[SteveZ]

The is Florida. Alligators have been here long before tourists and retirees, and are part of the natural environment.

Alligators are also predators controlled by eons of instinct-development, and are not really interested in photo opportunities or curiosity seekers.

Alligators eat things, and are especially fond of under-30 pound pets or other things that size or smaller (like small grandchildren - alligators don't differentiate by species). We supposedly smarter creatures should realize this and take the necessary precautions to avoid them.

Alligators are VERY fast on land for short distances and can climb chain-link fence.

Bottom line, alligators are a natural part of the Florida eco-system, territorial like other species are, and only stay in areas which provide them food. So, if you don't know how to handle yourself around them, LEAVE THEM ALONE. If you think they may be a danger, CALL COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL. Let the Florida professionals who have lived around alligators most of their lives and know what they are doing respond to situations where alligators and humans appear to be getting too close for comfort.

BTW, if you see a lot of waterfowl in a pond, odds are there are no alligators around. However, if you see no waterfowl in a pond, beware.