Two alligators killed in Daphne park

DAPHNE, Ala. (WALA) - Conservation officials are investigating the apparent killing of an alligator at Gator Alley, a popular park in Daphne.  Witnesses reported seeing a second alligator with an arrow stuck in its head. 

Kelly Allen is a regular visitor to Gator Alley in Daphne and enjoys taking pictures of the popular residents.  She’s seen as many as eight alligators out at a time and is very upset that two have been apparently shot for no reason. 

“I was just horrified, and then I was so mad when I found out that a person or persons had done this,” Allen said.

Allen discovered one of them floating upside down the last week of June and called the conservation department.  She took pictures and video as conservation officials removed the carcass.  That’s when another bystander told her that there had been another gator with an arrow stuck in its head.  That alligator sank out of sight.

“They didn’t just kill these alligators,” Allen said.  “They took something away from everyone that came to enjoy it.”

Officials with the Alabama Department of Conservation are investigating the incident, but have made no arrests.  Folks who brought their families to Alligator Alley Friday to see some gators were very upset to hear what had happened.

“I’d love to see them caught and ask them what they were thinking,” said visitor, Melissa Black.  “I don’t know if it’s kids or adults or whatever, but it shouldn’t have happened.”

“There’s just no reason for it. It’s just ridiculous,” remarked Brook Buchanan.

If caught, whoever is responsible could be charged with hunting alligators out of season and in a restricted area. Both charges are  misdemeanors. 

If you saw anything or have any information that could help the investigation, you’re asked to call the Alabama Department of Conservation.