Are gators in the Gardens?
The sun beat down on verdant wetlands full of egrets and herons and croaking frogs that could be heard, but not seen.
After a young nature photographer and a noisy family disappeared from the wide open landscape of the Marsh Trail at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge west of Boynton Beach on Sunday afternoon, there was only me.
At first, I was in my glory. It was so still. Then I started irrationally freaking out. What if all those frogs were really bellowing alligators that I somehow, mysteriously, accidentally provoked?
It occurred to me that I had no idea what an angry alligator sounds like or the best course of action should I encounter one. Since I’m petite, a gator could easily drag me away and leave no evidence.
Thankfully, that’s not their M.O.
Florida has averaged only about five unprovoked alligator bites each year since 1948, Sarah Peters according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. You’re more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by an alligator.
Nevertheless, when I got home, I searched online what to do if you see one that’s fired up. It turns out it’s best to just run away as quickly as possible, according to the University of Florida.
I was stunned at the report released the next day about two men who allegedly lured an alligator to shore near the North Palm Beach County Airport in May and filmed it.
The video posted online, according to the FWC report, begins with one of the men saying, “Have y’all seen anyone get bit by an alligator before?” I realize this is highly atypical of the interactions between people and alligators.
True clashes are avoided by exercising common sense, such as not swimming in freshwater or walking your 10-pound dog next to a canal.
New signage in San Matera by The Gardens Mall warns residents to “Beware of Alligators & Other Wildlife” and reminds them that swimming in the lake is banned.
There were no recent sightings, but alligators have been spotted in the past, according to the manager. Nonetheless, people walk their pets near the lake.
Similarly, a sign posted by the canal in the park off Burns Road has warned people for at least a year that gators may be present.
As Florida’s population skyrockets, there are bound to be growing pains. Exercising caution can go a long way in making sure we all get along.