Two separate incidents in St. Martin and St. Mary Parishes, LDWF says
Enforcement agents on patrol near Catahoula cited two men for alleged alligator violations in St. Martin Parish on Aug. 19.
According to a press release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Jeremy E. Kibble, 26, of Lafayette, and Daniel D. Norton, 31, of New Iberia, were cited for taking an alligator without a license, taking an alligator during a closed season and intentional concealment of wildlife.
The agents observed two trucks parked off of Henderson Levee Road with the men nearby. According to the release, when agents approached they allegedly saw Kibble go into the woods and discard something. Agents went into the woods and found a freshly cleaned alligator, the release states.
During questioning, Norton admitted to shooting the gator after Kibble caught it, according to the release. Both men were cleaning the alligator as agents arrived on the scene.
Intentional concealment of wildlife carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking an alligator during a closed season brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking an alligator without a license carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
In a separate incident on Aug. 15 in St. Mary Parish, agents cited Barry Pedigo, 59, of Pensacola, Florida and Logan Madere, 28, of Westwego, for possessing an alligator during a closed season.
Agents acting on a tip about an alligator being illegally harvested at Burns Point Park learned Pedigo allegedly captured it by hand. He was bit multiple times and had to be taken to Lafayette General Hospital to be treated for moderate injuries. Madere allegedly killed the 4-foot, 8-inch gator, according to the release.
Harvesting an alligator during a closed brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. The men may also face civil restitution totaling $375.80 for the replacement value of the gator, the release states.
