Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations The Gator Experiment

Q: What is more interesting than having a gator in your lake?
A: Having two gators in your lake.

Picture of Sneaky Pete:


This week I discovered that my lake must be a gator haven. Much to my surprise, I confirmed that there are two gators living in my lake. I suppose there will be a whole mess (southern saying) 'o gators before this is all over with.

I am struggling with the prospects of removing the gators...

- There are safety concerns.

- I am told by my local biologist that if we remove the gator, another will likely take its place.

- What impact does a gator have to my fish population? This is unknown by me - many people seem to feel this is an issue; however I am still catching LMB like crazy. Anyone having experience here would be helpful.

- I learned that my gators do not seem to have an affect on the fish biting. The question was asked in another post. I hauled out several LMB which hit within 20 feet of the gator.

- Do the gators eat more bad stuff than fish? Snakes, turtles, predator birds, nutrias (I had these at one time, but are now gone � did the gator take care of these?), beavers, perhaps a feral hog or two, my neighbors pesky dogs - here boy, fetch!

- Long term will there be a whole colony of gators or will they migrate away as they grow?

Gator