A fisherman was attacked and killed by a 12 foot long alligator in a park on the lake the other day. It wasn't anybody I knew, although it’s probably someone I might recognize. We bike to the park adjacent to the one he died at. The one we go to has a high, concrete boardwalk to protect one from the creatures of the deep. There are often fishermen and women on the boardwalk.
The park he was at was a new one. It is right on the water, just the grass and the water. I don’t understand why he would fish there? But apparently he did almost every night. I wonder if he fished for relaxation, or for food? Many of the people who fish in this lake are poor folks. Honestly, that's one heavily polluted lake. I wouldn't eat a fish from that body of water, but then again I don't have to. Right?
There are so many alligators in Florida, and they can be terrifying. No one swims in the lakes. People are urged not to walk their dog, or let their children play around the holding pond in their developments. If you see a body of water, you can assume it has alligators.
It sounds like he was holding up his “catch” trying to take a picture of it when the gator jumped out of the water and attacked. That dangling fish must have seemed like an invitation to the alligator? So sad.
The authorities claim they caught and killed the "killer." But I doubt it. Alligators drag their kills into the water and let them rot a little before they eat them. The wildlife experts were having trouble getting to the body because there were so many alligators underwater. How could they possibly know which one killed him?
I think the alligator was simply being an alligator in an area that has been overdeveloped ridiculously close to the wildlife.
When an alligator lives near your home.
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| An alligator in his lake |
It is a sad story. We all know about certain dangerous animals yet we often think something bad can't happen to us. From what I see in the news alligators are becoming bolder and bolder. We have encroached on their habitat and now we must be more careful.
ReplyDeleteWe need to stop building developments in Florida. Seriously, it encroaches on wildlife habitat, and uses more water than Florida will be able to provide.
DeleteWhat a horrific way to die.
ReplyDeleteI hope he died immediately.
DeleteThis is terrible! Obviously traumatic for his family and friends but for the entire community too.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is talking about it. Apparently he was a sweet man and lots of people knew him.
DeleteOut walking along the Saskatchewan road near my home, I often remember I should be carrying bear spray just in case of ... and I also give thanks that at least we have no alligators. -Kate
ReplyDeleteBears have terrorized me in nightmares before. I wonder who would win in a fight between a bear and an alligator? I suspect the bear would win, but would wear the scars.
DeleteIf he was holding up his catch trying to take a picture of it, he was remarkably dumb. And yes, I wonder why he was fishing there anyway. I didn't know alligators were so dangerous, I thought it was only crocodiles.
ReplyDeleteCrocodiles are much more dangerous than alligators. Alligators usually mind their own business, but every once in a while something like this happens.
DeleteThat's just terrible. None of us should have to die for one foolish decision.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, that statement hits at the heart of the matter. Poor man.
DeleteI think you're right -- as is so often the case in situations like this, the gator was just doing what comes naturally. Obviously that's no comfort to the man's family, though.
ReplyDeleteIt is a tragedy for all concerned.
DeleteI did not know people need to avoid swimming in lakes. All the water birds and the fish and turtles are likely in danger from the alligators. In addition to that poor man and also to pet dogs.
ReplyDeleteAny body of water (except pools) in Florida likely contains alligators. Even holding ponds in the developments. I just read that in Lake Apopka there are estimated to be 4,600 alligators.
DeleteYou were looking for adventure when you moved to Florida, definitely.
ReplyDeleteA sad event. A cautionary tale.
ReplyDelete