gator catchin

i got the opportunity to go out with the biologist at the refuge to capture 20 gators (from 2ft to 7ft) one night. there is a group of paleontologists from england studying taxonomy and muscular build of gators and a grad student doing blood work. it was a crisp night in the 40-50's and in a matter of 2 hours met our quota.

first you spotlight the gators, made easy because their eyes "glow" red, then ease up and throw a modified dog-catching pole with a noose around the head and yank them in. pin them down and a couple of rubber bands later you have docile gator. the majority go into a crate, but the large ones (6ft+) go into a burlap sack and are tossed into the bottom of the boat to squirm and roll.

WARNING: if youre epileptic dont watch as my camera work is still rather rudimentary!!