Growing up in the SE these were everyday sights. They almost never go after humans; just don't take fido for a walk nearby or problems ensue. When I first moved to the SE we went on a float trip down the ichetucknee. As a kid I was ready to run on water the first time I floated 10 ft past one sunning itself; everyone assured us it was fine though. They do teach all kids in school to run in a zig zag and try to get up a tree if they chase you, they can't turn while moving and have to come to a complete stop to turn.
They are actually native to far SE Oklahoma. Still cool to see one that big. What's next bears? Wait...
I expect to see one within the next 5 years on my place as they expand their range. Sure would get exciting getting in your deer stand in the dark and hearing a roar
I think they hiss more than roar. Now every time you hear a oppossum hiss, you are going to run.
Was down on the Gulf Coast, sitting in a duck blind before daylight, kept hearing this peeping sound. Sun finally came up and saw 6 lil gators 8" - 9" long. 200 yrd back to the bank and carrying nothing but a shotgun with steel shot, does not make for an enjoyable trip wondering where Momma is.
That's a handy piece of information to know! I'm not too worried about them, I would imagine they are like black bears, hogs, rattlesnakes and most other wildlife, if you come upon one they probably want to get away from you more than anything. Back one into a corner and there might be trouble.
It might curtail some of the neighbors poaching the pond.
So this blonde went into a gun store,,,
She told the owner she wanted alligator shoes,,,
But at $3,000 a pair it was too much money for her budget.
She asked for a rifle that would kill a 'gator,,,
She knew she could get her own if she could shoot a 'gator,,,
So the owner sold her a Ruger Mini-14 and a few boxes of ammo.
Later that week a game warden heard a rifle go off near a river,,,
He drove to the sound and found 3 dead gators on the bank,,,
Just then he heard another shot and saw the blonde,,,
She was wading out to a dead 'gator in the water,,,
She drug it to the bank and flipped it over
Damn! said the blonde,,,
This one's not wearing any shoes either.
Aarond
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