Wildlife Researchers Make Progress In Studying Oklahoma Alligators

A wildlife research project in the southeastern part of our state is taking off after researchers have trapped some massive alligators.

Researchers said this is key to understanding the native alligator population in Oklahoma.

Earlier this year we told you about a more than two-year-long project happening near southeastern Oklahoma at a refuge to study native alligators.

Related Story: State Wildlife Department Helps Researchers Study Alligators In Southeastern Oklahoma

All of the hard work the researchers have been putting in is paying off.

Traps entice the gators with bait, then shut and enclose the alligator. Once captured, the gator's jaws are tied shut so researchers can get a closer look.

"We were struggling to catch 'em by hand, but we got all our big traps running, and this weather started and now we're just catching about one a day," explained Dr. Jared Wood.

Dr. Jared Wood is one of the researchers working on the project thanks to a grant through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

He said now that it's warm outside, the larger alligators are making more appearances.

"Almost the entire month of May, we've been in the field living," said Dr. Wood.

The researchers are trying to find out how many gators are native to Oklahoma. They're studying their mating patterns and ways of life.

Once they're captured, either in a trap, or by hand with large grabbers or a noose, Wood and his research partners, Dr. Tim Patton and Dr. Jake Pruett, attach a transmitter to the alligators to track their movements.

They also weigh and measure the alligators.

Wood said it's taken a lot of patience, but having these incredible results is what makes it all worth it.

"You can see the smiles on our face," he said. "They're big, beautiful, impressive animals to begin with."

The researchers will continue finding more alligators and eventually will have an even better understanding of just how many alligators call Oklahoma home.