Two cited for allegedly stealing alligator eggs in Grand Chenier

Agents seize 523 gator eggs valued at $10,460, LDWF says

Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited two men for taking 523 alligator eggs in Grand Chenier without a valid egg collection permit, according to a news release.

Agents cited Paul A. Canik, 47, of Grand Chenier, and Christopher M. Trahan, 24, of Lake Charles, for illegal possession of alligator eggs and not abiding by rules and regulations on a refuge.

On July 16, agents stopped the men and discovered the eggs as they were exiting the marsh in an airboat and a a flatboat, and Canik said the eggs were taken from an area where he was permitted to remove them.

But upon further investigation, agents ultimately found the nests where the eggs had been located, which turned out to be an area where Canik allegedly did not have permission to remove them.

On July 21, agents cited both Canik and Trahan, and seized the alligator eggs, an 18-foot aluminum boat and a 14-foot airboat.

The 523 eggs were sold at a market value of $10,460, the release states.

First offense for taking unpermitted alligator eggs carries a $400 to $900 fine and up to 120 days in jail, according to the release.