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Storms, drought hurt alligator harvest

THIBODAUX, La. Louisiana alligator hunters scrambled for the reptiles' eggs this season, since a serious drought made them scarce.
The eggs are not used for food, but in many cases hatched, then raised until they are just big enough for supple skins that become pricey watchbands.

Gerald Savoie Junior, owner of Savoie's Alligator Farm in Cut Off, says half the numbers of eggs were brought in this year compared to last year.

State regulators are expected to tighten up on the number of alligators that can be taken during next month's annual hunt for wild adults, partially due to the low count of nests taken over the summer.

2006 WorldNow and KLFY.