Florida Wildlife at WDW

[4leobeans]

The first time my DH and I went to Orlando, we went golfing. When we were in the pro-shop, we were told to "watch the rough on the sixth hole. If the ball goes off the fairway, don't search for it at there is a resident alligator!"
I couldn't tell if he was serious or not, but I think I stayed in the cart during that hole!
We've seen alligators several times, in several water bodies, including at WDW. However, I would never have expected something like what happened recently to happen. Truly a tragedy, and I cannot imagine how the family is dealing with everything that has happened.
I don't believe that there is a single element responsible...it's a terrible outcome for an activity that has probably happened thousands of times before.

People feeding alligators WILL change animal behavior, and lead to an increase in human wildlife conflict. I can't see Disney continuing to let this behaviour slide going forward.
Just because it's a "magical place" doesn't mean that Disney shouldn't advise people of risks, and allow illegal behaviour. Many people are far removed from nature now, and don't have an idea how to behave, or even what to expect from wildlife. Improving signage will hopefully help visitors think about risks.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

People feeding alligators WILL change animal behavior, and lead to an increase in human wildlife conflict. I can't see Disney continuing to let this behaviour slide going forward.

This is what my hope is. Seems like it should be easy enough to point to STATE LAW when enforcing this with guests.

This is obviously not akin to feeding ducks or the like.

 

[grnflash]

Snakes can be pretty much anywhere. There have been numerous reports on the DIS of snake sightings at WDW.

If WDW has to warn us about every possible act of nature via wildlife, then the signs would be everywhere.

Florida is home to brown recluse spiders and black widows, 6 types of venomous snake (another site said 5 in the WDW area), and wild boars! Yes, wild boars live on WDW property.

[Sure enough, there's multiple tours you can pay- right near WDW- to take you boar hunting! or gator hunting, "in the swamps of Kissimmee from an airboat", if you prefer. You can also hunt coyote. You don't have to go far from WDW.]

What about rabies? May 26, 2016- rabid deer found in Sarasota, FL. Another one was issued for Pasco in April, and Tampa in Feb (these are a bit from WDW, but still - that's 3 in FL this spring so far)

What about the armadillos? They harbor leprosy, and are fairly common in the WDW area they are also very hard to keep out, because they burrow under fences and climb over them. I think WDW must have removed many of them, because a few years ago we saw them all over WDW, but more recently we haven't seen them.

This entire post seems like a rebuttal to premises no one on this thread is making. No one is suggesting a warning about every possible danger that could exist. And seeing something dangerous is not the point either. It's fine to see alligators at Disney, just advise me to not enter their habitat (even the water's edge) and don't host me right next to it. Don't let me feed them either. Further, the dangers cited - black widows, brown recluse, rabies - while perhaps scary in a folklore kind of way, are not actually fatal encounters provided medical treatment is provided in the most serious cases.

There is no medical treatment for an alligator snatching you. An alligator being a predator who will hunt you down as food and eat you (as opposed to a bite used as a defense tactic, then retreat.) But if Disney were to advertise an event hosted in an area where dangerous, aggressive aramadillos were known to lurk, and armadillos were a species known to lethally attack large prey, then yes, they should warn me.

 

[Duckiedee]

going to a MANmade resort - built upon swamp and Florida wilderness
that is the Happiest Place on Earth - that would be Disneyland
with HUGE safety standards - nature does not care

Wow. You are so smart. I am so stupid. You win. Slow clap.

 

[Goldilocks07]

i'm sorry but walt dedicated 1/3rd of the land to keep it natural and the swamps and marshland are critical to the environment. If you have an issue with wild animals but still want a disney vacation then a property not located in florida may suit you better.

Totally agree.

However, and let me preface this by saying that I am in NO WAY placing blame, I do believe this was a complete freak accident --- when I travel to other states and countries, I don't research ways of natural death due to the wildlife, at a major resort. IF I were camping/hiking,fishing/secluded- then yes, I would.
I fully understand that there are alligators all over Florida (I travel to various cities throughout the state) - but for some reason I never really thought about a gator coming up to a populated Disney lagoon. Maybe it's because in WDW I feel protected from the Universe. Maybe it's because I consider it a major resort and it's my own ignorance.
But, Florida natives KNOW BEST. Like all the thousands of posters before me have clearly stated: they all know, live with, and experience the gator danger. But all others outside the state, do not live with this. Therefore, going forward, warnings need to be put in place at all bodies of water for all of us who are clueless.

Ugh. I'm still sick over this, and everything else Orlando has had to deal with. Horrible. This is a crazy effed up scary world we live in.

***Side note: my family travels to a friend's beautiful country club in Boca Raton. There's a pond there and we like to feed the ducks. It's adjacent to the main road within the club, yet it's still murky and well...who knows what's living in there. There are ABSOLUTELY no signs/warnings about alligators, and I never once thought about the potential threat. The kids travel along the water's edge feeding the ducks all the time. I shudder...SHUDDER, to think that there's a strong possibility of alligators living there and the possibility of one grabbing my 5 year old. Now I know better. She won't be feeding the ducks so close this year. HECK NO.

 

[DVCPAT]

I haven't posted in a long time, but this tragedy is unlike anything I have seen in a long time. I am an attorney in Florida. I am an AP holder for a long time, and have stayed at almost every resort at WDR. I know alligators and all sorts of wildlife are present, however, a person from Nebraska may not. Disney is obligated as a "resort" to make their hotel reasonably safe and have a affirmative duty to make guests aware of any reasonable danger. It is unfortunate but their "signage" is not good enough, plain and simple. International and tourists from states without gators just are not informed enough, and guess what legally it is not there obligation to do so. It's Disney's. I am beyond understanding what these parent's are going thorough, but to blame them is unconscionable. Mark my words....this case will be settled quickly because Disney will do the right thing, theY NEVER want this to see a court room. They would get buried. Pray for the parents and remember it can happen to anybody...

I agree 100%…. Disney set the stage for this horrific accident. They cleared the natural vegetation and spread white sand down to the water line. Set up a movie screen and played kids G rated movies. Placed chairs and promoted evening entertainment on the waterfront. A sign that says no swimming does not come close to warning parents what could happen. It could have happened to one of my kids (15yrs ago). I didn’t know:

• June is alligator mating season and alligators are very aggressive during this time.
• Alligators are attracted to small children
• Disney doesn’t take any measures to repel alligators where they promote waters edge entertainment.

Over the years, we’ve seen what’s in the lake. I can see how a first time visitor would trust the setting.

 

[Missymoe4]

The first time my DH and I went to Orlando, we went golfing. When we were in the pro-shop, we were told to "watch the rough on the sixth hole. If the ball goes off the fairway, don't search for it at there is a resident alligator!"
I couldn't tell if he was serious or not, but I think I stayed in the cart during that hole!
We've seen alligators several times, in several water bodies, including at WDW. However, I would never have expected something like what happened recently to happen. Truly a tragedy, and I cannot imagine how the family is dealing with everything that has happened.
I don't believe that there is a single element responsible...it's a terrible outcome for an activity that has probably happened thousands of times before.

People feeding alligators WILL change animal behavior, and lead to an increase in human wildlife conflict. I can't see Disney continuing to let this behaviour slide going forward.
Just because it's a "magical place" doesn't mean that Disney shouldn't advise people of risks, and allow illegal behaviour. Many people are far removed from nature now, and don't have an idea how to behave, or even what to expect from wildlife. Improving signage will hopefully help visitors think about risks.

The golf course across the street has an alligator or two. Upon seeing it bright one August morning, I moved swiftly to the next hole.

 

[chicagoshannon]

When I was a kid we used to see gators sunning themselves all the time on the beach between the Contemporary and the TTC. I knew there were gators there. BUT at the same time we were allowed to swim in the water at the Poly and Fort Wilderness. When Disney stopped allowing the swimming they removed the life guards and let the wild vegetation grow back in. The water is no longer clear near the beach like it used to be.

I don't blame the family at all and I don't blame Disney. But, if Disney had continued to maintain the waters edge this might not have happened so easily.

 

[Tomh]

I don't want to place blame here. I do want to say that:

1 Disney can, and absolutely SHOULD do a better job of communicating the risks. They have a LOT of visitors not only from different states, but from different countries, any of whom may, or may not have any idea what the dangers are.

2 As parents, the primary responsibility for our children's safety is ours. Regardless of what Disney, or any other entity does, or does not do, it is up to us to know what situations we are putting ourselves, and our children into. Of course, no parent is perfect, and things will happen, but we all have to put forth the effort to be on top of things as much as possible, and that includes knowing what risks might be involved in traveling to different states.

I can't begin to imagine the pain this family must feel. I think on both sides we need to make improvements to try to ensure that something like this doesn't happen again.

 

[Whilykit]

Not only are there alligators on Disney property, there are lots of other possibly dangerous animals like snakes, spiders, bears, bobcats and even reports of panthers.
And the excuse of " I didn't know because I'm not from here", is a crazy statement. That's like going to Africa and saying "I didn't realize they have lions and other dangerous animals because I'm not from here!"

Well said - and Thanks for saying it! These media reports are really firing me up. Dear public, Read signage, follow rules, do your research when visiting a new place. Be present ! Florida is full of wildlife.

 

[DizDaD7]

I think so. I was surprised that so many people didn't know there are alligators in almost every body of water in Florida. If a second thread makes more people aware, it's a good idea IMO.

{{{ WHAT! }}} There are Alligators in FLORIDA....Next thing you'll tell me, is that there are Mosquitos there, too.



EDIT:

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

{{{ WHAT! }}} There are Alligators in FLORIDA....Next thing you'll tell me, is that there are Mosquitos there, too.



EDIT:

*yawn*

 

[flatlandcycle]

This entire post seems like a rebuttal to premises no one on this thread is making. No one is suggesting a warning about every possible danger that could exist. And seeing something dangerous is not the point either. It's fine to see alligators at Disney, just advise me to not enter their habitat (even the water's edge) and don't host me right next to it. Don't let me feed them either. Further, the dangers cited - black widows, brown recluse, rabies - while perhaps scary in a folklore kind of way, are not actually fatal encounters provided medical treatment is provided in the most serious cases.

There is no medical treatment for an alligator snatching you. An alligator being a predator who will hunt you down as food and eat you (as opposed to a bite used as a defense tactic, then retreat.) But if Disney were to advertise an event hosted in an area where dangerous, aggressive aramadillos were known to lurk, and armadillos were a species known to lethally attack large prey, then yes, they should warn me.

Armadillos are spreading leprosy. Cue the Debbie Downer ,"wahn-wah."

http://www.livescience.com/52792-armadillos-leprosy-bacteria-spreading-southern-us.html

 

[grnflash]

Armadillos are spreading leprosy. Cue the Debbie Downer ,"wahn-wah."

http://www.livescience.com/52792-armadillos-leprosy-bacteria-spreading-southern-us.html

I read the article. I'll put armadillo leprosy in the folklore scare category.

 

[flatlandcycle]

I read the article. I'll put armadillo leprosy in the folklore scare category.

Ha, ha, ha. Don't corral the armadillo babies and feed them cat food, and don't poke at road kill. Things I have seen the neighborhood children doing...

 

[Delirium]

{{{ WHAT! }}} There are Alligators in FLORIDA....Next thing you'll tell me, is that there are Mosquitos there, too.EDIT:

The point is not that a thread about wildlife in Florida is or is not viable. It is a viable topic. However, the OP started this thread as a way to get a backhanded jab at the parents of the child that was taken, because his previous thread was moved (and, it's beyond me why this one has not been). And, before you argue that point, go look at the other thread. I linked it on Page 1 of this one.

I personally find it pathetic that people are bashing the parents. And, some are doing it subtly, but doing it just the same. It's not like they encouraged the boy to go pet the 'cute little gator'. And, I'm not saying Disney is to blame either. But, for some reason, people are intent on finding blame and/or protecting Disney in this situation.

I would go so far as to say the majority of people taking jabs at the parents have done similar things to put their child at risk, and just have been fortunate enough not to have something happen. Is it too far of a stretch to assume that some of those criticizing the parents on this board have done one or more of the following.
- Blown toxic cigarette smoke into the air that their child breathes every day.
- Left an unsecured loaded weapon somewhere in the house
- Drove their child somewhere after having an alcoholic drink (and, no, I'm not saying they had to be drunk)
- Became inattentive to what their 2 year old child is doing while the parent is watching television
- Allow their children to play violent video games and/or watch violent TV shows
- Have a high risk pet, like a pit bull, at the child's home
- Let the child ride a bicycle without wearing the helmet.

And, yes, I'm sure there are some parents on here that would not dream of exposing their children to any of those things above. But, I would venture to guess that there are just as many of those who are NOT blaming the parents as those that are.

So, before you criticize, whether directly or indirectly (such as arguing about what 'no swimming' means), consider yourself LUCKY that a similar tragedy has not befallen your child/family versus criticizing the parents for which it has.

 

[saturn5]

It is a sad time for the family, but like others have said the blame shouldn't fully be on them, and same with Disney. Tourists and locals have been feeding wildlife for years (like someone else posted) so by doing that, they have been part of one of the problems. I have seen people staying in the poly bungalows drop food into the water, and you never know what is living under those. I am pretty sure there are No feeding Wildlife signs on the patios.

Adding to the list of dangerous animals, what about the good ole Water Moccasin? With WDW being built on a swamp and a lot of the resorts have a lot of vegetation, they can and will live anywhere. Do your kids know what one of those suckers looks like, or is it just another black looking snake?

Also someone posted about tubing and jet skiing. Bay Lake is NOT a man made lake. Also you do those activities during the day time, when alligators are usually sunning themselves or are hiding in the marshes because the sound and wake of a jet boat scares them away.

I feel bad for the family, they shouldn't have to go through something like this. Sad day.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

The point is not that a thread about wildlife in Florida is or is not viable. It is a viable topic. However, the OP started this thread as a way to get a backhanded jab at the parents of the child that was taken, because his previous thread was moved (and, it's beyond me why this one has not been). And, before you argue that point, go look at the other thread. I linked it on Page 1 of this one.

I personally find it pathetic that people are bashing the parents. And, some are doing it subtly, but doing it just the same. It's not like they encouraged the boy to go pet the 'cute little gator'. And, I'm not saying Disney is to blame either. But, for some reason, people are intent on finding blame and/or protecting Disney in this situation.

I would go so far as to say the majority of people taking jabs at the parents have done similar things to put their child at risk, and just have been fortunate enough not to have something happen. Is it too far of a stretch to assume that some of those criticizing the parents on this board have done one or more of the following.
- Blown toxic cigarette smoke into the air that their child breathes every day.
- Left an unsecured loaded weapon somewhere in the house
- Drove their child somewhere after having an alcoholic drink (and, no, I'm not saying they had to be drunk)
- Became inattentive to what their 2 year old child is doing while the parent is watching television
- Allow their children to play violent video games and/or watch violent TV shows
- Have a high risk pet, like a pit bull, at the child's home
- Let the child ride a bicycle without wearing the helmet.

And, yes, I'm sure there are some parents on here that would not dream of exposing their children to any of those things above. But, I would venture to guess that there are just as many of those who are NOT blaming the parents as those that are.

So, before you criticize, whether directly or indirectly (such as arguing about what 'no swimming' means), consider yourself LUCKY that a similar tragedy has not befallen your child/family versus criticizing the parents for which it has.

I had no idea that the OP posted another thread and was bashing the parents. I also had no idea, prior to this terrible accident, that it wasn't common knowledge that there are alligators EVERYWHERE in Florida, so I didn't see any harm in keeping this information front and center. My posting wasn't to bash anyone, but to make sure that people know about alligators/wildlife in Florida. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[DizDaD7]

The point is not that a thread about wildlife in Florida is or is not viable. It is a viable topic. However, the OP started this thread as a way to get a backhanded jab at the parents of the child that was taken, because his previous thread was moved (and, it's beyond me why this one has not been). And, before you argue that point, go look at the other thread. I linked it on Page 1 of this one.

I personally find it pathetic that people are bashing the parents. And, some are doing it subtly, but doing it just the same. It's not like they encouraged the boy to go pet the 'cute little gator'. And, I'm not saying Disney is to blame either. But, for some reason, people are intent on finding blame and/or protecting Disney in this situation.

I would go so far as to say the majority of people taking jabs at the parents have done similar things to put their child at risk, and just have been fortunate enough not to have something happen. Is it too far of a stretch to assume that some of those criticizing the parents on this board have done one or more of the following.
- Blown toxic cigarette smoke into the air that their child breathes every day. --NOPE
- Left an unsecured loaded weapon somewhere in the house--- ARE you SERIOUS Hell no
- Drove their child somewhere after having an alcoholic drink (and, no, I'm not saying they had to be drunk)---As opposed to drinking 2 bottles of JOLT cola...That's why there is a limit on how much you can drink & drive.
-Became inattentive to what their 2 year old child is doing while the parent is watching television--- No TV program or game is more important than my kids...Sorry.
- Allow their children to play violent video games and/or watch violent TV shows---Uhm, We did this or watched these And we turned out perfectly normal.
- Have a high risk pet, like a pit bull, at the child's home.---Really, Now Really..So you're going to bash the pit bull now. I do own, & have owned/rescued & fostered ALL Dogs, Including a few Pits.....Never before have We had more loyal, friendly,& faithful an animal...( Topic for another discussion )
- Let the child ride a bicycle without wearing the helmet.---Once again, unless I was racing I/We didn't wear them growing up, but yet my kids know that theses are the rules & abide by them

And, yes, I'm sure there are some parents on here that would not dream of exposing their children to any of those things above. But, I would venture to guess that there are just as many of those who are NOT blaming the parents as those that are.

So, before you criticize, whether directly or indirectly (such as arguing about what 'no swimming' means), consider yourself LUCKY that a similar tragedy has not befallen your child/family versus criticizing the parents for which it has.

1st off.....It was to lighten the mood.......2ndly: Yes it is a TRAGEDY, & I'm Really not sure how I would cope, but I can honestly say that this incident WOULD NOT have happened whether my kids were still 2 or up until age 12 which they are now. Other Answers are above in RED.

 

[DrivenByDisney]

We were away at the beach when this horrible accident occurred at the Grand Floridian. I can't imagine what the parents must have gone through witnessing this happen to their child.

Living here in Orlando (Dr. Phillips to be exact) and Florida for the majority of my life. Alligators, along with other dangerous wildlife are just part of the deal. You learn to treat them and the chance of them with respect and all is usually good to go.

We have four alligators living in one of the ponds here at our condo complex. I see them every day and no one has ever (to this point) been injured by one of them. We have lived in this complex for two years and have seen them nearly every day we have lived here.

Two or three alligators actually live in the Magic Kingdom. CM's even named one of them Ernestein actually they see her so much. She lives near Splash Mountain & Tom Sawyer Island. We use to see her nearly every time we went to Magic actually.

Here's a shot of her on a recent trip to Magic swimming along like no one's business

And another one of her just relaxing on one of the banks around the river. You can even see the paddle boat going by

Has anyone seen her on their recent trips to Magic? Not sure since they know she is there if they have removed her due to this incident or not.