Alligator industry coming back

Jim and Pat Caudell look over alligator crafts Saturday at the Pitre Fur and Alligator booth during the Gulf Coast Marketplace in Houma.
Abby Tabor/Staff

Though the worldwide recession bogged down Louisiana’s alligator industry, state wildlife officials are seeing the industry bounce back strongly and are optimistic for the future.

Noel Kinler, alligator program manager for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, said strong demand for the skins, which are used in various luxury items, is driving the industry out of tough times.

“In 2009 and 2010 the industry was probably at the lowest point it has been in 20 years or so,” Kinler said. “It was very significant, but now we have pretty much seen a complete turnaround in all aspects of the industry.”

Kinler said the past 12 to 18 months have seen steady increases in demand and prices for both farm-raised and wild alligator skins.