Should I trust the Alligators?? Need Southerners advice!

[Redpath]

I'm a Hoosier boy going down to Florida for the weekend, and was thinking about bringing my hammock. The area I'll be in does have some alligators cruising about. (Lake George Canals) Should I be concerned about any safety issues hanging out with them? Mostly be careful watering the plants at night I would expect...but kidding aside, should I hang a little higher or what??

[Cannibal]

I hung near lots of alligators...because I hung in Florida!
Other than being freaked out by hearing one making some terrible sound REALLY close to my camp, I never had an issue with them. Maybe don't dangle your feet over the edge of the hammock. No need to go tempting them.

[FLRider]

Heh. You should be fine. 'Gators don' like to mess with folks too much; we're big enough animals that we're a pain for most of 'em to take down. Now, if you've got Fido along, that might be a different story...

The only thing I'd worry about is getting water at dawn or dusk; a bent-over human looks a lot like a deer in that lighting. Otherwise,have a good time down here in the relative warmth.

[Cadenza]

Between the mosquitos and the fire ants you won't have time to be worried about alligators.

[MAD777]

There is 1 gator for every 17 people in Florida. If gators were aggressive, that statistic could easily be reversed.

BUT, don't do anything stupid like FLRider mentioned. Around water, be alert and aware.

[Fronkey]

I lived in Fl for 25 years and spent A LOT of time on the water. Gators were never a problem.
But, keep your eyes open for Water Mocassins though.
They are the most evil things on the planet.

Fronkey

[Catavarie]

But, keep your eyes open for Water Mocassins though.
They are the most evil things on the planet.

Fronkey

+1

Growing up in Florida it wasn't uncommon when swimming in a pond or river to see a gator in the water or on shore. We'd just climb back into the boat or go back ashore, opposite side of course.

Did have one time, think I was about 8 or 9, when fishing in our 12 foot boat that a gator, longer than it, saddled up along side of us. My dad decided it wasn't the best day for fishing in that spot.

[gunner76]

Not a problem as gators are bottom feeders....they start at the bottom of the hammock and work their way up

[475068350]

If your not by a body of water, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. If you do find yourself hanging near a body of water, just look around before getting out.

[slamdi]

I agree with Fronkey. Snakes would be the real issue in that area of the world.