Stop The Alligator Rampage!
Stop the Alligator Rampage!
Came across this story about a trapper catching what he thinks might be the gator that took a go at biting the head off a snorkeler at Kelly Springs. It reminded me of something said by a local news broadcaster regarding the alligator attack in May of a jogger in South Florida. The alligator was repeatedly characterized as a “killer alligator”. I got the impression the reporter really wanted to say “murderous” had it not been utterly absurd. It was like they were describing this manhunt for some serial killer plaguing society. They showed the footage of trappers binding and dragging the 9 foot beautiful creature and assured the viewers that yes, this horrible beast would be destroyed.
It’s an alligator. It’s a giant set of chompers attached to a stomach with legs and a swimming tail. It’s existence is reliant upon it killing prey and perceived threats with its mouth. It’s what it does! Calling it a “killer alligator” is like calling Earl K. Wood a “thieving tax collector”. Sure, I guess it could be interpreted that way, but he’s just doing his job and he seems like a nice enough guy (I always vote for him). As well, I always vote for the gator to be left alone to do his job too.
With an estimated 1 to 2 million alligator in Florida and the highest concentrations being in the central and southern regions, it’s no wonder that gator attacks are “on the rise”. When you consider the unprecedented growth of the region logic would dictate that more people in the land of a million gators means more alligator to person interaction and more alligator related injuries and fatalities. So is that the fault of the gators? Should we villainize them as “killers” to be hunted down and slaughtered for instinctively lashing out at intruders to their space?
I see gators all the time in Orlando area lakes, the Econ River and the canals between the Indian river and Mosquito Lagoon. They are truly amazing animals that are graceful in the water and tranquil as they sun themselves on the banks. I take a photo or two, give them a wide berth and move on, with all limbs intact. I say if you want to live in Florida, watch where you step. There are things that will bite you all over the place. Learn to be respectful of your surroundings and if you get hurt by treading on the habitat of a dangerous Florida animal, don’t blame the animal, blame the intruder.
(Alligator photo courtesy of Ryan Cox)
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Not to comment on my own post, but I found the irony of my post about leaving the gators alone being accompanied by Google Ads regarding alligator shoes and meat quite delicious! Mmmmm, delicious ironic gator tail….
Welcome to the squad Terry, glad to have you aboard.
In regards to your post, um, exactly. A few years ago we had the same hype with the sharks attacking people, oddly at the same time our tourism numbers were in increasing and more people were frequenting the beach. Gee, mere coincidence, I think not.
If people want to build their house on a swamp, they need to understand the wildlife that they are encroaching upon. If you build a house in certain regions of California, you should expect mudslides or earthquakes to destroy it one day. If you live in Hawaii, chances are a volcano might bury your house in magma.
In Florida, we’ve got gators, hurricanes, and the highest humidity this side of the mason dix, deal with it.