Alligator Attacks
Alligators are one of the few nonvenomous reptiles that can cause serious or fatal injuries in humans. As the modern sprawl of suburbia and commercialization spreads to previously untouched areas, the amount of contact between alligators and humans will continue to increase. From 1948 to 2004, an estimated 376 injuries have occurred due to alligators. Since the 1970’s, at least 25 deaths have happened, with more and more deaths taking place each decade.
Two species of alligators are native to the United States. The American alligator is the more common of the two types and is native only to the southern tip of Florida. The reptiles can also be found in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. Occasional sightings occur in other states, although the northern range is limited by the cold temperatures.
Several types of activities are commonly the source of interactions resulting in gator attacks on humans. Attempting to capture the animal constitutes 17.4% of attacks. Swimming and fishing related attacks are also common intersections of reptile and man. Additionally, retrieving golf balls composes about 10% of violent confrontations. Walking, running, and gardening near water banks is another location of attacks, with about 7% of assaults caused by this sort of activity.
In general, the alligator is not an aggressive animal towards people. However, certain conditions can cause alligators to be more violent. Females guarding nests and food-habituated alligators can be very dangerous to people. Additionally, people intruding on the home territory of the animal, such as retrieving a lost golf ball, are at risk for a violent interaction.
Golf course attacks occur frequently in Florida because of the prevalence of American alligators. A man was recently attacked by a 10 feet, 11 inches specimen at the Lake Venice Golf Club while trying to locate his ball in a pond at the sixth hole. Although a sign was placed nearby that said “Beware of Alligator,” the man reached into the pond to rescue his ball. A one-eyed alligator latched onto his forearm and dragged the man into the water. Luckily, another man was nearby and able to assist in beating off the gator.
To prevent injuries and deaths, golf courses should post alligator warning signs around any area that might contain specimens of the reptile. As evidenced however, even when signs are present, attacks are still a possibility. If you are interested in learning more, this catastrophic injury website can provide more details about legal options.
Joseph Devine
Tags: attacks on golf courses, gators, alligator attacks
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