19 Aug 2002
Game Warden: Several Surveys Produce No Evidence Of Alligators Behind A. Maceo Smith High School At This Time
DALLAS—The Dallas Independent School District on Monday, Aug. 19, released a letter from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Garland saying that following several surveys of the area, no evidence has been found in regard to the presence of alligators or poisonous snakes behind A. Maceo Smith High School.
While Captain Garry Collins, the game warden for the local area, said the area behind Smith High School is "excellent alligator habitat," he said that during his many surveys of the area, "there were no alligator sightings, nor did we find any evidence of the presence of alligators at this time."
Collins said that Parks & Wildlife made "numerous surveys in all areas of the bog behind the school on land and one survey by air. We attempted to make a survey by boat, but were unsuccessful."
The game warden said his staff did find evidence of beaver activity, ducks, turtles, raccoons and two non-poisonous snakes. Collins did caution the district to remain aware of potential habitation from animals such as alligators.
"With the habitat and food sources available, alligators could migrate into the bog area at any time. Alligators do exist in the Trinity River watershed which is very close to this area." Collins said to contact the Parks & Wildlife Department if any alligators are sighted in the future.
District spokesperson Donald J. Claxton said the district is relieved at the game warden's findings and said the district will continue to monitor the situation.
"With less than a week before school starts we are glad to hear the findings of the game warden's report and will continue to keep an eye out in the future," Claxton said. "For now, we hope this puts an end to the concerns and will enable us to put the focus back on getting the school buildings ready for students to report on Monday, August 26."
Claxton said a proposal is being drafted from school officials to the superintendent that might enable the district to use the area for environmental and educational purposes. The letter from the Texas Parks and Wildlife is attached.