Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched by NATCOM 911 on March 4 around 2:34 pm to a report of an alligator taking up temporary residence under a vehicle in the 200 block of Independence Street, south of Natchitoches.
When deputies arrived, they spoke with the caller, Willie Rice, who advised that a jogger passing by spotted the squatter lounging under the vehicle and quickly alerted Willie and his mother. Willie said he immediately called the sheriff’s office, because while uninvited guests are one thing, ones with teeth are another.
Deputy A. Herrera, Deputy Cpl. N. Kerby, and Deputy J. Franks responded to the scene and located the young alligator enjoying what appeared to be a shaded afternoon siesta. Deputies safely wrangled the reptile and relocated it to a nearby waterway, where it can continue its sunbathing career without blocking anyone’s driveway.
Deputies believe the alligator was simply out exploring during the beautiful warm weather and decided to take a “shade break” before moving along.
Authorities say the gator did not have a driver’s license and was not authorized to park under the vehicle.
Residents are reminded that as temperatures rise, wildlife becomes more active. If you see something unusual, especially if it has scales and a tail, contact authorities and allow professionals to handle it.
No deputies, residents, or reptiles were harmed during the incident. The alligator was last seen heading toward the water, presumably reconsidering its real estate choices.
