Angler fined for feeding alligator hot dogs on livestream, wildlife officials say

TARRANT COUNTY, Texas (WFAA) – A Texas fisherman who accidentally reeled in an alligator got a ticket and a fine – not so much for catching the gator but for what wildlife officials say he did with it afterwards.

Mark Everett says what started as just another day fishing for catfish on March 22 at Lake Arlington turned into the wildest catch of his life. Instead of a fish, he reeled in an alligator.

“The line starts going around the boat… The whole boat starts spinning around in circles. I said, ‘That’s a freaking alligator.’ So, I get my camera,” he said. “This is an unreal story, man. Nobody’s gonna believe that.”

Everett recorded the encounter and posted video online, saying he later released the alligator near where he caught it. He says the next thing he knew, he was getting a fine and a ticket for possession of an alligator and feeding a free-ranging alligator.

“It’s like some kind of video game, and that’s the only way I can explain it,” he said.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says game wardens investigated a report of an angler catching an alligator at Lake Arlington around midnight that day.

Officials say the angler brought the alligator to shore to remove it from the fishing line, then livestreamed on social media for about two hours while feeding the animal and encouraging others to come take photos with it.

Following the investigation, officials say the angler was issued citations for illegal possession of an alligator, intentional feeding of a free-ranging alligator and not having a hunter’s education certificate. He also received a warning for hunting without a license, according to officials.

Wildlife officials note that unintentionally catching an alligator while fishing is not a violation, as long as the animal is immediately released. However, intentionally feeding an alligator is illegal.

Officials warn that feeding alligators can cause them to become accustomed to humans and associate people with food, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters. When coming face-to-face with a gator, the best thing any fisherman can do is keep their distance.

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