Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited an Avondale resident for alleged alligator hunting violations on June 25 in Jefferson Parish.

Agents cited Michael Owens, 53, for taking an alligator during a closed season.

LDWF agents received information about the illegal harvest of an alligator in Avondale. Agents were able to determine the address where the alligator was taken and made contact with Owens at his residence. During the interview, Owens admitted to agents that he harvested the alligator in his backyard.

Louisiana is comprised of east and west hunting zones. Jefferson Parish is located within the east zone, which opens on the last Wednesday of August and remains open for 60 days. Only licensed hunters in possession of alligator harvest tags are allowed to take alligators during the open season.

LDWF would like to remind homeowners that if they have a nuisance alligator on their property to utilize the LDWF Nuisance Alligator Program. To report a nuisance alligator and learn about the program please visit this link: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/nuisance-alligators.

Agents seized the near three-foot alligator.

Taking an alligator during a closed season brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.

Owens may also face civil restitution totaling $375 for the replacement value of the illegally taken alligator.

Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Kyle Wagner and Corporal Gary Levron.

The case will be forwarded to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.