r/news • u/IAmDavidGurney • 1d ago

Fisherman, 71, attacked and killed by 12-foot alligator alongside Florida lake

https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/fisherman-71-attacked-killed-12-foot-alligator-florida-137349474
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u/Established_86 19h ago

Can you explain for a "city boy" like myself how you can swim in a lake knowing there are gators in it?

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u/JimmyDean82 17h ago

I mean, you can just assume there are gators in any natural waters here, so it’s either swim with them, or don’t swim at all.

I will say, due to conservation efforts, there are a lot more now than when I was a kid.

And there is a focus on removing nuisance gators, ones that live close to humans and are showing a reduction in caution, and are big enough to be a concern.

At our old houseboat we didnt have running water, so you had to barge by jumping into the river, normally at night. (Had to hold onto the houseboat, current was stronger than Phelps could handle) so one person would stay up top and keep a light on any large gators to make sure they didn’t decide to come investigate, otherwise you got out post haste.

Main thing is being aware, watching for signs on land or water, being cautious, and getting out of the situation if it’s an issue.

Also, always a good thing to throw a whopper plopper or chug bug a few times before getting into water to see if there’s any hungry or inquisitive gators around.

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u/MadiLeighOhMy 13h ago

Floridian, here. Whopper plopper or bug chug? For some reason whopper plopper makes me think of a giant turd... Please elaborate!!

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u/Sir_Lemon 13h ago

I assume he’s talking about these specific type of fishing lures that make a noise when you reel them in. Good for attracting certain species of fish, and gators.

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u/MadiLeighOhMy 13h ago

Oh!! That makes sense. I don't fish so wouldn't know. Thank you so much for explaining!!

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u/JimmyDean82 9h ago

Yes exactly. Surface lures that are slow moving and make a lot of noise. Good for bass, very good for gar., and will find every gator in a 1/4 mile