For some reason, I was thinking about alligators this morning, and remembered some times I spent in the marsh back in the early seventies. At that time, alligators were newly placed on the endangered species list, and even today, with their numbers rebounding, they're a protected species.
Back then, I would go with my brother, and friends, to go fishing in the local marsh. Part of the marsh was impounded with levees, which was fresh water, and the majority of the marsh was a salt water marsh, with an entirely different fauna, except for the alligators. There were many alligators. They thrived in both habitats, and required wariness when in the marsh. While they were usually afraid of humans, large females could become aggressive when protecting their nest. If they happened to attack, and you were alone, they could hold you in a death spin until you drowned. After that, if you weren't found, they could feed on your deteriorating body. Rotting meat being much more tender, eating a person was an easier task.
Maybe they were endangered, but considering what I saw, I have a suspicion their numbers were probably smaller than when they were originally counted, but never to the point of endangerment. Doing so allowed the species to grow in numbers, protecting the species allowed hunting permits (taxes for more public sector employees) and with government inclusion, opportunities for grants, with other slush funds for politicians. I may be wrong, but I might be right. I'll probably never know, but after watching the antics of government entities, I have a feeling I am probably right.
deteriorating body and feasting on rotted meat… someone hide Biden and Pelosi.
ReplyDeleteSounds like some good memories had with your brother and friends. Many things were better in the 70s. Except maybe my hair.
Over time, the places we traveled were included in a huge state park, so access was cut off. Only rangers, and other privileged people are now allowed.
DeleteA Cajun buddy who lives in the heart of Acadiana tells me that the rise of alligator farming has made commercial trapping of the gators hard to justify economically, so a lot less people are trapping them which has led to an increase in the wild gator population. Having more gators has led in turn to a decline in the nutria population. I'm down there frequently and have to say I'm seeing a lot more gators now compared to 15 or 20 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI haven't noticed more, or less, of the gator population, but am seeing more nuisance problems with an increase of people moving to rural areas. Feeding the gators is the worst thing to do. After time, they expect the food, their numbers grow in that area, pets become meals, and eventually, someone isn't paying attention when a large gator is hungry.
DeleteI do love me some fried gator tail.
ReplyDelete