[BK001]

What a nightmare ... outside of the Grand Floridian hotel

Alligator drags two-year-old into Florida lagoon, authorities say

[rubicon]

[Jima64]

Horrible vacation disaster for the family.

[ColdNoMore]

I can't even imagine.

[asianthree]

This is so sad. I can't tell you how many times we've walked past the lagoons and wondered what kind of wildlife is in there big snapping turtles, large snakes, and alligators. Of course if you're familiar with Florida water is not your friend when it comes to Lakes. Especially after dark we are always extremely careful walking the path going back to our room.

[VApeople]

A few days ago, we saw people at Lake Sumter Landing watching our alligator while their very young children played with the rope that supposedly keeps them from falling into the water.

When I was at the University of Florida, we used to enjoy feeding marshmallows to the alligators in Lake Alice. Some of them were really huge. There was a sign saying "Do not pet the alligators" encouraging us to be careful.

[graciegirl]

We can't forget that they are predators. We must watch our small grandchildren and our pets and ourselves.
So many terrible things happening.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

We can't forget that they are predators. We must watch our small grandchildren and our pets and ourselves.
So many terrible things happening.

They are often related because this couple MIGHT have been distracted from their normal child watching routine by the recent Orlando shooting.

[twoplanekid]

While my son and his family have not been deterred from visiting Disneyworld by the Orlando shootings on this stay with us, I am not sure I can convince their mom to let me take the grandkids canoeing on Lake Okahumpka.

[raynan]

The father tried to wrestle the child from the gator and lost. They are still looking for the child and so far have captured 4 gators looking for evidence. Family from Nebraska on vacation waiting to see outdoor movie at The Floridian while child played in 1 foot of water next to them. How horrible!!

[justjim]

It is difficult to think of something more horrible happening to your child or grandchild while you are close by. A family from Nebraska likely had no idea of the potential danger. Prayers to the family.

This toddler was two years old. A few years ago an eleven year old boy was hauled off and killed by an alligator while playing in the water less than 15 miles from The Villages. This too was a terrible tragedy and happen just as we moved to Florida. Please respect the Alligators and keep the children far away from them.

[Bonny]

I can't even imagine living the rest of my life with the vision of an alligator taking my child while I was there and I wasn't able to save him. What a horrible thing to happen.
Prayers for this family.

[Mickedamouse24]

This truly is a horrible situation and I must take this opportunity to remind those folks that visit the gator at Lake Sumter Landing to "please!" not feed this creature!!!
Not only is it against the law, it promotes a false sense, that allows this gator to become humanized and they will approach humans because they associate them with food and being fed! If you would take the time to read the Florida Wildlife Statures, it is actually illegal to feed any wildlife in the the state of Florida! These creatures have managed to survive for many, many 100's years without our assistance! They will continue to do so! Admire, leave them in Peace!!

[VApeople]

Based on this story, it appears that Disney knew about the alligator problem but still kept their man-made beaches open.

Terrified Brit family 'chased by alligator' at same Disney resort weeks before beast took toddler - Mirror Online

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by VApeople

Based on this story, it appears that Disney knew about the alligator problem but still kept their man-made beaches open.

Terrified Brit family 'chased by alligator' at same Disney resort weeks before beast took toddler - Mirror Online

It is fairly easy to remove alligators. The Villages do it all of the time. AND they kill them, to the hue and cry of many villagers. I doubt that a child centered place like Disney would turn their head to this danger. The sad truth is that alligators walk all around everywhere here. I stay away from water's edges here and along with letting grandchildren drive a golf cart, here is another dangerous and possibly deadly situation. We took our grandson to New Smyrna Beach when he was 12 and when his mother found out she told us that New Smyrna Beach is the shark bite capital of the world. I am always over protective and yet we nonchalantly took him there.

I am finding again that there are not solutions to all problems. Most of us humans are good and caring and protective of others.