LDWF Agents Arrest Felon with Live Alligator on Bourbon Street

Assuredly, agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries see some crazy things, but what they spotted in downtown New Orleans this past weekend had to be somewhat of a shock.

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Louisiana has a law prohibiting a person from possessing an alligator without specific licenses, permits or tags. There's also a Louisiana law that makes it illegal to have reptiles, including alligators, within 200 yards of a parade route during Mardi Gras. (Louisiana even has a law prohibiting a person from tying an alligator to a fire hydrant in New Orleans. Pretty sad there was a need for that one, but it's still law)

So, when LDWF agents on patrol in the early morning hours this past Saturday, February 14, spotted an individual casually strolling down Bourbon Street carrying a live alligator, they immediately sprang into action.

According to LDWF agents, Senior Agent Grayson Parker, Sgt. James Bruce, Sgt. Emily Sexton and Sgt. Josh Harris, that's exactly what happened.

While On Patrol, Agents Witness Man on Bourbon Street With Live Gator

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Their report indicates that as they patrolled the French Quarter Enhanced Safety Zone, they observed Eurell D. Johnson, 25, of New Roads, walking down the 400 block of Bourbon St. carrying an approximately three to four foot live alligator around 1:30 am. Agents made contact with Johnson and also found him in possession of a firearm and marijuana. Agents also learned that Johnson was a convicted felon and could not possess a firearm.

Agents then arrested Johnson on charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana and a possession of a live alligator. Additionally, agents seized the live alligator and turned it over to the on call LDWF biologist. Agents also seized a pistol and marijuana. Agents booked Johnson into the Orleans Parish Jail.

A convicted felon in possession of a firearm brings a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and five to 20 years in jail. Illegal possession of a live alligator carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Illegal possession of marijuana brings up to a $100 fine.

Wild Animals Illegal To Keep As Pets in Louisiana

While a person might consider it novel to keep lions, tigers or bears as a pet in Louisiana, they are among the list of wild animals forbidden to be kept by private citizens as pets. These are just some those animals Louisiana law completely forbids from ownership.