By John Waters, Publisher
A population of about six alligators has been documented by Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens. Game Warden Ray Spears confirmed this with the Gazette: “Yes we do have some alligators. About 4-5 weeks ago, we got a call from IBWC [International Boundary and Water Commission] with a report of alligators near Neely’s Crossing, 35-40 miles east of Ft. Hancock.”
Spears, a graduate of Sul Ross State University and a game warden in Brewster County for eight years, said the first sightings came from workers on the Department of Homeland Security border wall.
The known population includes three 3-4 foot long alligators, and three 5-6 foot long alligators. It is unknown how the gators got to the area, though Spears says it is highly unlikely they swam upstream from south Texas, as they would have encountered both the Falcon Dam and Amistad Dam.
Because of the remote location and lack of recreationists in the vicinity, at least, the gators do not pose much of a threat. Added Spears: “We just want people to leave ‘em alone and let ‘em live.” Rattlesnakes and mountain lions pose a far greater risk to humans, said Spears.
Raymond Skiles, wildlife biologist with Big Bend National Park, said alligators are not native to the area and the population most certainly has been introduced. If the population moves downstream into the park, notes Skiles, they would be considered exotic and relocated.
This is not the first time Neely’s crossing has made news. This remote area is a hotbed of news, relative to its sparse population. In 2006, armed, uniformed Mexican nationals had a standoff with Hudspeth County deputies and Texas Department of Public Service officers.
In testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives, Hudspeth County Sheriff Arvin West would later recount the incident before members of the Committee on Homeland Security. The Mexican government denied involvement in the incident.
In 2003, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents encountered a vehicle in the United States whose driver attempted to run down federal agents deploying tire-deflating devices.
After the agents opened fire on the vehicle, it became stuck in the Rio Grande with the driver fleeing into Mexico.
The stolen truck was recovered and 1,145 pounds of marijuana worth almost $1 million was recovered.
A 5-6 foot long American alligator suns itself along the Rio Grande near Neely’s Crossing in Hudspeth County. Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Ray Spears said the state will leave the population of at least six gators alone, where they can feed on plentiful fish, turtles, and birds. (Photo courtesy US Customs and Border Protection.)
