Tuesday, May 16, 2006

You Might Want to Reconsider Your Florida Vacation Plans

After Fatal Alligator Attacks, High Alert and Lowered Eyes - New York Times: "MIAMI, May 15 — Frank Mazzotti, a wildlife ecologist at the University of Florida, has some advice for people who never want to come face to face with an alligator: Stay out of Florida.

Todd Hardwick, a trapper, taped the mouth and eyes of an alligator he captured Monday in a lake behind homes in North Miami Beach, Fla.

While alligator attacks are not everyday occurrences in the state — only 17 fatal attacks have been reported since 1948 — three women have been killed by alligators in the past week, prompting concern among residents, visitors and state wildlife officials.

'We live in a wildlife state in and among many different species,' said Willie Puz, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 'Be alert to your surroundings. Any freshwater body in Florida can be home to alligators.'"

1 comment:

Joan Reeves said...

I think the problem is that too many people don't realize wildlife is, well, wild. Near where I live, Houston area, officials had to put up signs "Do not feed the alligators" because suburban residents were feeding them and bringing them out of the drainage ditches into subdivisions. No stray pet problem any more there I've heard.