NC again eyes alligator hunt

Commissioners voted to include an alligator season proposal as one of the hunting proposals to be taken to nine hearings in January for public comment. If adopted, the commission could allow limited take of alligators by permit holders under the management plan.

A North Carolina State University study a few years ago estimated more than 670 alligators live in North Carolina, but some state wildlife officials said the number is likely closer to 1,000.

Commission staff say they want to manage alligators with the goal of sustaining viable populations. In addition to offering management options, the plan provides biological information on alligators, recommends additional research needed and calls for more education and outreach to help people coexist with alligators.