[missdpuck]

As a Floridian I expect a gator to turn up wherever it pleases.

However, I wouldn't expect people from the Midwest to expect one at magical Disney where there are no "Alligators may be present " signs. That's the standard signage at parks, lakes, canals, wildlife areas , etc.

I hike in Central Florida where there are bear warning signs, but never see such signs in southeast Florida. I would never in a million years expect to see a bear here but it has happened a little less than an hour from here, which is still really odd.

Now people have to be warned about coyotes as there are more of them, but I don't see any coyote warning signs. The same with feral hogs.

Disney is marketed as a protected fantasy land. I'd hardly call the parents "morons".

We recently completed a 70 mile hike from the ocean to Lake Okeechobee. Because of our wet winter this year, at least half of the hike was wet. We went through knee-deep water for miles in one area. Except for a mile on a road, the hike was in preserves, WMAs , remote parks, etc and mostly on the Florida Ocean to Lake Trail.


Gator sightings for entire trip:2, including one aggressive male who was about to pounce on something(not us) . Snake count :3, none poisonous.

There are no reported attacks by gators on humans on this trail. Perhaps because hikers are aware and prepared and also you never see what you want to see anyway.
At least one of us has a large hunting knife and pointed hiking sticks.
Are we nuts? Maybe. Gators in this area are not used to people, so there were probably many who saw us and got away quickly.

Spent 12 hours in swampy wildlife management areas yesterday. Gator count :0 Barred owl standing in road: 1 At 2pm-go figure.

Disney is negligent for not posting the standard "Alligators may be present" signage.

Lake Dora in the city of Mt Dora has a little beach with beach chairs, etc and alligator warning signs. You will see baby gators here and there. No problems as far as I know.

Clyde Butcher has been wading around alligator infested swamps for years.

They always tell us not to bend or crouch down in the swamp or near banks. You will look more prey-sized. This poor child was the perfect size. My heart goes out to these people.

When you've lived her long enough you know to look for them. Everywhere!