people and alligators that I know of. It’s just part of being in the country, having the wildlife. It changes day to day and you never know what you’re going to get.”
Strang said alligators are a protected species and this particular one was released in an area farther south.
“Basically it’s illegal to possess one without proper license for them and you have to have special paperwork for them.”
Strang said “gator catching” isn’t new to him, but it’s also not a daily activity for Oklahoma game wardens.
— Toni Hopper is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. She can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 132 or by e-mail at: toni.hopper@duncanbanner.com.
