First Alligator attack in 8 years which causes a human death

(source: Anthony Baker)

On July 4th it was reported that a man in Orange county, Texas a man and a women where swimming in a bayou and they where attacked by a large American Alligator.

They where swimming in the bayou despite warning signs confirming the presence of alligators in the area and according those in the area the an shouted "F-ck the Alligators" in reply to a warning of the large animals.

The next thing witness recount is of the man being grabbed by a large alligator.

On July 6th a large Alligator was found in Orange county dead after it had been illegally killed. It was confirmed to be the same animals which killed the Orange county man 2 days before.

The animal was 11.2 feet and was large enough to kill an adult man.

Sources:
http://wfla.com/2015/07/04/23002/
http://www.12newsnow.com/story/29484672/large-alligator-killed-in-same-area-where-gator-killed-a-man-last-week
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/f6b0a67f701571b4bb9ed1140832a835.htm
Video at this link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/f6b0a67f701571b4bb9ed1140832a835.htm

Alligator attacks and eats a dog in Florida

(Credit: Wikimedia)

A 8 foot American Alligator killed and consumed a dog in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Although the owner attempted to save the dog the alligator got away with the family pet.

Although this is very sad to hear it seems wildlife officers are taking the proper prepstive on this with one officer saying "I can't punish an alligator for being an alligator...That's just an alligator being its normal self." and saying "People just need to understand that we are a national wildlife refuge, and first and foremost, we are there for the wildlife."

The officers do hand out a flyer called "A guide to living with Alligators" (linked below) This includes safety tips when dealing with alligators

Sources
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/07/01/dog-eaten-alligator-st-marks-refuge/29554797/

A guide to living with Alligators:
http://welcometonorthwestflorida.com/pdf/faimlysupport1.pdf

First Alligator attack on a human this year

The first alligator attack on a human happen late last month in Texas. A 13 year old boy was bitten on the arm and leg by a alligator in the 6 foot to 8 foot range. Luckily his father was present and was able to help fight the animal off, but was also injured during the attack.

Sources
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/father-grandfather-save-boy-in-texas-alligator-attack/
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/USA-Update/2015/0629/Dad-of-the-year-Father-saves-13-year-old-son-from-alligator-video

Seized pet American Alligater

(Credit: Photo taken by Anthony Baker at St. Augustine Alligator Farm)

A pet American Alligator was seized 6 months ago from a home in California, when the owner failed to have the proper permit for the animal. The family owned the animal for 30 years wen it was seized. A couple of days ago the pet Alligator, named Chopper, died in state custody.

 

 

I a have few mixed feelings about captive crocodilians, but it seems this family took great care of this animal for decides. In any event no matter what side you come down on the debate it is a sad outcome for the animal.  



Source:

http://abc7.com/pets/alligator-dies-after-being-taken-from-rancho-cucamonga-owner-by-fish-and-wildlife/557337/

Gator on a golf course!!!

Credit: http://www.wptv.com/news/state/massive-gator-spotted-on-florida-golf-course

 

I thought I would share this as I saw it everywhere on mainstream news outlets. This photo was taken in Florida. This kind of surprised me that this made the rounds on the news networks because in Florida there are over 1 million Alligators and they are often quite common on golf courses (which often have lakes), but it is a news article about alligators in major news networks and that cant be all bad.

Source

http://www.wptv.com/news/state/massive-gator-spotted-on-florida-golf-course