Boater’s Killing of Alligator Wasn’t Self-Defense, Judge Rules
June 4, 2012
Byline: Associated Press
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A boater is facing a $5,300 penalty for shooting an 11-foot alligator he thought was attacking him and his fishing buddy.
Patrick Miller and Keyon Ivory said they were fishing in the Trinity River near the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge May 9 when the alligator swam swiftly toward their two-person boat, prompting both men to jump out and Miller to shoot the gator.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported May 25 that state game wardens determined the alligator killing was not in self-defense, despite the anglers’ claims.
Game warden Clint Borchardt said the fishermen aren’t poachers: They just “made a bad choice,” and will be fined.
