Texas Game Wardens are asking for the public's help after a dead alligator was found in Lake Worth with its tail cut off.
It happened in the Tarrant County lake around Aug. 1, Texas Parks and Wildlife said.
Anyone with information on the illegal incident can call the Operation Game Thief at 1-800-792-4263.
Operation Game Thief is Texas' wildlife crime-stoppers program. It offers up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and the conviction of individuals who violate the state's game and fish laws.
The American Alligator is the only gator species native to the United States. Alligators are currently not an endangered species, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. In the 1950s, they were near extinct but legal protection, enhanced habitat conditions and new water impoundment projects helped with the repopulation in Texas.
If you see an alligator and it is not approaching people or otherwise posing an obvious threat, wait a few days before contacting Texas Parks and Wildlife. In the spring and summer, alligators are moving to breed and find a new habitat. Go here for more information on what to do if you see an alligator.
In Tarrant County, the alligator hunting season ended in June and there are strict rules and regulations that must be followed. Go here for more information.
