GATOR-AID

Speaking of lakes, we all know they are Florida’s most popular reptile, the alligator. While an alligator encounter can prove deadly, it’s not a go reason to shun our beautiful lakes. After all, there ha been only three alligator-related fatalities in Florida since 2007—and none of them occurred in Lake County. In other words, your odds of being on the wrong end of an alligator encounter are quite slim.

But, in the event you do come across an alligator, you need to know what to do.

Johnny Douglas of Wildwood is quite familiar with these reptiles. He spent 31 years as a trapper who removed nuisance alligators from local waterways. He offers some practical advice.

If you encounter an alligator on land? “You should run away, but do so in a zigzag pattern. Alligators run in a straight line for 30 feet and then they stop. Once you’ve gotten away, make sure to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation. Although it is a rare occurrence, if an alligator chases you on land, it has lost all fear of humans.”

If you encounter an alligator in water? “Be as still as possible at first and then slowly ease your way back to shore. If you move too quickly and start splashing, the alligator may recognize you as prey and begin chasing you. Plus, you cannot out-swim an alligator. If the alligator attacks you, then the best defense is to poke its eye sockets with your fingers. Oftentimes, alligators will release their grip once you do this.”

A valuable tip: “Don’t ever walk your dog next to the lake. Dogs are like prime rib to alligators. Throughout the years, I’ve trapped hundreds and hundreds of alligators that attacked and killed dogs.”