Last week, a child was bitten by an alligator at Lincoln Beach in New Orleans, a location that has been off-limits to the public for almost six decades.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 30, when the child was at the beach with family near Lake Pontchartrain.
The child was admitted to the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans as a trauma patient on Friday, September 1.
Historical records from the city of New Orleans’ official website reveal that Lincoln Beach spans 15 acres. Established in the early 1900s, it was once a recreational spot but was shut down in 1964.
Over the years, the infrastructure at Lincoln Beach has suffered due to neglect and the aftermath of several hurricanes, leading to unsafe conditions.
Despite the prohibition on entering the area, there are signs of unauthorized visits to the beach. Before its closure, a tunnel beneath a levee provided access to the beach. This tunnel, now sealed off and flooded, is home to wildlife, including alligators and venomous snakes.
In light of the recent incident, the city issued a warning on Friday, emphasizing that Lincoln Beach is currently unsafe. The city’s statement mentioned ongoing efforts to refurbish the site for public enjoyment. However, several safety measures need implementation before reopening.
The city urges residents to avoid the area until further notice.
