You don’t have to tell me twice not to mess with the alligators. Really, since I grew up in the swamps in South Louisiana, you really don’t have to warn me about snakes and alligators. I just don’t like either and I hope they feel the same way about me.
Nevertheless, officials at UL have issued a warning concerning mating season for alligators in and around Cypress Lake on the UL campus. For those who don’t know, UL is the only campus in the nation with a wildlife area which includes live alligators just outside the student union. In my opinion, the lake enhances the natural beauty of the campus.
According to KATC-TV, mating season for the alligators begin in April and continues through June. The females will build a nest and lay eggs. The eggs will hatch in August or September. During this period, female alligators can be very aggressive to protect their nest.
Some of these guidelines are common sense, UL officials offer these suggestions.
- Stay at least 10 feet from retention walls.
- Supervise children.
- Avoid bringing pets near Cypress Lake.
- Do not feed or antagonize the alligators.
I understand the campus is home to many students and visitors who are not familiar with such guidelines but being a native from the area so this information is important for all on campus.
Since I am a native of the area, you won’t have to tell me twice not to mess with the alligators.