The Northwestern State women’s track and field team just keeps getting stronger after the Lady Demons inked a three-time All-American and a junior college national champion.

Kansas transfer LaTyria Jefferson has qualified for the NCAA Outdoor National Championships the past two seasons in which she’s competed, including a second-team All-American nod in 2018 in the high jump with a 12th-place finish.

South Plains College product Janiel Moore is the reigning 400 hurdles champion with a 1:00.65, and Moore’s career best has broken the one-minute mark (59.68).

Jefferson is a DeSoto, Texas, native who will have one more outdoor season to compete after she redshirted this past season.

The jumper has two honorable mention All-American nods with a 24th-place finish in the long jump in 2018 and an 18th-place finish in the high jump in 2017.

“We know what LaTyria is capable of, and we’ll see where she’s at after she redshirted this past (outdoor season),” said NSU jumps coach Tyron Stewart. “We don’t have any expectations coming in, but I think those expectations will rise once she gets in and starts working with us.

“It’s very important to add depth to our jump group with an athlete that can do multiple events. She can help us in the Southland Conference and hopefully get back to the national stage. She’s a veteran that can help our younger high jumpers and show them how to be elite at the NCAA level.”

Jefferson took high jump silver at the Big 12 Championships with her career-best 6-foot jump in 2018, which ranks third all-time in Kansas history.

Her best long jump mark of 20-5.25 ranks ninth in the Kansas record books, and she also captured a bronze in the Big 12 Championships in the event.

Jefferson also captured a Texas Relays title in the high jump in 2017.

Moore hails from Jamaica and can be a threat in 400 and 800 meters as well as her specialty 400 hurdles.

Her best times include 54.91 in the 400 and 2:12.71 in the 800.

“She’s 6-foot-1, so she has a natural advantage in the hurdles,” said NSU associate head coach Adam Pennington, who is in charge of sprints. “She’s an incredible athlete that I first saw at Texas Relays.

“Her recruiting process has been long as she had plenty of Power Five offers, but she was looking for somewhere where she was comfortable. She feels a gap for us as we position ourselves to compete for a team Southland Conference championship, and I think she can be an individual champion in this league that can score in multiple events.”

Before capturing a national title in the 400 hurdles as a sophomore, Moore posted two top-five finishes as a freshman.

She placed fifth in the 400 hurdles and third as member of South Plains’ 4X400 relay.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Brantley Ray Spivey
July 16, 2019
Service: Sunday, July 21 at 2 pm at The United Pentecostal Church of Montgomery
Interment: Union Hill Cemetery near Montgomery

RAPIDES PARISH:

Zelda Carch Kaplan
June 18, 1922 – July 9, 2019

Donald Smith
July 29, 1926 – July 17, 2019
Service: Sunday, July 21 at 3 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church

Cesar Lutfallah
January 18, 1967 – July 12, 2019
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 1 pm at St. Rita Catholic Church

RED RIVER PARISH:

James Ernest Brown
June 10, 1943 – July 16, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, July 20 at 1 pm at the First Baptist Church of Coushatta
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Coushatta
Interment: Liberty Cemetery in Martin

SABINE PARISH:

Delores “DeLo” Lewing
December 4, 1935 – July 13, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, July 20 at 12 pm at Alford Heights Baptist Church in Many
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm at Alford Heights Baptist Church
Interment: Old Pisgah Cemetery

Barbara Prescott has been named University Registrar at Northwestern State University. Her appointment has been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.

Prescott will supervise and manage the University Registrar’s Office including functions for student and faculty academic services, registration and graduation, records, Veteran Affairs and NCAA Certification.

She has served as acting registrar since September 2018. Her responsibilities include supervising and managing all functions of the University Registrar’s Office, supervising and managing academic student records in the Banner system, supervising Banner security, authorizing access to the student system, and coordinating the processes for the Curriculum Review Council and the production of the University Catalog.

Her job includes chairing several university committees including the Registration, Credits and Graduation Council, Grade Appeal Committee, Commencement Committee, Registration Committee, Data Entry Standards Council and the Academic Calendar Committee. Prescott supervises the collection and maintenance of grades, coordinates and produces the 14th-class day count and graduation count reports to the Administration at NSU, the State Board of Regents and the Board of Supervisors. She assists faculty, staff and students through counseling, advising and the interpretation and enforcement of academic policies.

Prescott has nearly three decades of experience in the University Registrar’s Office. She was a University Records Analyst Coordinator from 1990-2008 then served as Assistant to the Registrar for Student Services from 2008-2018.

Prescott earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology along with a Master of Arts in Adult Education at Northwestern State.

Dr. Ruth Weinzettle has been named head of the Department of Social Work at Northwestern State University effective July 1. The NSU Department of Social Work offers the nationally accredited (CSWE-Council on Social Work Education) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, with face-to-face and online options. Weinzettle has been on faculty at NSU since 2006 and has been acting director for the last year. Her appointment as department head was approved last month by the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System.

Weinzettle’s first act as department head was to announce that NSU’s social work program was recently ranked fifth online program in the nation by bestcolleges.com, an organization that researches online programs to inform students about institutions that provide quality distance education at an affordable cost.

“I am excited about continuing to lead and work with dedicated colleagues to provide an excellent BSW program,” Weinzettle said.

The department will begin the year with several new faculty and staff in addition to experienced faculty members who will collaborate to achieve departmental goals. Goals include strengthening the online program offerings, establishing stronger connections with social work alumni and community agencies, enhancing efforts to engage with students, including online students, offering student scholarships and implementing the first social work endowed professorship given in honor of Matilde Bradford.

“It will be a busy first year as Head of the Social Work Department,” she said.

Weinzettle chose social work as her life’s work as a teen and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work at Louisiana College and master’s and Ph.D. in social work at Louisiana State University. She began her career in Marksville and worked five years with the State of Louisiana in Child Welfare , the area that influenced her decision to be a social worker. She then spent nearly a decade at Family Counseling Agency in Alexandria as a social worker, family violence program coordinator, clinical supervisor, director of professional services and interim executive director. She transitioned to academia and taught at Louisiana College for 14 years before joining NSU’s faculty in 2006 as associate professor and coordinator of NSU’s Cenla social work program,

She has since served as a professor and director of field education and NSU Lead of the State of Louisiana’s Title IVE Stipend Program. She has taught classes in human behavior and the social environment, generalist practice, field placement, research methods, marriage and family and generalist practice with families. As acting department head, she has for the last year overseen curriculum development course scheduling, budgetary issues, faculty evaluation and other duties.

While teaching college, Weinzettle has also been active in part-time private social work providing therapy services, supervision and consultation services regarding social work practice, community practice and programs. She has been a member of the Association of Social Work Boards since 2004 serving in several leadership capacities.

Professionally, she is an appointed member of the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners, is a member of and site visitor for the Council on Social Work Education and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Weinzettle is currently a volunteer mental health consultant for the Strong Neighborhoods Project directed through the United Way of Central Louisiana and an evaluator for the Extra Mile Parent Project. She is a member of St. James Episcopal Church and the Red River Chorale.

Northwestern State’s online bachelor’s degree in social work at NSU prepares students for generalist social work practice. This 120-credit program includes 53 credits of core social work courses. Students graduate with a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree upon completing the program. Online courses follow both synchronous and asynchronous delivery formats, and courses are taught following the typical 16-week semester with fewer courses offered in either the 8-week A or B terms. In the summer, students can opt to enroll in 4-week or 8-week terms. The BSW program does not require any campus visits for completion. Students meet the field work requirement within their home area with the approval of the school.

Angie Cole started her career with City Bank & Trust Co. in March of 2007. She works at the Campti branch as a Customer Service Representative, Loan Assistant and when needed Teller. Angie and her husband Larry just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on June 1. They have three children, Larry, Ashley and Katie. She is “Nena” to grandsons Noah, 4 and Malachi, 2 and is patiently waiting on baby Elijah to arrive in October. Angie attends Fairview Baptist Church where she and Larry are over the Teen Sunday School class. Her hobbies are working in her flower beds, hunting and fishing.

Spots remain open for the annual Summer Super 60 Prospect Camp set for Aug. 3 at Brown-Stroud Field.

The Super 60 Prospect Camp includes a pro-style workout, followed by games in the afternoon. Players will run a 60-yard dash, throw from infield and outfield positions and hit batting practice on the field. Radar readings for each player’s throws will be given to the players.

The cost for the camp is $150 for position players and $100 for pitchers. Position players who sign up as a position player only will have the opportunity to throw a bullpen session after the game.

Players who want to both pitch and play a position during the games must sign up for both.

Campers need to bring their own equipment, including a glove, bat, batting gloves, batting helmet, running shoes or turf shoes and any other gear they feel necessary. Please mark the camper’s name on all items.

Log onto www.collegebaseballcamps.com/demons to register for more information on the Bobby Barbier Baseball Camps.

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity believes that leadership isn’t positional — it can come from anywhere in the organization. In that spirit, three of the emerging leaders of the Beta Omicron chapter at Northwestern State University are now prepared to utilize that potential to lead on campus. Nich OIivares, Ben Butcher, and Colton Campbell are among the nearly 80 leaders selected from Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity’s 12,500 undergraduate members to participate in Pi Kapp College for Emerging Leaders, an intensive, six-day leadership development experience that empowers participants to create the ideal chapter.

The trio attended the second session of the program June 9-14, 2019 at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Two other sessions are held in May and July. The program is designed to challenge and inspire participants to become better leaders and better men.

Student participants were assigned to small groups consisting of Pi Kappa Phi members from around the country, led by two faculty. The facilitation team, made up of alumni and non-member friends of the Fraternity, provided a wealth of knowledge to attendees, including decades of higher education and leadership development experience to challenge and support the men.

Olivares says the experience provided a critical opportunity for personal growth.

“Pi Kapp College changed the way I perceived the world around me. I questioned my way of thinking heavily on this trip and learned what my strengths were and how to use them to my advantage.”

Beta Omicron chapter alumnus Lane Luckie served as lead faculty member for this session, while alumnus Wes Breeden will return as lead faculty for the July session.

The week included small group discussion, large group education sessions, a challenge course, unique subordinate rituals, and an insider look at Pi Kappa Phi’s history on the nearby College of Charleston campus. The Fraternity was founded there in 1904, making the physical setting an important element of the program. Participants also spent time bowling with clients of the ARC of South Carolina, experiencing how their values connect to the Ability Experience, the fraternity’s philanthropy, which serves people with disabilities.

As the week progressed, participants were challenged daily to learn and reflect on their own morals and strengths as well as the core values of the fraternity. Campbell said the week of inner-reflection and team-building helped him hone skills in teamwork, building brotherhood, and motivation.

“The most significant lesson I learned at Pi Kapp College is the skill to bring people together as a team to accomplish a mutual goal.”

Campbell plans to immediately work to motivate his chapter brothers to become more involved on campus.

“With my experience I am going to strive to create the ideal chapter while having fun along the way.”

Attending Pi Kapp College for Emerging Leaders is an honor in itself. Students are selected through a rigorous application process, involving interviews and essays. Graduates leave with an increased commitment to acting consistently with their core personal values and values of Pi Kappa Phi, enhanced abilities to develop and enrich relationships as well as a strengthened commitment to respecting the dignity of all people, and embraced belief in aspiring toward the “ideal chapter,” and developing the capability to move a plan into action.

Pi Kapp College for Emerging Leaders has proven to be one of the fraternity’s most impactful ― and most enduring ― leadership experiences. Since its redesign in 2010, nearly three-quarters of all Pi Kapp College graduates have gone on to hold leadership positions in their chapters or campus communities.

The three NSU students were able to attend the program through the generosity of the Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter, which continues to sponsor airfare for NSU participants.

Save the Children, which has operated Head Start and Early Head Start programs since 2011, has expanded operations in Louisiana and will now serve children and families in three additional parishes, including Natchitoches, Red River and DeSoto, the nonprofit announced on July 16. The program will serve 310 children, including 270 children ages 3-5 in the Head Start Program. For the first time, Early Head Start services will be offered to 40 infants and toddlers ages birth-3. Services will begin this fall with enrollment commitments to children with special needs, children in foster care and to families experiencing homelessness.

Save the Children has assumed operations from the Natchitoches Parish Government following its 29-year legacy administering high quality Head Start services in both Natchitoches and DeSoto Parishes. Sharon Harris, executive director of the Office of Community Services for Natchitoches Parish, shared, “We are pleased to see the early education opportunities will continue with expanded services for our families.”

“Save the Children is grateful for the opportunity to expand its Head Start programs in Louisiana and excited to introduce center-based Early Head Start services for infants and toddlers for the first time in these three parishes,” said Khari Garvin, Save the Children’s executive director of Head Start. “We look forward to building on the Natchitoches Parish Government’s history of serving young children and their families for the last three decades.”

Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs that offer early learning opportunities to children birth to age 5 and their families living in poverty. The programs provide comprehensive services, including education, health, social-emotional and family engagement, to address the developmental needs of children and families. Save the Children operated Head Start and Early Head Start programs in rural communities in four states- Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, and North Dakota- serving more than 1,600 children and their families.

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children- every day and in times of crisis- transforming their lives and the future we share.

Parish President Rick Nowlin has announced his intention to make appointments and reappointments to the following boards and commissions which currently have vacancies or members with expiring terms:

Fire District #1 (Cloutierville area)
Water Works District #1
Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve
Fire District #10 (Powhatan area)

Any resident interested in serving on a board or commission should submit an application to the Office of the President. In addition, any current members of these boards and commissions who have expiring terms are encouraged to apply for reappointment. Applications may be picked up at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse, located at 200 Church Street, or by contacting David Kees, Jr., Executive Assistant to the President, at (318) 352-2714.

Rotary District Governor Alan Barth met with the Rotarians at their July 16 meeting. He discussed the history of the Rotary mission statement (i.e., he profits the most who serves his fellow best, and service above self.), the service projects Rotarians are involved in internationally, and the service activities provided by Rotary Club of Natchitoches and other local Rotary Clubs. Pictured from left are Rotarian Linda Thomas, Rotary Club of Natchitoches David Guillet, and Barth (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

RAPIDES PARISH:

Cesar Lutfallah
January 18, 1967 – July 12, 2019
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 1 pm at St. Rita Catholic Church

Kenneth L. Sansom
August 19, 1937 – July 13, 2019

Irene Joan Mihialides Matthews
August 19, 1928 – July 14, 2019
Service: Thursday, July 18 at 2 pm at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

SABINE PARISH:

Bobby Joe Rush
May 30, 1954 – July 14, 2019
Service: Thursday, July 18 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Bethsadia Cemetery

Delores “DeLo” Lewing
December 4, 1935 – July 13, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, July 20 at 12 pm at Alford Heights Baptist Church in Many
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm at Alford Heights Baptist Church
Interment: Old Pisgah Cemetery

Join Clayton Home of Natchitoches on Saturday, July 27 as it celebrates a program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their very own business!! Let your little one come set up their lemonade stand and earn some summer cash!

Interested in being a Yard Sale Vendor? Booth rental is free!! Great location on busy highway!! Call 318-356-9866 to reserve your spot. Clayton Homes is located at 5879 Hwy. 1 By-Pass.

By Kris James

TGIW Stylers! Being an entrepreneur is not easy, especially when you’re living in a small town. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and style. So what better way to showcase a local business owner, than to shine a spotlight on someone who keeps Natchitoches looking stylish. I recently got a chance to catch up with Tammy Metoyer to talk timeless pieces, entrepreneurship, and everything fashionable.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tammy years back when we both participated in a local fashion show. I immediately introduced myself and asked her to be in my annual fashion show. She agreed to do it without any hesitation. Without even knowing me she supported my vision and believed in what I was trying to do. In a town where clothing stores tend to lack real fashion, her store has continued to push the fashion envelope. It’s the go-to spot for the socialites that are always looking to turn heads.

After buying the clothing store in 2013, Tammy has turned it into a fashion empire.

KJ: How did you get into the fashion business?

TM: Honesty, it just happened. The store was already in the process of closing when I asked the owner’s sister, who I worked with at St.Mary’s, if she’d be interested in selling it. I walked in and we made a deal. Three weeks later we were back open.

KJ: I guess it was meant to be!

TM: Yes! I was thinking if one thing goes wrong that’s it, but everything went smoothly. Working at Walmart was the only retail experience I had. I didn’t know anything about running a clothing store but I knew people and I knew customer service.

KJ: Who would you say was your biggest fashion influence?

TM: My customers are my biggest influence honestly. I like talking to ladies about what they’re looking for as they shop. As I shop vendor sites I look at the “most popular” styles and I order them. If it catches my eye then I just go for it.

KJ: One thing I love about your store is that it has something for everyone. In the retail business that’s hard to do without losing your brand’s identity

TM: Yes! I try to keep a wide variety of styles in the store for all ages from tweens to more seasoned ladies. You know, like my age. I’m a “boy mom” so I missed out on girl time. Now I dress all kinds of ladies. My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing all of the smiling faces and the sweet “thank yous” I get from my customers.

KJ: What are some wardrobe staples for any occasion?

TM: I feel like every lady should have that fabulous black dress, a reliable jean jacket, that pair of perfect fitting jeans, and a few easy-to-wear t-shirts. But of course, you can NEVER EVER have too many shoes, purses, and jewelry.

In an era where online shopping is taking over Tammy has managed to find the secret to success. She continues to provide a great shopping experience and always keeps the ladies updated on affordable luxury items that won’t break the bank. Her store is a staple in Natchitoches and I can only see it getting bigger!

“Never overthink it, just go with it.” – Tammy Metoyer

Twenty-year veteran of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, medical marijuana proponent, former law enforcement officer and long-time farmer, Charlie Greer has announced his candidacy for Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry.

“We are truly blessed with an abundance of natural resources here in Louisiana,” says Greer. “I’ve given the biggest part of my life to public service and the Department of Agriculture & Forestry in the great state of Louisiana. As your Commissioner, I will use my experience, knowledge and leadership to create an effective and proactive agency with sufficient manpower and funding so we can better protect and advocate for our consumers, our resources and the hardworking citizens of our state’s diverse agricultural and forestry industry.”

Greer is also a strong advocate for medical marijuana and the production of industrial hemp.

“In 2015, legislation was passed allowing experts at LSU and Southern University to grow and produce medical-grade marijuana,” says Greer. “But for more than three years, the current commissioner has created roadblocks. When elected, I will work diligently to remove the bureaucracy surrounding the process to produce this vitally important plant-based medicine that patients in Louisiana are legally entitled to.”

Greer is a member of of numerous community and state-wide organizations. A lifelong hunter, fisherman and farmer, Greer and his wife Martha reside in Natchitoches Parish where they attend Good Home Baptist Church.

Greer is a native of Pine Prairie where he grew up farming. He attended LSU and graduated from their Law Enforcement Institute, where he was elected class president. He served as chief deputy and chief criminal investigator for Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, wildlife agent and president of the Louisiana Wildlife Agent Association and lobbyist for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. He also served the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry for 20 years, where at the time of his retirement in 2013, he was program director/forestry enforcement chief and working closely with the state’s landowners and loggers. He’s also raised both cattle and horses and currently manages family timberlands. Greer was appointed by the governor to serve on the Red River Waterway Commission.

CITY OF NATCHITOCHES: JOB OPPORTUNITY

POSITION: Recreation Director

DESCRIPTION: Performs a variety of complex professional and administrative work in planning, developing, scheduling, directing and implementing a year-round, citywide recreation program. Responsible for all aspects of recreation facilities, parks and playgrounds, programs of athletics and other leisure-time and cultural activities and functions of the City.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second St. or you can download an application on line at http://www.natchitochesla.gov

Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and/or parks administration and at least one year experience in a recreation or parks management position OR a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education or related field and at least three years experience in a recreation or parks management position OR at least 8 years experience in a recreation or parks management position.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through

July 22, 2019

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

The Winn Parish Police Jury / Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the scheduled drawdown of Saline Lake, in Natchitoches and Winn parishes, starting June 3, 2019. The primary purpose is to control the growth of giant Salvinia during the upcoming summer months when growth potential is at its highest.

The lake is currently dewatering at a rate of 3 to 4 inches per day until it reaches a target drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage. The control gates will close on October 1, 2019, to allow the lake to refill for fall, winter and early spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters can still access the main waterbody from the Mulligan Inn Boat Ramp with small craft, but caution is advised. Numerous additional obstructions will be present due to the lower water level.

This action is a necessary component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth and to improve access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.

During the drawdown, property owners have the option to take advantage of the low water to repair boat docks, seawalls, boat slips, etc. However, a Corp of Engineer permit is required from the USACE Regulatory Branch for any such activities in and around Saline Lake before any work is started. Basically a shovel cannot be placed in the lake bottom until a permit is obtained.

Saline Lake is considered a Section 10 waterbody, and any work conducted over, in, or under the lake would require permit authorization from the Regulatory Office of the USACE. Outside of the lake itself, any dredging or filling activities within a wetland or stream may also require authorization prior to the impact. You may contact your local Police Jury / Parish Government or the Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission for help with your permit.

The high waters around the state this spring and summer have resulted in more alligator sightings. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Alligator Program warns the public not to feed them as doing so can create a potentially dangerous situation for you and others who utilize the water.

When alligators are fed by humans, they start associating people with an easy food source, bringing them in much closer proximity to people than they normally would. This can lead to increased opportunity for dangerous conflict between people and alligators. Simply put, they may see humans as source of food once they become accustomed to being fed, according LDWF experts.

“When alligators are fed by humans they overcome their fear and natural shyness and become attracted to humans,’’ said LDWF Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe. “That is why it is so vital not to feed or entice them. We also strongly recommend to use caution when swimming at any time in areas frequented by alligators.”

Always maintain a safe distance between yourself and alligators. And never offer them food, and remember that although you may not be intending to feed alligators, when you discard fish scraps into the water or attempt to feed other aquatic wildlife, you may be inadvertently feeding alligators as well.

LDWF recommends these “do’s” and “don’t’s” when coming in contact with alligators:

Do use common sense and precautions.

Do inform others that feeding alligators creates safety problems for those who want to use the water for recreational purposes.

Don’t allow small children to play by themselves around water bodies that may contain alligators.

Don’t throw fish scraps into the water or leave them on shore. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators the end result can be the same.

Do dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at boat ramps or fish camps.

Do enjoy viewing and photographing wild alligators from a safe distance.·

Per state law, it is illegal to kill, harass, molest or attempt to move alligators.

Don’t remove any alligators from their natural habitat or accept one as a pet. In addition to being illegal, the potential for being bitten or injured by a provoked alligator is high.

Alligators do not become tame in captivity and handling even small ones may result in bites. In particular, never go near hatchling/young alligators or pick them up. They may seem harmless, but the mother alligator may be nearby and may protect her young for at least two years.

Anyone experiencing problems with nuisance alligators may contact any LDWF office to make a nuisance alligator complaint. (Click here to see a list of contact numbers to report a nuisance alligator).

The LDWF’s Alligator Program website portal ( lagatorprogram.com ) provides other details on alligators, including habitat and historical data. LDWF’s sustained use Alligator Program is separated into three categories: wild alligator management, alligator farming/ranching and nuisance alligators.

For more information, go to the LDWF website alligator page or contact Jeb Linscombe at jlinscombe@wlf.la.gov .