Sunday, December 9, 2007

I only have eyes for you...

Well, guess who kept me company during this morning's walk - Al, the alligator!

Some of you've asked if I fear Al. Not really. If left alone, an alligator would much rather stay away from humans than attack them. In the State of Florida it is illegal to feed a wild alligator, as doing so tends to make the animal associate humans with food and it loses its natural fear of man.

However, attacks on humans do occur, and there have been several fatal alligator attacks in Florida. Many of these involve small children or swimmers, however most of them can be attributed to human error. One of the most important rules is, should you see an alligator in the wild...Leave It Alone.

16 comments:

WichitaKsDailyPhoto said...

I'd be saying "see ya later, alligator".

Anonymous said...

I guess this is one place you do not want to slip and fall or faint and drop on the ground.

Nikon said...

It's good to see the old boy!
Great shots - look him right in the eye.

Anonymous said...

Actually, he's inviting you in for a dip in the pool.

Jilly said...

Nice to see an ol' friend again. Love the shot. Where was this taken, Isabella?

JaamZIN said...

they really always scare me:)

Kate said...

Assure me as much as you will, Isabella, but i'd still stay far, far away from Mr. Al.

GMG said...

Passed some of them in the Everglades, but left them alone hoping that they leave me alone...
I'll be out from Wednesday through Sunday, but meanwhile leave you in Amsterdam!
Have a great week!
Blogtrotter

Shammickite said...

I shall definitely take your advice and stay away from any stray alligators I happen to see. But as I am in Canada, I'd probably have to go to the Zoo to encounter one!
Nice pictures of Al, he's quite a star in blogland!

Marie said...

I think it does not have a "wicked" look. I like all animals, even spiders :-)

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...

i don't think I and Al will ever be on very friendly terms.....i am petrified of those fluorescent eyes!!!

Jules said...

Yikes! Don't forget what they say "Never smile at a crocodile/alligator" Isabella!!

Olivier said...

c'est un alligator-caméléon. on le sent prêt a attendre sa proie et a attaquer.
It is a alligator-caméléon. We feel ready to wait for its prey and attack.

Chris said...

I don't exactly know what to say except that I'd be a-heading in the opposite direction!

Lessie said...

Great spooky pic! {shiver!}

Jo's-D-Eyes said...

OOOHHHH no!
I would not even THINK of tatching this alligator, is this a vegetarian?

Anyway a lovely shot!!!