See Ya Later, Large Alligator Removed from East Texas City Park

Alligator sightings in East Texas are not that uncommon. Even within the city limits of Lufkin, there have been numerous reports of gators, especially at Ellen Trout Lake.

The most common advice is just to leave the alligators be. You don't bother them, and they won't bother you. Well, there has been an alligator at a lake in Lufkin that has been getting a bit too close for comfort.

This seven-and-a-half-foot alligator was removed from Jones Lake last night.

The alligator’s presence was brought to city officials’ attention earlier this month. The alligator had become a concern because it did not appear to fear humans, coming close to walking trails and the lakeshore.

City officials consulted Texas Parks & Wildlife on the matter and the alligator was recommended for relocation.  A trapper was contacted, and he safely relocated the alligator following three attempts to capture it. No word on where that relocation took place.

Jones Lake and nearby Ellen Trout Lake are known to house alligators occasionally as they are connected to the Angelina River through a series of small creeks.

Large alligators at city parks can be reported to Lufkin Parks & Recreation during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 936-633-0250. After-hours issues can be reported to the city’s non-emergency number at 936-633-0356. For aggressive alligators, always call 911.

Once again, these reptiles usually stay away from the public, this seems to be an isolated case where the alligator didn't quite understand the boundaries in place.   

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