SOCIAL CIRCLE — Those interested in applying for an alligator hunt this year need to get their online quota applications in before midnight July 31.  
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, 850 applicants will be selected for the 2013 alligator-hunting season, which runs Sept. 7-Oct. 6.  
In 2012, 850 hunters harvested 247 alligators at an average length of 99 inches, with the longest gator measuring 161 inches.  
In Georgia, alligators typically live south of the fall line — which roughly traverses the cities of Columbus, Macon and Augusta — and occupy a variety of natural wetland habitats including marshes, swamps, rivers, farm ponds and lakes. Alligators eat mammals, aquatic insects, crayfish, frogs, fish, turtles, water birds and more.  
To apply, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/quota and create or call up a quota hunt account. Email addresses need to be current. Applicants can check their application status through their account after the July 31 deadline. Selected hunters will receive a temporary harvest tag and information packet by mail in early August.
For more information, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/Hunting/Alligator.