Louisiana to Begin First Recreational Alligator Hunt in Over 50 Years

<p>The state of Louisiana is set to initiate its first recreational alligator hunt in more than 50 years, allowing up to 5,000 trappers to participate under strict regulations. The alligator population in Louisiana has increased to approximately 3 million from fewer than 100,000, prompting the state to lift the ban on hunting.</p><p>The Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Commission prohibited alligator hunting in 1962 to facilitate the recovery of the species, which had been severely diminished due to unregulated hunting for meat and hides.</p>