Real aligators in Aligator Bayou at POR?

[dreamflight99]

And that is why we don't rent boats at WDW. I am just afraid that there might be gators just lurking around and just afraid that they might just jump right at us while we're boating. Or what about snakes in the water... I was going to rent the boat at POR when we were staying at POFQ, but after thinking about what might be under the water and what if the boat tips and fell in the water. Instead we decided to just rent the individual bikes. And we had fun!

OK... I have been to Disney plenty of times... How come I never seen any CMS check the ponds/lakes to see if there are any gators or snakes there? How do they check to see if they are there? Take the boat and start poking with the long sticks?

Hi, Fantasia! Smart girl ...as we too rented only ONCE at POR...a PADDLEBOAT of all things. We took it down past the POFQ, near the first large canal with the gator sign at the entrance. DD was in the little seat in the back, and became VERY scared staring into the black brackish and murky water. DH had to turn around, and let us off at POFQ...where she happily walked back to our resort! She was only about 6 at the time, but old enough to know renting a paddle boat in a bayou-river setting was somewhat illogical and silly (perhaps even dangerous). We never tried this again, and only gave in as DH repeatedly remarked, "look at all the paddleboats, no one ever uses them. They look like so much fun. Let's try one! " Now...I know WHY so few are rented, and I rarely see anyone venturing very far in these when they DO take them out!! I've seen my share of SNAKES in Fla too! But, that is a whole different subject.

As for "checking" for the gators, it's something of a "system" implemented with the assistance of Florida Fish and Game department. They take the information received w/WDW associates, and usually check at NIGHT, when the gators are more active in the water. Their eyes can be seen using a flashlight scanning the marked/reported territory, (the eyes illuminate & reflect easily from along the sides or in open water). After they have "confirmed" a sighting, they set a special live-trap using a "chicken" carcass as the bait. The trap safely holds the gator, until it can be apprehended by the team.

There are laws in effect in Fla which determine the gator's fate. Anything under four feet may be safely relocated. Anything larger than this and deemed a "nuisance gator" (one which is posing a threat to public safety) is usually exterminated. Yet, if not deemed a "nusiance" it CAN be safely relocated and released. This is up to the authorities to determine.

Sometimes, a questionable gator is "tagged" and relocated. If he shows up again, in the same area, he is most likely exterminated. Gators usually ALWAYS return to comfy and well-liked areas after such a relocation attempt. Since the bulls are so territorial, moving a strange gator into a lake miles away could prove fatal anyway (as the "resident" bull will attack the intruder which could result in fatal injuries). It's a tough call.

Here is a FABULOUS LINK providing incredible insight and information into this revered predator:

http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/guide/alligators.html

Those fortunate enough to see this magnificent living DINSAUR, should treasure the experience. There are very few places on this earth where these creatures can be found, and only a couple of states where the "American" species is actually located. Just one more bit of MAGIC to be discovered at WDW!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Sammie]

The only thing I can add to the great info, shared by our resident "gator specialist" Dreamflight, is that they keep up with the gators at Disney many ways. They are most often notified by a guest when one is spotted. the Grounds crew also watches for them when they are mowing the grass near water. They regularly check areas at night where they know gators have been known to hang out. Gators are very likely to return over and over to the same location, especially if they are being fed. There is a resident at the MK behind the Turkey Leg cart in Frontierland in the lagoon the Liberty Belle travels in.

As stated they also remove the smaller ones, tag them and see if they show up again. This is what happened to the one at the Beach Club Villas, he kept showing up due to people feeding him and finally had to be destroyed.

It is truly sad that people are so ignorant about the dangers to themselves and the gator and feed them. Of course some just do not care about laws and such and do whatever they wish.

 

[dreamflight99]

It is truly sad that people are so ignorant about the dangers to themselves and the gator and feed them. Of course some just do not care about laws and such and do whatever they wish.

Sammie, once again--you are so very correct. I too, heard of the demise of the "repeat offender" so often sighted and photographed in the BC area. I was terribly saddened by the news. He was a true "beauty" and had no idea he was "breaking the law" by taking hand-outs from ignorant & unassuming guests. The animals ALWAYS end up with the short end of the stick.

Many times, I have heard countless stories from a friend (whom is a Florida F & G authority) regarding the heartless deaths associated with such actions. Especially at the KOA facilities located throughout the sunshine state. Many have "canals" and waterways which run through the camp, where for some unknown reason people "chuck all their leftovers" (similar to chumming in the ocean). Obviously, this readily available food source attracts the gators in mass, which only seems to prompt these guests to provide more of the same. The end result, is always the same (dead gators).

To anyone visiting WDW anytime soon, please kindly memorize this little rhyme: "A FED GATOR, IS A DEAD GATOR." Teach it to your children and instill in them a sense of admiration and respect for all wildlife. Feel free to interject any other animal in place of the word GATOR whenever appropriate. We share the earth with so many other life forms, we must be informed as much as possible for the benefit of all. Truly, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning in Florida, than being harmed during a gator-sighting/encounter.

"In the end, you will PROTECT only what you love, LOVE only what you understand, and UNDERSTAND only what you are taught." Only through education, and wonderful opportunities such as this forum, can this mantra-method be preserved. Enjoy the GATORS in WDW, etc. Just use common sense and reasoning, being mindful of the laws in place to protect both people & these fascinating reptiles.

TTFN...DF99

P.S. I was not aware of the special "resident" living behind the turkey cart in Frontierland, MK...but it seems like a very appropriate place for one to lurk. I guess folks prefer to toss the leg bones into the water, as opposed to using the proper refuse receptacle (trash cans). I would never even contemplate doing such a thing, but then again...this goes for MANY things I've witnessed while visiting the parks! LOL.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Thanks DF99 for the great infos! Well... I am glad that we didn't rent the boat. The kids' wanted to ride the bikes anyways.

 

[hawkrn]

POR has a sloped hill down to the river. I can't imagine any child being watched (and there will be a lot of people around) would actually make it down to the river. There are a lot of ducks and birds in and near the river also (do they not know?). The walkways are higher than the river so I never felt threated by any "unknown" creatures in the river. SOG however, has a pond that is ground level but you can't help but notice the alligator warning sign posted. Don't know about the fishing hole and how that works.

 

[dreamflight99]

There are a lot of ducks and birds in and near the river also (do they not know?).

They are certainly VERY cognizant of the danger, and leave the water at dusk for secure and higher ground *(as gators tend to prey/feed at dusk). Yet, like many creatures whom live or venture near the water, they unfortunately fall casualty to these reptiles from time to time. Their young are even devoured by the largemouth bass and gator garr fish inhabiting these fresh waters. The Alligator GAR fish is the second-largest fish (Sturgeon ranks 1st) residing in the fresh water of North America. They are comfortable in most environments and adapt easily to muddy bogs and swamps...or open rivers/lakes, etc. Amazingly, they can reach astounding lengths (10 feet or more), and tip the scales at more than 300 pounds. I first saw them in the Manatee exhibit in Sea World, Orlando. Fascinating fish...incredible resemblnce to the alligator (hence the name). Take a peek:

With the possibility of THESE behemoths lurking beneath the surface...it's better to stay AWAY/OUT of murky water!!

 

[bugsy]

Thanks DF99 for the great infos! Well... I am glad that we didn't rent the boat. The kids' wanted to ride the bikes anyways.

What about renting the searay searacers at the YC?? do you think
that would be risky??

 

[DebIreland]

Dreamflight 99,

Your posts are AMAZING!! Keep writing, keep writing.....

I am reacting to your posts with simultaneous fear and yet *awe* at the way you write. You tell a story *so* well!!

 

[dreamflight99]

What about renting the searay searacers at the YC?? do you think
that would be risky??

No, not at all. Your biggest worry there is staying clear of the larger "friendship" water taxis which jockey through the area stopping at resorts/parks. These searacers are only rented during daylight, and are perfectly safe. For the most part, gators tend to steer clear of motorized boats. It's the paddle boats and canoes which are cause for concern. Yet, during the day...most of these reptiles are away from open water/people and near the edge/banks or brush. They actually "carve" out areas along the banks just above the waterline, where they prefer to rest during this period. We have rented these watercrafts on numerous occasions from the YC and enjoyed them tremendously! Have a great time.

 

[dreamflight99]

Dreamflight 99,

Your posts are AMAZING!! Keep writing, keep writing.....

I am reacting to your posts with simultaneous fear and yet *awe* at the way you write. You tell a story *so* well!!

Thank you, so very much. You're very kind. I'm pleased you enjoy my posts.

 

[DebIreland]

You're very welcome Dreamflight. The more I read, the more I believe you are one very talented writer. I also wanted to add that I have gained an education here tonight reading your posts. Your love for those wonderful (and fascinating) creatures shines through in your posts. I am so very sad to read that people feed them and that their ignorance results in the poor creatures coming back repeatedly to eventually meet their death. That is so heartbreaking

Thank you for this education. If I do see an alligator when I visit WDW and if I see *anybody* feeding them I will be sure to use this education wisely and let them know that their actions could result in the alligator's death.

 

[dreamflight99]

You're very welcome Dreamflight. The more I read, the more I believe you are one very talented writer. I also wanted to add that I have gained an education here tonight reading your posts. Your love for those wonderful (and fascinating) creatures shines through in your posts. I am so very sad to read that people feed them and that their ignorance results in the poor creatures coming back repeatedly to eventually meet their death. That is so heartbreaking

Thank you for this education. If I do see an alligator when I visit WDW and if I see *anybody* feeding them I will be sure to use this education wisely and let them know that their actions could result in the alligator's death.

Again...thank you. You have correctly guessed my alter ego...when not perusing the DIS of course! It's nice to know my posts are enjoyable (perhaps even educational).

It's even more rewarding to read your sincere reply, and know you are also one to "live and let live" (by informing others you witness violating such laws). It's through education and awareness, we are able to peacefully coexist with so many fascinating creatures on this planet. I try my best to be understanding and patient with people in such a situation, ("forgive them...for most know NOT what they do"). Most persons are horrified to realize their actions, however well-meaning, invariably and directly result in the death of the animal.

Your reply has "made my day." Just more proof the internet and cyberspace are an invaluable source of enlightenment, providing much more then mere entertainment.

P.S. The photo in your signature is profoundly "angelic" ~ the ethereal baby is precious beyond description.



TTFN...TGIF...DF99

 

[DebIreland]

The photo in your signature is profoundly "angelic" ~ the ethereal baby is precious beyond description.

Thank you! She's a gem - we're very blessed with her and her two brothers. That photo is from her Christening last summer, she has grown since of course but is, thankfully, still a little treasure