Reality Shows Increase Alligator Violation

The outdoor reality shows' popularity is proving to be one of the chief reasons why the alligators are under threat. According to Louisiana wildlife officials, alligator violation is rising and increasing reality shows is one reason why it is so. This has been recorded since 2009 and it is increasing steadily from the year. When some people were caught undergoing alligator violation, they told the wildlife officials that they were just following the things they saw on the reality shows.

Though these reality shows offer wide array of entertainment, at some extent, these are threatening for environment and wildlife. Especially those which are based on outdoor theme, cause great harm to wildlife and environment. Despite of showing violent scenes, they do not provide enough information on how to legally harvest the alligators. There are some of the history channels, which show swampy habitats with alligator hunting.

There were approximately 60 alligator-hunting carried out in 2007 as well as 2008, 69 in 2009 and the similar figure in 2010, and around 98 in 2011. The numbers portray that, they are steadily increasing day-by-day causing a harm and threat to alligator species. Alligator hunting is an offence and there is a license needed in order to do so. If there is such type of hunting carried out without license or if one possess an alligator without legal approval, he/she will be punished with 120 days jail along with a fine of $950.

In 1900s, unregulated alligator hunting endangered the alligators and hence, it was partially stopped in 1960 and was again resumed in 1972. Though the hunting was legal, there were tough regulations which resulted into rebounding of the species to around 1.5 million in Louisiana. The wildlife department, for preservation of the alligator species, has assigned tags for specific areas with the number of population of alligators the specific area has. In order to hunt, the hunters must apply for tags each season and should either buy the land where they want to hunt or must possess legal permission to hunt there. An alligator sport hunting license costs around $25 for natives and $150 for those who are non-residents.

For the upcoming hunting season, hunters should hunt on the specified areas and should apply their tags only on the specified properties. The 30 days season will open on last Wednesday of August in the east zone.