12-foot alligator found in Bastrop

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - A Texas-sized reptile, 12-feet in length, may get some Texas men in trouble after it was found dead last week.

And it started with photos posted on Facebook.

Game Warden Frederick R. Ensinger told KXAN Austin News an anonymous tip to Operation Game Theft led him to social media sites including Facebook where photos of the dead gator were posted.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department started an investigation to find out where the gator was killed and who did it.

“We’re looking at a few individuals involved but probably one individual we're actually going to file charges on. It kind of depends on circumstances,” said Ensinger. “A couple of the guys are out of town working, were waiting on getting them back into town and I’ll decide what is appropriate.”

The gator was found on Wilbarger Creek in Bastrop County where it crosses Lower Elgin Road off 969. in the tributary, about a half-mile down the creek.

A reptile of this size is not common in Central Texas, Ensinger said most large gators are found along the Texas coast.

“For here, this area; it’s uncommon, very a-typical for Bastrop and Austin. My personal belief, I believe it’s a resident alligator. They typically don’t get that big but sometimes in a remote area, under the right conditions, without human interaction, it’s possible.”

Ensinger said American alligators are not that aggressive. If you find on he said stay away from it, they will usually run from you.

“Most attacks occur when people feed them. That’s where they usually end up in trouble, especially along the gulf coast and Florida. Ones like this in the wild are typically going to stay away from people.”

If someone has an alligator they’ve found on their property, affecting livestock or posing a danger, TPWD has an alligator protection program to asses whether they should be removed.

“To just go out and shoot one is just not legal in Bastrop or Travis County,” said Ensinger.

Officials said the gator was more than likely killed on the last day of February, the 28th and found on March 3rd. A rifle was likely the method of killing said Ensinger.

“The individuals more than likely shot it, didn’t know what to do with it, it spoiled, and there was no remedy for retaining the meat or skin.”

Clay Ingram with the Bastrop Sportsmen group helped remove the gator after it was found.

“I don’t have many resources; game wardens are out by themselves. I usually call the Bastrop Sportsmen group and they help with transporting,” said Ensinger. Ensinger said the group also helped him last year after a drowning for assistance.

The Alligator is now at an undisclosed ranch where it will be allowed to decay naturally. The skull will be used for educational purposes or donated to a museum said Ensinger.