Quote:
Originally Posted by dhdallas
It is extremely rare for a person to be attacked by an alligator although the media loves to exploit these unusual occurrences.
You do realize that thousands of people fish & swim in Florida lakes and rivers that also have alligators. I was kayaking at Three Sisters Springs/Kings Bay/Crystal River last week and there were literally over 100 swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. It is a popular spot to see manatees but as with all bodies of water in Florida there are also alligators. Next week I am going to Juniper Springs where swimming is also popular and there are also alligators. I am also taking a kayak paddle down the Silver Springs river known for its glass bottom boat tours, alligators, monkeys and manatees.
The woman who was killed recently was foolish enough to walk her dog by the waters edge. The alligator went after the dog but it ran away & in front of the woman who was then a target of opportunity. Humans are not alligator's preferred food but alligators will definitely go after a dog.
People just need to use some common sense when they are in a wildlife setting. Bears, wolves, coyotes, cougars, wild boars, etc. share our spaces but this is no reason to avoid a hike in the forest unless all of these predators are removed and killed.
As for The Villages, stay on the paths, don't allow your pet near the water and you will be safe & sound.
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Not really. Our good friend was walking her tiny pup, early one morning on a walking path and noticed a rather large 'gator with it's nose sticking out onto the path that she was walking on. It was early so she was lucky she noticed it in time to avoid a confrontation.
I have a neighbor that says that one of the golf courses he plays on has a big fella that runs up to one of the greens every time someone lands a ball on near the hole on the green. Don't know if he is exaggerating, but if true it's only a matter of time before there will be an issue.
I see no problem with the gators being moved to a wildlife preserve elsewhere in the state. It's not like it is going to upset the ecosystem if we don't have them here. We really don't need all the coyotes we have here, either. I wonder how many here would allow rats, squirrels or raccoons to take up residence in their attic, or would they have someone remove them?