A Struggle to Shore

An American Alligator being snared by the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab for research purposes in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Photographed April 14, 2023 ©williamwisephoto.com

The first step in a capture-tag-release program is a big step: getting a gator to shore! After snagging the alligator with a hook and reel, the struggle to bring it to shore can take quite a while. But even when they are tired out from the fight, they are still quite reluctant to be snared on the catch-pole and dragged onto land for the research to begin. Although the research benefits the entire species, the individual alligators are never willing research volunteers!

An American Alligator being snared by the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab for research purposes in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Photographed April 14, 2023 ©williamwisephoto.com

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia; Suwannee River Sill. April 14, 2023.
– Mostly sunny, with a high 83.
– Sunrise 7:04 AM; Sunset 7:58 PM
– Daylight hours: 12 hours 53 minute (+1m 48s)

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