COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Wildlife officials say about a quarter of hunters in South Carolina who had permission to hunt for alligators managed to bag one of the animals.
Jay Butfiloski with the Department of Natural Resources says hunters have reported killing about 190 alligators during the monthlong season that ended Saturday. Hunters could kill one gator per permit, and there were about 800 permits issued.
Butfiloski says there were no reports of anyone getting hurt during the hunts.
This was the first time hunters could kill alligators in public waterways in South Carolina in 44 years. The reptiles have made a steady comeback since the 1960s. Biologists estimate about 100,000 gators in the state.
South Carolina plans another alligator hunt next year.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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