Gators Are Your Neighbors?
By Diana Bauder
@BloggerDi (3113)
United States
February 22, 2020 9:37am CST
I've never been to Florida. I've never really had a reason or opportunity to go there. Friends suggest it as a fabulous vacation destination, but the first thing that comes to my mind is alligators! 
I've seen the news reports, photos and videos of the huge reptiles in people's yards, houses, etc.
In reality, I think it's a rare occurrence for that to happen. And it's probably true that they are more scared of humans than the other way around.
I just have a mild phobia about vacationing in Florida or Louisiana or similar places. It's a vision in my head of going to get in my car, and there's an alligator hiding under it, ready to bite my leg off! 
Do any of you have a similar fear?
You people who live in southern/swampy locations: what has been your experience with these creatures?
I've seen the news reports, photos and videos of the huge reptiles in people's yards, houses, etc.
In reality, I think it's a rare occurrence for that to happen. And it's probably true that they are more scared of humans than the other way around.
I just have a mild phobia about vacationing in Florida or Louisiana or similar places. It's a vision in my head of going to get in my car, and there's an alligator hiding under it, ready to bite my leg off!
Do any of you have a similar fear?
You people who live in southern/swampy locations: what has been your experience with these creatures?
To use this video in a commercial player or broadcast, contact licensing@storyful.com Credit: Marc Scher via Storyful
9 people like this
12 responses
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
23 Feb 20
@BloggerDi
I have been to Florida and never saw an alligator. You should ask Dianne here because she is in Florida now and goes there very year to live for a period of time.
2 people like this
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
24 Feb 20
@BloggerDi
You are welcome and good idea to ask her.
3 people like this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
23 Feb 20
Thanks @Hannihar. I did think of asking her actually. I'll go ahead and do that.
3 people like this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
23 Feb 20
@DianneN I would like your insight about Florida alligators, please!
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
10 Apr 20
@Writingghost Thanks for sharing your experience @Writingghost.
2 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
9 Apr 20
I went and really wanted to see a gator, but no luck.
2 people like this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
22 Feb 20
I would have a healthy fear of them yes meaning that I would keep my distance all I could.
An alligator ran after someone I know all of a sudden and up until then they had no fear of them either that is of course until the gator chased her.
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
22 Feb 20
Thanks for sharing that incident @lovingangelsinstead21. Apparently things like that must happen, even if they are rare occurrences. And that would certainly put the fear in me too!!
2 people like this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
23 Feb 20
@BloggerDi
It would me as well seeing all those big teeth going for you puts a healthy respect and fear to make you run the said person was shrieking her head off as she ran.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (339930)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb 20
@BloggerDi I'd certainly treat them with a very healthy respect.
3 people like this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
23 Feb 20
Thanks @JudyEv. I think a little worry is only wise regarding such creatures.
2 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
13 Apr 20
@JudyEv I would run as fast as my short little legs would take me.
2 people like this
@Courtlynn (67085)
• United States
22 Feb 20
I have family there, and they want me to go visit. But i won't. One reason is the gators.
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
22 Feb 20
Thanks @Courtlynn. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.
2 people like this
@resukill22 (25050)
• Las Pinas City, Philippines
22 Feb 20
@BloggerDi your welcome
2 people like this
@skydancer (2101)
• United States
23 Feb 20
I am a Louisiana native, and though I have heard stories, I have never actually had an encounter with a gator and neither has anyone in my family (and we go back six generations), so I don't have any fear whenever I go back there.
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
23 Feb 20
Well, that is surprising but a relief to know @skydancer! Thanks a lot for contributing to my discussion.
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
6 Mar 20
Oh I didn't think about the cost of living being high there, but that is a good point! Thanks @jstory07.
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
25 Feb 20
Thanks for sharing your experience @TheHorse. Oh I think your alligator menu comment might get you a poke in the eye or something.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
5 Apr 20
I live in Florida 6 months and one day every year and have vacationed in Florida more times than I can count. I only was one baby alligator on a golf course once and it didn’t bother a soul.
I’ve also vacationed in New Orleans a few times, and did see alligators on a boat trip down the bayou.
I’ve seen more wild animals coming out of the woods in my backyard in Connecticut.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
5 Apr 20
@BloggerDi I know I mentioned it to you a while ago, but it’s true.
1 person likes this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
5 Apr 20
That's surprising! Thank you for sharing your experiences @DianneN.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
22 Feb 20
I have been to Florida and Louisiana and the only gators I saw were on a swamp tour.
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
22 Feb 20
Thank you @JohnRoberts. Your comment shows me that it probably is a rare occurrence to encounter one.
2 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
9 Apr 20
I don't think I would do well with alligators, but I really don't mind elk, deer, moose and an occasional bear. I have a great fear of wolves as I saw them teach their young how to "take down" an animal. It was a terrible thing to see.
