Commissioners hear concerns about increasing alligator sightings at Cat Island; staff to meet with wildlife officials

A commissioner raised concerns about a growing number of American alligator sightings on Cat Island and reported at least one incident in which an alligator pursued an individual, prompting requests for a coordinated review with wildlife authorities.

The concern was described by a speaker identified as Ronnie, who said he spends a lot of time on Cat Island and that "the population is getting larger out there" and some animals "really seem to not have a fear of humans anymore." Ronnie asked whether a study could estimate population size and whether actions could be taken for nuisance or aggressive animals.

The nut graf: commissioners agreed the issue involves wildlife jurisdiction and directed staff to convene a meeting with state wildlife officials to assess whether the animals constitute a nuisance, whether relocation or permitting is appropriate on state-managed lands, and whether public outreach is needed.

Chief Wilkerson (marine patrol/chief) noted much of the affected shoreline is federal property where state permitting is limited but said some parts of Cat Island are state-managed and could potentially be subject to state-permitted actions. "If it's getting to be a nuisance because of it, maybe we relocate some. And if they have some that are aggressive, we can look at that," Chief Wilkerson said.

Commissioners asked staff (Rick, Patrick) to set up a meeting with wildlife officials and to inspect Cat Island conditions. Less-critical detail: speakers referenced social-media posts of large alligators on other islands and anecdotal encounters from charter captains and recreational users; staff emphasized the animals are wild and that feeding or reward-based interactions can alter animal behavior.