Terral Evans Wiki Bio, Age, Net Worth, Divorce, Wife & Kids.

In the dead of night, waist-deep in swamp water, one man reaches for the jaws of a live alligator—with nothing but rope, muscle, and sheer nerve. That man is Terral Evans. A Marine Corps veteran and Swamp People breakout star, Terral earned a reputation not just for catching gators—but often relocating them alive, using bare hands and instinct over bullets and baited lines.

His journey from military sharpshooter to conservationist gator wrangler is unlike any other on reality TV. But what most viewers didn’t see is the decades of experience behind the man: bear hunts in the Appalachian wilderness, decades in the oilfields, and a private 3,000-acre reserve where gators get a second chance.

This definitive biography dives deep into the life of Terral Evans—his rugged upbringing, service to his country, television legacy, personal life, and enduring impact on Louisiana swamp culture. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his story, what follows is a wild ride through one man’s mission to balance man, myth, and the marsh.

Early Life: From Honey Island Swamp to Military Precision

Terral Evans was born on May 13, 1957, in Louisiana, and was raised in the rugged backcountry near the Honey Island Swamp—an environment that shaped him both physically and mentally. He was born to Doug Evans and JoAnn Snell Evans, and grew up in a tight-knit, multigenerational hunting family that valued hard work, discipline, and deep knowledge of the wild. His father, Doug, and grandfather, Bill Evans, were both seasoned outdoorsmen who mentored Terral from a young age.

Terral spent his youth learning the traditions of the swamp—hunting deer, tracking wild game, and raising Walker hounds. His family’s rural lifestyle included everything from coon hunting by moonlight to navigating dense bayous with machetes. One of his earliest memories involved treeing raccoons and learning to train dogs for the chase. At just six years old, he was already riding boats into the deep swamp with his father. Two years later, at just eight years old in 1965, he famously wrestled his first four-foot alligator while hunting with his grandfather in the Pearl River area—a defining childhood moment that ignited his lifelong passion for wildlife.

Growing up under the guidance of his father and grandfather, Terral developed a lasting bond with the wilderness. The survival skills and values they taught—especially fearlessness, patience, and instinct—would go on to define his barehanded gator-wrangling style and set him apart as a conservation-minded outdoorsman.

Life Beyond the Swamp: Military Service, Bear Hunts, and the Oilfields

After graduating from Slidell High School in 1976, Terral enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1979. He underwent basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and received special recognition as the unit’s top marksman, scoring 229 out of 250 during rifle qualification.

Following his honorable military service, Terral transitioned into civilian life and began a long career in the oil and chemical industry. He worked for over 30 years as a regional project manager, balancing a demanding professional role while maintaining his ties to the swamp.

Even outside of alligator season, Terral kept his wilderness instincts sharp. He pursued deer and black bear hunts—once traveling to West Virginia for a bear expedition armed with a Ghost 400 crossbow and a 410-pound black bear as his target. Whether it was braving frigid mountains or navigating alligator-infested waters, Terral consistently brought a mix of grit, strategy, and southern know-how to every challenge.

Wildlife Conservation: A Balance Between Safety and Survival

Terral Evans developed a unique identity as a conservation-minded trapper. Though he participated in traditional gator hunts—particularly during Swamp People‘s later seasons—he also favored relocation when possible. Early in his career, he collaborated with Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries on efforts to remove nuisance alligators from residential areas and relocate them to remote environments like his 3,000-acre property known as Goat Island.

While not all hunts ended with rescue, Terral often emphasized the importance of handling wildlife safely and sustainably. His barehanded approach to wrangling wasn’t just entertainment—it was rooted in a personal philosophy of respect for nature and confidence in his inherited skillset. In situations involving immediate threats, such as protecting pets or responding to reports of aggressive gators, he occasionally resorted to lethal force, as documented in later Swamp People episodes.

Terral also believed in education as a form of conservation. He welcomed opportunities to teach younger generations how to hunt and fish responsibly, encouraging a mindset of safety, discipline, and curiosity over thrill-seeking or trophy hunting.

His methods may not always have aligned perfectly with conventional conservation frameworks, but his legacy remains intertwined with a hands-on, deeply personal commitment to managing Louisiana’s swamp ecosystems.

Rise to Fame on Swamp People

Terral Evans stepped into the national spotlight with his debut on the History Channel’s Swamp People during Season 2, Episode 1 (“Gator Gauntlet”), which premiered on March 31, 2011. While most hunters on the show relied on rifles, baited lines, and daytime expeditions, Terral introduced a raw and unconventional approach—catching live alligators with his bare hands at night. His fearless methods, rooted in tradition and honed through experience, instantly distinguished him as a standout personality. He wasn’t just hunting gators; he was relocating dangerous animals from human-populated areas to the deep recesses of the Honey Island Swamp, showcasing a conservationist mindset rare in the high-stakes world of gator season.

Over the course of Season 2 (2011), Terral made a series of memorable appearances:

• In Episode 4 (“First Mates”), he partnered with Trapper Agent Corey Hunt to neutralize a threat posed by a rogue gator stalking local residents.
• In Episode 8 (“Rising Sons”), he practiced catfish noodling—diving underwater and grabbing fish barehanded—a testament to his intimate knowledge of swamp survival.
• In Episode 9 (“Full Moon Fever”), Terral, alongside his then wife Dana, joined friends for a nighttime quest into the Honey Island Swamp to investigate a local legend.
• In Episode 10 (“It’s Personal”), the camera followed him dealing with a large hog that had invaded his property, revealing the diverse threats swamp dwellers often face.

Return and Redemption (Season 5)

After sitting out Season 3 (2012) and Season 4 (2013), Terral returned in Season 5 (2014) with hunting partner Johnny Banks. His reentry was no less dramatic. In Episode 1 (“Once Bitten”), he tracked a gator that had devoured his father-in-law’s dog—using the dog’s GPS collar as a signal beacon. In Episode 4 (“Gravedigger”), he faced off with another aggressive predator, and in Episode 9 (“Hexed”), he dealt with a raccoon intruder in his fishing camp’s fireplace chimney. However, in Episode 18 (“Unbreakable Bonds”), Terral abruptly left the season after learning that his mother had suffered a stroke. He made a final appearance in Episode 20 (“Day of Reckoning”), participating in a celebratory cookout honoring her recovery.

High-Stakes Missions (Season 10)

Terral’s reputation was reignited in Season 10 (2019), where he featured prominently across a series of high-stakes missions. In Episode 1 (“Clear and Present Danger”), he reunited with Troy Landry to tackle a gator population spike threatening nearby communities. That momentum carried through the season: in Episode 5 (“Cow Killers”), they pursued a slippery nemesis gator with history; in Episode 6 (“Bringing the Heat”), the duo took on an overnight mission to defend a state park under rising summer threats. As a major Gulf Coast storm loomed in Episode 7 (“Cajun Cyclone”), Terral raced to secure lines ahead of the weather’s landfall. By Episode 9 (“Hungry for More”), he was seen working with Troy to eliminate a gator believed to have killed a neighbor’s dog.

These appearances reinforced Terral’s role as a practical protector—tasked with the most dangerous assignments and trusted to respond under pressure.

Final Season and Legacy (Season 11)

That momentum continued into Season 11 (2020). Terral returned in Episode 1 (“Raging Bulls”), teaming up with Troy Landry for what was billed as their most dangerous mission yet, confronting an outbreak of giant breeding bulls threatening to destabilize the swamp’s fragile balance. In Episode 2 (“Return to Froggy Bayou”), he was recruited by Ronnie Adams to help reclaim access to a prized hunting ground after local sabotage.

In Episode 3 (“The Champ”), Terral and Troy deployed their trusted sniper tactics to defend a friend’s fish camp. As the season progressed, the duo experimented with new baiting strategies in Episode 4 (“Mystery in the Bayou”), and braved scorching temperatures in Episode 12 (“Swamp on Fire”), using shade tactics to lure gators during the season’s hottest day. By Episode 14 (“Final Showdown”), Terral had firmly reestablished himself as a pillar of the Landry crew, using instinct and innovation to close out the season.

Following his final appearance in Swamp People Season 11 (2020), Terral Evans quietly exited the series and has not returned since. While no official reason was provided, his departure coincided with a period of reduced public activity, suggesting a shift in focus away from television.

Personal Life: Terral Evans Wife and Children

Terral Evans’ personal life includes a history of marriages, children from previous relationships, and a blended family structure that has evolved over the years. He was previously married to Dana Holyfield, a writer and television producer known for her fascination with Louisiana swamp lore. The couple were still married when Terral made his first appearance on Swamp People in 2011. Dana even appeared alongside him in Season 2, Episode 9 (“Full Moon Fever”), during a night expedition into the Honey Island Swamp. Dana authored multiple books exploring swamp myths, complementing Terral’s own deep connection to the land.

Both Terral and Dana brought children from previous marriages into their union—Jeremy Evans and Derek Evans from Terral’s side, and Evan Cedotal, born February 13, 2002, from Dana’s. Together, they also had a daughter, Ava Evans. 

Ava was later diagnosed with diabetes as a young teenager. According to Dana, Ava handled the diagnosis with remarkable maturity, adapting to her insulin routine and lifestyle changes with independence and strength—a quality admired by both parents.

In 2016, Terral married Chayo Evans, and the couple settled in Slidell, Louisiana. Chayo, who celebrates her birthday on November 11, has been associated professionally with Excel Group, based on publicly available information. The couple have no children together, and Terral has kept the details of their relationship relatively private. As of now, no public updates have been shared regarding their current status.

Terral Evans Net Worth

Despite scaling back his television appearances, Terral Evans is still regarded as one of the most skilled and fearless gator wranglers to emerge from the Louisiana swamps. His unique approach and on-screen presence helped him build a loyal fan base. In addition to his income from Swamp People and decades in the industrial sector as a regional manager, Terral owns Goat Island—a 3,000-acre property used for conservation and relocation.

Based on average Louisiana land values for private conservation acreage (estimated at $1,500 per acre), the island alone could be worth $4.5 million. Factoring in his land assets, television exposure, and private ventures, Terral Evans’ net worth is conservatively estimated at $4 million to $5 million.

Wiki Bio Facts Table

Full Name	Terral Evans
Date of Birth	May 13, 1957
Age	67 years old
Place of Birth	Slidell, Louisiana, USA
Ethnicity	White American
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Occupation	TV Personality, Conservationist, Regional Manager
Known For	Swamp People, Barehanded Alligator Wrangling
Military Service	U.S. Marine Corps (Joined in 1979)
High School	Slidell High School, Class of 1976
College	Southeastern Louisiana University (Attended)
Employer	Excel Group (Regional Manager for 30+ years)
Notable Trait	Catches gators barehanded
Affiliations	Mississippi Wildlife & Fisheries, Honey Island Swamp Monster
Spouse	Chayo Evans (m. 2016), previously Dana Holyfield
Children	Jeremy Evans, Derek Evans, Ava Evans, Evan Cedotal (stepson)
Residence	Honey Island Swamp, Louisiana / Slidell, Louisiana