From 1948 to 2022, there were a reported 453 alligator bites on people in Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Recently, a Florida couple nearly became a part of that statistic, according to reports.
Fox News reported that the couple was riding in a golf cart near a pond in Ave Maria, Fla., when an alligator ran straight at them and began snapping. They quickly swerved out of the way, and apparently nearly ended up in the water.
The incident happened Feb. 16 on a residential property. Video footage of the incident captured by Denise Prues was shared by multiple outlets, including Fox.
Prues told Storyful that she heard a noise in the side of the yard and looked up to see the alligator slowly walking between houses. She then took out her phone and started recording video.
“WOW! Crazy close encounter between golfers and a gator on its way to a pond recently in Ave Maria, Florida!” said Matt Devitt of WINK weather in a caption of a Facebook post with the video.
“Uh-oh. Get out of that gator’s way!” said Lindsey Sablan of WINK.
Alligators have lived in Florida for centuries, and they can be found all of the state’s counties.
“Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists. Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, but if you are concerned about an alligator, call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286,” said the FWC. “The FWC will dispatch one of its contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation. Remember, never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water.”
Last year, Audacy reported on an alligator that got wrapped up in a murder investigation and an alligator that attacked a dog.