Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Southern Boys, New Pet

i'd shoot that SOB before it ate a dog or kid.

Toot, I’d name him “Boots”

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There might be a reason gators were darn near extinct.
Our forefathers took control. Of something was a threat, they
eliminated it. Not sure that's good, or bad.

Kinda like our bears.

When I was young they didn't really exist right here.

By the 80s, some were being seen. That was cool.
In the 90s, guys who really wanted to could kill one over a year or two.
That was cool.

Now? They destroy corn fields, raid cabins, tear up property.
And it's not rare.

Might be just a few too many!

Still no pics

Tick
Tock

Yall is racist. Alligators have been oppressed for hundreds of years. All he needs is a chance.

Still no pics

Tick
Tock

A whack on the head may save his life.

Yes sir,

It sounds like an awesome camp a lot of us would enjoy if we had that same honor.
I've raised a couple of those critters . I've never liked how the gator people series treated the fine animals even though I hunt and eat game. It just seems a little too sensational with no educational benefits to the rest of us who may have opportunity to enjoy those Cyprus rivers.

It varies from gator to gator, much like people, but they can be very intelligent. I've exposed thousands of people to my gators. I followed safety rules so there's never been anyone exposed to any risks. Perhaps some little boy raised him as a baby like they do box turtles around here. Maybe he is just curious and for whatever reason, friendly.
Whatever the reason he's taken a liking to you, this is my opinion.

IF he bothers you, or you are concerned about possible future behavior, you have two good options.

1. Relocate it to a distant waterway far from roads and homes that has plenty of food and little competition from big gators. It might take someone with experience and a gentle hand, like a zoo keeper of a reptile exhibit. Most people that catch gators don't know how to properly do so without killing them or breaking the spine leading to death. Second thought is that this is not a good option.

3. Carry a long straw broom with you. When he approaches, gently shoe it away. Just carefully push it away in the direction you want it to go...back into the closest line to water. If you do this use much caution and I'd wear heavy leather boots just in case..
They are smarter than they look, usually....
It will eventually get the idea and should quit bothering you. Just be consistent and gentle. It'll learn.

If you enjoy it's company and want it around, then treat it like you would any other wild animal. Don't trust it 100%, and keep a broom handle nearby. Don't let grandchildren too close with supervision. Never allow children around it without supervision. Never feed it, or let anyone else feed it. That includes neighbors. The only way you can prevent that is by talking to them about the fact that he adopted you and one thing you'd like is a friendly around instead of a mean one. Teach them how he will get acclimated to being fed if they ever do that or leave meat scraps out....then your friend might have to be destroyed......Remind them occasionally since they might be tempted. Show them how you direct him with the side bristles of a long straw broom. I'd buy them a broom like that if he gets friendly with them too. Teach them by demonstration when he's over there so they can try for themselves supervised the first time. This might prevent a future unfortunate experience with them. You just use it with the bristles to the ground like you were sweeping her away. Keep it between you and it as a barrier and sweep in the direction it should go but extremely sloooow. Be patient. They are more like sleepy basset hounds than a Chihuahua.

Animals and humans CAN live in harmony even if they aren't dogs. My late Dad was extremely blessed by one of my gators. He liked him as much as any dog. That made for some good memories. They both liked each other and spoke to each other. Yes, they communicate. You'll learn the different tones of grunts, hisses, etc. They are very interesting modern day "dinosaurs."

Don't be eatin' my lizard.

Hes training you. He will have you over for dinner some day.

BTW, hows the squirrel and duck hunting there. I may have to beg for a visit.

Dog?

Reminds me of an old joke.... Guy goes into this biker bar where the patrons love their pit bulls and rottweilers..... He has a short legged yellow dog on a leash and the bikers immediately start in on him and that "stupid yellow dog" of his....

Guy says wait a minute, "He's tough, bring out your best dog and $100 and we'll see......"

So the bikers bring out this big mean ole Rottie and say "sic'em"...... well, that little yellow dog gave the rottie one big bite and the fight was over..... the bikers are amazed.. they want a dog like that...."What kind is it?"

So the guy collects his $100 and says... "Well, before we cut his tail off and painted him yellow, he was an alligator!"