In case you can't see it, at La Chua Trail at Paynes Prairie in Gainesville a man got down off the boardwalk (only a small portion of the trail is boardwalk, the rest is not and you are face to face with alligators, snakes, and whatever else is there) to try to get a better point of view to take some pictures of baby -- yes, baby -- alligators. That was pure ignorance. Every person with an ounce of brain ought to know that where there are babies there are mama -- yes, mama -- alligators.
Ben Boukari Jr. was videoing this. He was born and lived his whole life in Alachua County and he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
First attack, mama gator runs out of the water and knocks down the guy's tripod, which was set up low, and camera. He stumbles backwards BUT DOES NOT LEAVE. He just goes behind a bush. He is now videoing the mama gator with his cell phone.
Second attack, mama gator runs at the guy again, who backs up again. He said, as clearly as could be, "I really thought she'd back off." Seriously??? A mama alligator?? Back off?
I spoke to a woman at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive last week who goes to Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland quite a bit, and there was a couple there who were going to play alligator calls to call an alligator mama because they saw the babies without their mother. They played the calls. Hint: The mother is ALWAYS there. And when she thinks her babies are in danger, she's very fast.
I'm just posting this for those of you who make photography trips to Florida. Only you know how comfortable you are around alligators in general. But never, ever, ever get close to baby alligators if you are not on a boardwalk. Not such a great point of view? This is one instance when it just has to not matter.
Discussion
7 repliesI don't see this on YouTube yet, but if you have a Facebook account you should be able to view this video. I believe this happened on Saturday.
https://www.facebook.com/BenBoukari/videos/10211992062931216/
In case you can't see it, at La Chua Trail at Paynes Prairie in Gainesville a man got down off the boardwalk (only a small portion of the trail is boardwalk, the rest is not and you are face to face with alligators, snakes, and whatever else is there) to try to get a better point of view to take some pictures of baby -- yes, baby -- alligators. That was pure ignorance. Every person with an ounce of brain ought to know that where there are babies there are mama -- yes, mama -- alligators.
Ben Boukari Jr. was videoing this. He was born and lived his whole life in Alachua County and he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
First attack, mama gator runs out of the water and knocks down the guy's tripod, which was set up low, and camera. He stumbles backwards BUT DOES NOT LEAVE. He just goes behind a bush. He is now videoing the mama gator with his cell phone.
Second attack, mama gator runs at the guy again, who backs up again. He said, as clearly as could be, "I really thought she'd back off." Seriously??? A mama alligator?? Back off?
I spoke to a woman at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive last week who goes to Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland quite a bit, and there was a couple there who were going to play alligator calls to call an alligator mama because they saw the babies without their mother. They played the calls. Hint: The mother is ALWAYS there. And when she thinks her babies are in danger, she's very fast.
I'm just posting this for those of you who make photography trips to Florida. Only you know how comfortable you are around alligators in general. But never, ever, ever get close to baby alligators if you are not on a boardwalk. Not such a great point of view? This is one instance when it just has to not matter.
It is my understanding stupid people do not know they're stupid.......therefore the ignorance quotient rule kicks in.......
Side Note: saw the same thing at Oxbow one year. Only with an old guy, Instamatic camera, and a Bull Moose......
Not to make light of the situation, but there are three things to always remember...
The events that lead up to an accident happen slowly: The accident happens fast.
Maintain situational awareness.
Always watch your 'six'. If you cannot, post someone who will.
Be safe out there everyone!
--P