It may come as a surprise to some that the American alligator lives in the southeastern part of North Carolina. The reptile is currently on the threatened list, but according to a survey done in 2015 — the first state alligator survey in 30 years — their population is rising.
In response to this growth, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commision has proposed to create an alligator hunt, and will be meeting in February to make a final decision.
Remember, the alligator is still on the threatened list and is still in danger of going extinct. To make matters worse, the proposed hunt would take place during the breeding time of the alligators, a period crucial to their survival.
This board, the North Carolina Herpetological Society and many others in the herpetological field agree that the hunt would be harmful to the state’s alligator populations.
Due to slow-growing gators, the volatile weather of North Carolina and a general lack of research, the ability to predict the alligators’ population growth is nearly impossible. Without the ability to fully understand the hunt’s impact, it would be irresponsible to allow people to legally kill an already threatened animal.
It’s true, most people can live their entire lives in North Carolina and never see an alligator, but that does not mute our responsibility to protect them. In a time when biodiversity is on the decline across the nation, it is on us to protect the state’s wildlife.
Luckily, there is still time to voice opposition to this hunt. Those concerned about alligators’ wellbeing should contact the Wildlife Resources Commision — if not, future generations of Tar Heels may not understand the saying, “see you later, alligator.”
