Our lone female alligator - needs a mate

[bobreeves]

Lonely female alligator in the pond behind our house.

http://myweb.cebridge.net/bobreeves/photo/images/full/32.jpg

[Slim to None]

bring her to florida, here the gators outnumber the people!

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

You mean to tell me that this is your pet? ;D
Man, and i thought i was a wako. yay yay yay 012

[bobreeves]

Pretty close - lots of locals feed her. Her favorite is whole chickens. If you go to the bank and whistle, over she comes looking for a handout. I don't know if she'd make it without help food-wise - it's a pretty small pond with not that much to eat - just lots of turtles and sunfish.

[sportskiff]

Anybody else hear about the open season on gators here in S.C. starting this sept?
Was just put out on the news this am.
Reggie

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Anybody else hear about the open season on gators here in S.C. starting this sept?
Was just put out on the news this am.
Reggie


So what you do? you go fishing or hunting for them?

[workinprogress]

HMMM---tastes like chicken

[sportskiff]

Just might get me a permit, got the boat, got the hardware, DNR dropped a 19' one in a pond not far from where I live, made the local press. Gator tail good, as a plus, I tan hides, snake, rabbit, elk,deer etc. Even tried a bass once. Add to that cowboy boot wearin redneck, (wonder if they have a bow season????)
>:D Reggie >:D

[rem_pss308]

Pretty close - lots of locals feed her. Her favorite is whole chickens. If you go to the bank and whistle, over she comes looking for a handout. I don't know if she'd make it without help food-wise - it's a pretty small pond with not that much to eat - just lots of turtles and sunfish.


Hey bobreeves, Dont know if you know it or not, but here in Florida that is how people get attacked by gators.
People feed them, and they learn to associate people with food, then when someone comes down and doesnt feed them, they decide to eat anyway. Especially when they get larger 6' or bigger. Might want to keep the kids, and dogs away from there unsupervised.

and Yes Gator meat battered and deep fried is delicious.

[sportskiff]

MMMMMMMMM,
gator on a stick- dang good meal.......
Reggie

[redfisherdave]

Ditto what Rem said about feeding gators in Florida. It is against the law as well to feed alligators here in Florida. Almost eveytime there is an attack, person or dog injured or killed, they find out that people in the area have been feeding the alligator. This usually ends up bad for the guilty alligator, they are trapped & killed, not relocated. Feeding any wildlife usually turns them into pests.

[Bad Chicken]

X3 I had a small 3' gator behind my house who wouldn't leave. I used to come down to feed the fish at night and I guess he was eating with them. I never saw him when I was throwing out the feed. One night he heard me coming and just came swimming up. I was like WTF? Where did you come from? I stopped the fish feeding immediately and it took 2 weeks of pounding the water when he came up to convince him to leave. Any gator who has lost his fear of man is extremely dangerous, especially to small children and pets. I would encourage you to make any contact with him a negative experience (within the law of corse).

[bobreeves]

I would encourage you to make any contact with him a negative experience (within the law of corse).

I'm well aware they can be dangerous, and would never take small kids or dogs / cats down there with me. I've just always been an animal lover and could not do anything to intentionally harm her. Hell, I worry about hurting fish when I catch them.

I can watch people get blown away all day (just watch the news) and it has little effect on me, but seeing an animal harmed really bothers me. There's a movie with Anthony Hopkins where he earns the trust of a group of gorillas and actually lives with them. At one point in the movie poachers are seen killing the gorillas. I absolutely cannot watch that part - have to turn the sound off and go into another room.

[Bad Chicken]

Hey Bob, you definately misunderstood me. I'm not advocating hurting her in any way. Feeding them is a positive experience. Not feeding them when they come up and splashing the water around them to discourage them is a negative experience. That's why I said "within the law". It saves the gator in the long run and allows it to lead a normal life. Fl doesn't recognize a nusiance gator until they are out of the water and on your property. Then it is too late and, they are disposed of. I have seen neighbors 1 lake over feed the 1 footers hot dogs because they are so cute. Next year when they are 5' long they aren't so cute anymore but, they still come run'in when they hear footsteps on the dock. Now they're dangerous. Dogs, cats, and kids are naturally drawn to the water. Just leave 'em alone is all I'm saying and if you choose not to be careful.

"I can watch people get blown away all day (just watch the news) and it has little effect on me, but seeing an animal harmed really bothers me."

No offense intended but, there is an order to life, people first than animals. I make the destinction but I don't draw a line with regards to compassion. Just my opinion. BC

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I know one thing, i DON'T wanna play with gators,feed them or be any where near them,sorry, but that is how i feel.In my opinion they are cruel killers,maybe i'm making a mistake about that, but better safe than sorry.

[Bad Chicken]

Hi Nem, Not cruel killers just apex preditors that deserve respect. Better safe than sorry is right on! thumbsup BC

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I don't know man, but i have this thing about crocs and gators, maybe is just me.

[Bad Chicken]

It's cool. I'm scared of clowns. LOL BC

[bobreeves]

there is an order to life, people first than animals

I was not going to comment as this is not the place for this developing flame war, but where do American Indians fit into your order?

[Bad Chicken]

Geez Bob, Couldn't resist eh... ;D Hey man last time I checked American Indians were people. Read my last line "just my opinion". I respect every one's beliefs. I just found your comment that you care more about animals then people odd. But... it's OK it's how you feel. I really don't care if the gator takes your dog, cat, or leg. I was just offering some insight and from someone who has first hand experience dealing with Florida wildlife from gators, to rattle snakes, and everything in between. I understand it was not solicited but, I have witnessed first hand how development and mans encroachment has affected the wildlife. Ultimately the wildlife suffers as a result. I have seen it happen so many times it makes me sick. No flame war here, just a dude with his opinion. You really did misunderstand my comment and if I seemed like an AZZhole it was not my intention :-*