Being seasoned campers, we have learned the tricks of dealing with the various flora and fauna we encounter. We can all spot poison ivy from twenty paces and have perfected our tick removal skills. We’ve even learned some pretty sneaky tips for dealing with overzealous raccoons. None of that can prepare you for pulling into a campsite covered with signs that read Caution: Alligator.
In addition to the regular campsite checking in business, we were given a pamphlet to familiarize us with alligator etiquette. Some of my favorites:
- ABSOLUTELY DO NOT feed or annoy the alligators.
- Keep pets on a short leash and do not allow your pets to wade in the water.
- Keep at least 30 feet from any alligator. Do not assume they are slow moving.
- If an alligator goes after a fish you have caught, cut the line and let the alligator have the fish.
- If an alligator charges you, RUN.
- If an alligator opens its mouth and hisses, you have come too close. Retreat slowly, keeping your eyes on the alligator.
Hiking along the lake early in the morning, we easily spotted over thirty alligators skulking along in the murky water. With only eyeballs and pointed scales peeking above the surface they eyed us as suspicious intruders. The kids, true to their personalities, were either willing to give the alligators a very wide berth or flirt dangerously with the suggested boundaries. Me? I spent my time repeatedly counting to four to make sure I hadn’t lost anybody and hoping to heck that I didn’t hear any hissing.
This post is a part of Photo Friday at Delicious Baby
Love the gators! Gotta wonder what idiot would want to feed an alligator . . .
I’m not so sure I’d be camping here 😆
Yah, you wouldn’t have to tell me twice not to feed them. Yikes!
I’m with Dominique. Not sure I have the guts to camp there. Then again, I haven’t been camping in a tent since I was about 13, and in a cabin since I was 17. We’re working on that one though. Cause you know, what better time to get your feet wet in camping again than when you have a two year old who has absolutely no fear 😉 Oh and remind me to get those tick removal tricks from you.
You are very brave! The “Caution: Alligators” sign would have had me looking for the nearest hotel! 🙂
I’m pretty sure I’d be on red alert from the time we arrived until we left 😉
And I thought bears were scary when camping! Yikes!
Now, truth be told, I am not much of a camper….but with alligators???? Definitely not!!
~Becca
And you are supposed to sleep, happy in your tents, here?! 🙂
What a great story! That sure doesn’t happen at California campgrounds. I do have a great bear eating Jolly Ranchers story though…
Living in South Florida half the year and visiting the Everglades frequrntly, I know all about alligator etiquette. Delightful post and I also run if I hear the hissing!!!
Ooh, this looks like an interesting place for a camping trip. Is it in Florida?
We saw very similar signs at Wakulla Springs in Tallahassee, FL. Very unnerving!
That’s so crazy!! I’ve certainly never been in close contact with something like an alligator. I think I’d be doing just what you were!