Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Blogging A to Z Challenge-Letter G

Gators

Living on the island there were alligators in the Jungle Gardens. I'll explain in more detail what the Jungle Gardens are for Letter J so stay tuned!


Gators (Alligators) appear intimidating, don't they?



They were in the gardens with a fence around a vast area where they could roam but not enter the  community. I say 'were' because things could have changed since the last time I visited a long time ago.

As kids, we felt invincible and rode around the area to see if we could see one. Also, to go my friend's house I had to pass the area. I was scared alone. I always thought if one ate me how would my parents know? HA!

Our parents would tell us if we saw one, to move fast and if by chance it started chasing us, to ride our bikes or run fast zigzagging. The zigzagging would cause the gator to flip itself on the side.

However, I just googled it. Zigzagging is not true. So much for our parents always being right. (BabyGirl if you read this, there is an exception, I am always right!). According to my source,  its because the "shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and that's the fastest."  Okay, that was sorta common sense.

They run fast but only for short distances. If you encounter one, it is likely you may be in their territory and he wants you go away so he chases you.

No one was ever attacked by a gator on the island that I am aware of.

A couple of times I saw them about 100 yards in the grass by a railroad track. They had escaped, crossed the road and were just laying there in the sun.

Interestingly, they don't see humans as prey because of our size.

However, if you see them in the water, do not go in! They may see your arm or leg as a smaller and vulnerable prey and think it is food.

If you are attacked, FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE! Do not give up! As any other assailant, go for the eyes! Also, a gator usually bites and releases. During the release, it's a crucial time to get away!!

The average size for a male is 11.2 feet and the average female is 8 feet. A large one can weigh up to half a ton pounds. Yea, they'll squish you like a bug!!

Some alligators live up to 50 years old.

About 5 million are spread around our awesome country but the majority of them are in Florida and Louisiana.

Their homes are usually in freshwater environments like ponds, swamps and wetlands to name a few.

They are mostly hunted for their skins. The skins are used to make purses, boots, wallets and all kinds of other cool stuff.

Their meat is also used for food, usually deep-fried in this area. It can be cooked in other different ways.

One Saturday my family was in the car on our way to church. There was an alligator crossing the road. He took his sweet time but he eventually got to the other side and we went on our way. It was an experience I've never forgotten.

Imagine, in the car, seeing a gigantic creature (in a child's eyes) as long as the width of the road obstructing your path, moving slowly across the road? That is not an ordinary event.

There you go! You now know something about Gators!  They are interesting creatures, I think!



7 comments:

  1. I've spent a few years researching alligators, so this post is right up my alley. . .swamp. If you're interested you can see what I mean here: https://www.facebook.com/alligatorsoverhead

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you Clee. I will check out your Facebook page.

    ReplyDelete
  3. When we lived in Houston, I remember being on a Cub Scout overnight with alligators roaming around the park we were in. I was told not to worry about them, but decided my husband could stay with our son that night in the tent and I would go back home in sleep in my safe bed. Of course nothing happened, but I still would not spend the night there among the gators.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand your fear, that bed was more comfy too :)

      Delete
  4. I hope I never have to use this advice!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I did not know they got so darn big!

    ReplyDelete

For those who are Anonymous, I'll appreciate if you'll tell me who you are especialy if you know me personally or via FB. Because I get alot of spam comments. Thanks. Otherwise, say something to let me know you were here. Thanks. I appreciate all of my readers.