Large Alligator Near a New Orleans Walking Trail in City Park Sparks Warnings After Video Shows People May Be Feeding It

NEW ORLEANS, LA — A large alligator has been spotted near a popular walking trail in City Park, and a recent video is adding to concerns about how close it is getting to people. The animal was seen near the Marconi area by Allen Toussaint Boulevard, according to resident Lisa Plaia.

Plaia said she shared the video with WDSU on Thursday because she worries the gator’s location puts walkers and pets at risk. She also said the alligator is more often seen near the water, making its appearance close to the path stand out.

How the video raised alarm

Plaia said the trail is used by many residents, including people walking dogs. In her view, the alligator’s behavior suggests it may have gotten used to people being nearby, which is not something she wanted to see in a park setting.

She also posted about the sighting on Nextdoor, saying she believed someone may have been feeding the gator. In the video she shared, a plate and food appear to be in front of the animal, and she said the alligator was seen eating a piece of food while she was trying to film it. She said that kind of contact can make wildlife more dangerous around humans.

Why feeding alligators is a problem

In her post, Plaia reminded neighbors that alligators should not be fed. She warned that when wild animals begin approaching people for food, they can become a hazard to the community and may later be euthanized if they are seen as a threat.

She also said feeding alligators in City Park is illegal and urged anyone who sees baiting or feeding to contact City Park Police at 504-421-9307. Her message focused on protecting both residents and the gators, saying that food handouts can hurt the animals as well as the people around them.

Officials have been asked to respond

WDSU said it reached out to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries about the alligator and the concerns over feeding. As of publication, the agency had not responded.

For now, the sighting is serving as a reminder that even familiar wildlife can create problems when people get too close or try to interact with it. In City Park, the advice from residents is simple: enjoy the trail, but leave the gators alone.

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