Gator grabs 2 year old at Grand Floridian?

[Maleffiecent41]

Why has the gator population increased so much?!

Gator population increased after they were put on endangered species list and then all hunting was banned. This caused exponential growth which has not been culled since.

 

[patr1ckL]

I can't even imagine the pain this family must be experieincing. We were just out there a couple of weeks ago and our monorail conductor even pointed out an alligator in the water between the Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom.

 

[LSLS]

Oie. Google it. Short version back in the 70s i believe when land development was booming their numbers dropped. So the animal lovers put a big push on to save the alligators and there was a huge effort to bring the numbers back up, they were a protected animal etc... Unfortunately it worked too well and now their numbers are out of control. Well beyond anything that would have naturally been seen.

Pretty accurate, but I want to fix a few things. Animal lovers didn't just push on it for no reason. There was legit questions of if the species was going to survive with how where humans pushed their population. And as an apex predator, that would have destroyed the ecosystem. Active plans (and placement on the Endangered Species list) were put in place, and they worked very well (much like the bald eagle). As for too well and numbers out of control, I have never seen any data to support that.

 

[Keekski]

My hearts breaks for this family. How absolutely horrifying.

My family was at the Poly in April (daughters aged 4 & 3) and we stayed at the pool area. However, I did not read the No Swimming signs as don't even think about putting your toes in/wading because the waters are occupied by alligators. I DID put my feet in the water up to my ankles, during the day. And I assumed the no swimming signs were to address the brain eating bacteria. There were several kids at the waters edge/shore building on several occasions. I do think the signs should reference dangerous wildlife. I wouldn't have stuck my feet in the water if I had known there were gators in the lake. Honestly, I don't know why it didn't cross my mind when my husband played golf across the street and sent me a picture of alligators on the course.

 

[maxiesmom]

Have none of you ever seen a gator in one of the parks? I have. I don't think a sign up showing a gator with an X thru it is a bad idea, but gators are not the only things in the water or around WDW that can kill you. A few years ago a child was bitten by a snake at their resort. There have been bears around the campgrounds. When you are outdoors, there is wildlife, and not all of it friendly. Disney shouldn't have to have separate warnings about every bad thing that may happen to you, if you don't follow their signs our rules. If there is a sign telling you to not do something, don't do it! It is not hard.

 

[dlavender]

http://www.****************/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/space-mountain-safety-warnings-tomorrowland-magic-kingdom-walt-disney-world.jpg

For reference since this is the type of sign we're referring to. The reason for not riding would include DEATH or SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, both of which have happened at Disney but neither are mentioned as potential results of not riding. When swimming a potential risk is drowning, when by a natural body of water in a semi wildlife area one would know wildlife regardless of type could be present.

Do you see at the top where it says "thrilling high speed, turbulent roller coaster type ride in the dark that includes sharp turns, sudden drops, and stops?

That's what I am referring to. I'm not advocating a sign that says "possible death ahead", I'm advocating a sign that includes the danger in the water, just like Disney does for the rides. Take out sharp turns, sudden drops, and stops (the dangers in the ride), and replace them with alligators, amoebas, and watercraft (the dangers in the water). Are you with me?

 

[whiporee]

And getting rid of alligators will cause an increase in other unwanted animals and upset the whole ecosystem.....now,

Which ones? What are the 1.3 million alligators in Florida getting rid of? What animals in the suburbs are alligators curtailing?

 

[LSLS]

Which ones? What are the 1.3 million alligators in Florida getting rid of? What animals in the suburbs are alligators curtailing?

They keep population control on fish, snakes, turtles, frogs, insects, etc. Do we want them in the suburbs? Probably not. But any science class teaches you the importance of apex predators.

 

[Lewisc]

a no swimming sign should not be subject to interpretation. signs mean what they say, Not what a person thinks. Especially at Disney. They must communicate effectively to insure guest safety.

I'm not sure of your point of view. I agree a sign shouldn't have to be interpreted. Where I live no swimming means there aren't any lifeguards. People shouldn't be swimming. It doesn't prohibit taking off your shoes and wading. Going out a foot or two. Posters have shared the signs used if there are gators present.

Even the idea of this tragedy is making me so heartbroken. And the sicko comments I see on FB blaming the parents for this are really making me lose any hope in humanity. If I witnessed this happening to one of my babies, you'd have to lock me up in a padded room. So awful.

I can't believe the posters in this thread who, even partially, blame the parents.

DIS members are Disney "geeks". A regular guest as no reason to think gators are an issue. There aren't any signs warning of gators. Posters indicate CMs don't tell guests to get out of the water. The parents were with their child. The child was supervised. A parent's responsibility doesn't include fighting a gator.

We have no idea as to the extent of Disney's responsibility. We have no idea how often gators are spotted in the lagoon.

 

[Capang]

Amoebas would be the better argument/example as they have killed at Disney and, I think, were the reason the beaches (swimming) were shut down in the first place.

The one amoeba related death occurred in 1980. River Country, where the death occurred, closed in 2000/2001. Swimming stopped at beaches sometime in 1990s. So the amoeba wasn't the real cause of the swimming ban. Just like the current incident, what happened in the 80s was a freak, tragic accident.

 

[DonnaL]

To the poster who asked if anyone has seen alligators at AK...no but I have seen one at MK.....as recent as last November. My DH and I were walking along the wooden boardwalk right below Splash Mountain and sure enough there was an alligator about 4' long sunning itself right below the boardwalk area on the riverbank. I do have a pic, however, given the circumstances I would prefer not to post it at this time.

 

[HLGW60]

Be realistic folks. I have been going to WDW annually since 1971 and Florida since the 1950's. The land Disney is built upon used to be nothing but a big swamp. Florida is a natural habitat for gators. Anywhere you stay on Disney Property probably is close to a canal or waterway. I am a DVC owner and know they have been sighted at Old Key West which shares a waterway with the Port Orleans resorts and the Downtown Disney area ( Disney Springs). I suspect there are gators in the waterways near the Boardwalk - Epcot resorts area too. Heck .....they probably crawl on the grounds of The Studios and certainly at the Animal Kingdom. HEck......they are everywhere! We are talking about FLORIDA. If you scared of gators...just stay out of Florida. By all means....don't live there because you may find one in your yard! Some facts:

Attacks are rare

Since 1948, there have been 383 documented alligator bites in the Florida. Of that number, 23 have been fatal attacks. Florida is a prime habitat for alligators. Wildlife officials believe there are more than a million of the animals in the state.

Most human bites are not the result of an alligator being aggressive, but rather of an alligator going after what they consider prey. Alligators are opportunistic feeders and will eat what is easy for them to get. Humans generally do not fall into that category.

Gators normally only go after prey they can easily overpower. Opportunity is the key, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Why do they bite, then?

Alligators seldom bite people unless they are looking for food. Other reasons for bites include aggression from mating males, or females protecting their nests.

When alligators do bite, it generally happens in or at the water’s edge. They often lunge at prey within a few feet of the shoreline.

 

[Mac30188]

They keep population control on fish, snakes, turtles, frogs, insects, etc. Do we want them in the suburbs? Probably not. But any science class teaches you the importance of apex predators.

Certainly agree with regard to State of Florida, but with regard to Seven Seas Lagoon, this is a non starter. Every single gator needs to be caught and killed until the gator that attacked the boy is found. There is virtually no step too far to ensure that the same gator does not strike again and the boy needs to be recovered. People come first and the thought of another attack by the same gator is the worst of all possible future scenarios.

 

[LSLS]

Certainly agree with regard to State of Florida, but with regard to Seven Seas Lagoon, this is a non starter. Every single gator needs to be caught and killed until the gator that attacked the boy is found. There is virtually no step too far to ensure that the same gator does not strike again and the boy needs to be recovered. People come first and the thought of another attack by the same gator is the worst of all possible future scenarios.

I've stated from the beginning that unfortunately needs to occur. Just simply stating the purpose 1.3 million gators serve. I would even be fine with a barrier being put in place to keep people from entering the water at all (go beyond the signs). Gators aren't going to ever be eliminated from the lake. Management I'm sure will continue (as well as new signs), but I would think a barrier would be ideal.

 

[dlavender]

Be realistic folks. I have been going to WDW annually since 1971 and Florida since the 1950's. The land Disney is built upon used to be nothing but a big swamp. Florida is a natural habitat for gators. Anywhere you stay on Disney Property probably is close to a canal or waterway. I am a DVC owner and know they have been sighted at Old Key West which shares a waterway with the Port Orleans resorts and the Downtown Disney area ( Disney Springs). I suspect there are gators in the waterways near the Boardwalk - Epcot resorts area too. Heck .....they probably crawl on the grounds of The Studios and certainly at the Animal Kingdom. HEck......they are everywhere! We are talking about FLORIDA. If you scared of gators...just stay out of Florida. By all means....don't live there because you may find one in your yard! Some facts:

Attacks are rare

Since 1948, there have been 383 documented alligator bites in the Florida. Of that number, 23 have been fatal attacks. Florida is a prime habitat for alligators. Wildlife officials believe there are more than a million of the animals in the state.

Most human bites are not the result of an alligator being aggressive, but rather of an alligator going after what they consider prey. Alligators are opportunistic feeders and will eat what is easy for them to get. Humans generally do not fall into that category.

Gators normally only go after prey they can easily overpower. Opportunity is the key, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Why do they bite, then?

Alligators seldom bite people unless they are looking for food. Other reasons for bites include aggression from mating males, or females protecting their nests.

When alligators do bite, it generally happens in or at the water’s edge. They often lunge at prey within a few feet of the shoreline.

This would make a great pamphlet to place in resort rooms, or send out with vacation packages...

This, coupled with a more appropriate warning sign, would help better educate guests.

ETA: I'm sure that's why you posted that.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Do you know how many people go swimming at night in lakes and rivers? lol. I'm going to guess far more than you think. I can totally see a family in Nebraska, where they might think nothing of wading in the water at night (since there's not many water predators there) who would venture to a place like Disney, and think it's safe to do so. I mean, even if they are aware there are alligators in Florida, I thinking most would never think that there are alligators on Disney property.

2 year olds with no light/visibility huh?

That's "normal", ehh?

 

[niffer5150]

for all the people calling for fences, alligators can climb to some extent. that's how they still end up in peoples backyard pools.

alligators are alligators. they walk miles from body of water to body of water. when you go somewhere foreign to you, you need to at least google what possible dangers you may encounter, be they animal or human.

 

[PuppyJonathan]

Geez can Disney World catch a break anymore? It's on my yahoo newsfeed and of course this Florida stereotype is going to scare even more people away

 

[XXRAINMANX]

Do you see at the top where it says "thrilling high speed, turbulent roller coaster type ride in the dark that includes sharp turns, sudden drops, and stops?

That's what I am referring to. I'm not advocating a sign that says "possible death ahead", I'm advocating a sign that includes the danger in the water, just like Disney does for the rides. Take out sharp turns, sudden drops, and stops (the dangers in the ride), and replace them with alligators, amoebas, and watercraft (the dangers in the water). Are you with me?

Yes I see it, that top isn't relevant to the warning. It clearly says people with X,Y,Z shouldn't ride. The other information while adding to reason does not change the fact that they shouldn't be riding. Same goes for a sign that has a "no swimming" symbol. Clearly shows that people shouldn't be in the water. The reasoning isn't relevant either. I also argue that a sign is only as good as the person who reads it and understands it's meaning, which I've said several times. The sign won't prevent this from happening again anymore than killing all gators in Disney property.


At the end of the day they could plaster signs on everything, put up walls throw rocks onto the beach, hell in reality to be completely safe they would probably be better off just ripping down all of Disney World and letting it return to swamp land. Nothing in life is a 100% safe situation and Disney's track record in this particular scenario is as close to 100% as any.

 

[MamaBelle4]

for all the people calling for fences, alligators can climb to some extent. that's how they still end up in peoples backyard pools.

alligators are alligators. they walk miles from body of water to body of water. when you go somewhere foreign to you, you need to at least google what possible dangers you may encounter, be they animal or human.

I don't know enough about alligators to present a solution, but aren't they much more dangerous in water? If they had to drag their prey to the water to retain control, they couldn't easily do that with a fence in the way, right?