Quote:
Originally Posted by Lil Sis  I have never heard of a gator climbing a fence...doesn't mean it doesn't happen. The lake behind our house would have a small (3 to 4 feet) gator from time to time. My dh says all bodies of water could have gators in this area, but that lake had a drain-canal system that feed from areas that were populated by gators and crocks. We are the one place that has both.
I never let the dogs out without being outside my self., and of course if the gator was in the lake I would be more careful. I just think you should be careful around any animal, wild animals more so. A few years past two or three people were killed in miami-dade county by either gators or crock.. very sad.. and all could have been prevented . |
I am with you...I never let mine out alone and I do not like them checking stuff out in the yard for more than a second...you never know what someone could have thrown onto your grass while driving, walking or biking down the road.
But, seriously, the 'gators climb fences' is absolutely true...we have had several photos in our local paper of gators going over the top of 4' chain link fences, after which the wildlife people have gone out to fetch them out of those people's pools. The first time I saw it was a real eye-opener...especially since I had not been in Florida very long when I saw it in the newspaper...and I was already freaked by the gi-normous flying roaches...
, and that article mentioned that they like (munchies) small dogs and little kids...
Fortunately, I had a little bit bigger children, large dogs, and no pool...but I have been super cautious ever since.
From:
WEC203/UW230: Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality
"Myth #3. Alligators are not good climbers.
"Alligators have sharp claws and powerful tails to help them push their bodies up. Young alligators are agile climbers and adults have been known to climb fences to get to water or escape captivity. Low fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators are present. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard."
The pic caption:
"
gator climbing
This was a 6' fence, so you can guess how big he is. Gator sightings are more common than usual in mating season as the males go out looking for a mate. And yes gators can climb a fence."
gator climbing | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
...and...
Florida Lizard
I live in the middle of Florida, but with all the little lakes, rivers, swamps, and backyard pools even in this area, and more and more construction in previously wild areas, I am still uneasy, especially now that I have Yorkies again...at least as uneasy as I was boating with boys 7 and 11.