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[Lord Virgin]

Poor child, can't even imagine what the family is going through. Especially the parents who seen it happen.

Serious question; all these stories about Florida and wild animals like gators/snakes etc. Doesn't the state do anything about it? Are there no projects setup to safely remove these animals back to nature or maybe zoo's? Hearing about snakes going through the sewage system is fucking terrifying. What does the government do about all of this?

Is it just a couple of signs saying not to go in the water?

 

[entremet]

Poor child, can't even imagine what the family is going through. Especially the parents who seen it happen.

Serious question; all these stories about Florida and wild animals like gators/snakes etc. Doesn't the state do anything about it? Are there no projects setup to safely remove these animals back to nature or maybe zoo's? Hearing about snakes going through the sewage system is fucking terrifying. What does the government do about all of this?

Is it just a couple of signs saying not to go in the water?

They reproduce faster than they have the resources to control the population.

Moreover, they reside in water, sewers, so their elusive.

 

[Tal Shiar Agent]

Wow.

They are like water rats. They get everywhere. The entire waterway of Animal Kingdom is full of them. Hourglass Lake between Pop Century and the other resort has them. The only waterway that hasn't had one is Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios because it's completely enclosed by the park.

 

[BigDes]

They reproduce faster than they have the resources to control the population.

Moreover, they reside in water, sewers, so their elusive.

There is also less and less nature to remove them too, as humans are encroaching rapidly.

 

[old manatee]

That's terrifying.

 

[STG!]

Serious question; all these stories about Florida and wild animals like gators/snakes etc. Doesn't the state do anything about it? Are there no projects setup to safely remove these animals back to nature or maybe zoo's? Hearing about snakes going through the sewage system is fucking terrifying. What does the government do about all of this?

We have a place in a community which actively removes gators (you just call up and report them) but it's impossible to completely get rid of them as they keep sneaking back in. Like others are saying they are everywhere. And if it's a protected species of gators, they can't touch them at all.

The big story everyone was talking about last time I was down there a kid was trying to escape getting a DUI, fled his car and ran into some murky water. Worst mistake he could have made, ended up getting killed by a gator.

I always get nervous when I play golf down there and have my back to a body of water, freaky stuff.

 

[Alligatorjandro]

I live in Florida and I'm terrified to go near water

 

[Fatalah]

This story is so damn sad. Poor child, poor family. I'm torn up.

 

[Coketruck]

Terrible story, but I can't say I'm surprised. I'm a native Floridian, and I learned a long time ago not to go into any bodies of freshwater that aren't crystal clear, like hot springs. Most people who aren't from the state don't realize how pervasive alligators can be, though. I went to college and law school at the University of Florida (whose friggin mascot is the Gator), and some of my friends from up north were shocked to find out that the big lake on campus had actual alligators in it. They thought they only lived in zoos or something.

 

[TheSeks]

Kid probably lasted all of a minute, tops. More likely: gator jaw snap killed him.

I want to know what the fuck Disney was thinking holding an event like this. We have fencing up for a reason around lakes, ponds, and creeks (I should know, there's like 10000 of them here). Did they have to hop a fence, or did they just not have a fence?

Disney is such a cancer on this state.

Gators can climb over fences if they're chain-link. They can go through sewer systems if they're poorly maintained and not gated.

I went to college and law school at the University of Florida (whose friggin mascot is the Gator), and some of my friends from up north were shocked to find out that the big lake on campus had actual alligators in it.

Yeah, people think "Lake Alice" is just a nickname for the Gator Mascot. Spoiler: IT ISN'T.

 

[Somnia]

Look in the 45+ years Disney has been in Florida this has never happened, something like this is extremely rare. It is NOT the parents fault and it's NOT Disney's fault, this was a freak accident and they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I feel horrible for that family right now.

For those asking why Disney has a lagoon if gators are possible, it doesn't matter in Florida. If you have a swimming pool, they can show up. Water is water in Florida and their habitat to live is disappearing because of humans.

I just heard the kid was in the water at night despite the signs not allowing that too My guess is Disney will make changes because of this, maybe rope off the waters edge, no idea. However this won't stop a gator, it'll just climb over. They are regularly found IN the parks themselevs and removed. You can't stop gators in Florida, just hopefully find them.

 

[darkinstinct]

Horrible.

This is why I used to get nervous when my kid was even walking along the boat dock of our canal. I just imagine some big hungry gator coming up and getting him.

Now he swims in the lake. 8 years old in the middle of a lake that we've seen a dozen or more gators on.

I sometimes look at my inlaws and my wife and go "are you out of your fucking mind?" but sit and just watch him...just watch him and not have fun because I'm fucking terrified he's going to be pulled under.

How about you man up and tell your wife and inlaws what not to do? Seriously, are you crazy? Just because your family is stupid doesn't mean you just sit and watch, you fucking stop that from happening.

 

[TheSeks]

maybe rope off the waters edge, no idea. However this won't stop a gator, it'll just climb over. They are regularly found IN the parks themselevs and removed. You can't stop gators in Florida, just hopefully find them.

Roping it off wouldn't do anything. Gators would still get onto the beach if they wanted to. They'd pretty much have to shut the beach down at dusk, but I doubt they'll do that because it'd harm their vacation industry.

 

[breakfuss]

DIsney jokes at this time? You sick puppy. Next you'll be saying they should have yelled at the gator to let it go.

I considered whether someone my interpret it this way. My bad, really wasn't trying to make a pun.

Terrible story, but I can't say I'm surprised. I'm a native Floridian, and I learned a long time ago not to go into any bodies of freshwater that aren't crystal clear, like hot springs. Most people who aren't from the state don't realize how pervasive alligators can be, though. I went to college and law school at the University of Florida (whose friggin mascot is the Gator), and some of my friends from up north were shocked to find out that the big lake on campus had actual alligators in it. They thought they only lived in zoos or something.

Same. Sort of embarrassed to be sharing this but whatever. One of my fratnernity's pledging rituals is to take initiates into that lake LOL. I can't believe I did it. Also, there are gators in the pond next to the student union amphitheater. These fuckers are everywhere.

 

[TheSeks]

Same. Sort of embarrassed to be sharing this but whatever. One of my fratnernity's pledging rituals is to take initiates into that lake LOL. I can't believe I did it. Also, there are gators in the pond next to the student union amphitheater. These fuckers are everywhere.

Hell, I've read on reddit that people catch them and take them to the frat houses. Most Floridians don't give a fuck, they simply don't care.

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Roping it off wouldn't do anything. Gators would still get onto the beach if they wanted to. They'd pretty much have to shut the beach down at dusk, but I doubt they'll do that because it'd harm their vacation industry.

The idea would be to prevent people from ignoring signage and going into the water regardless. Gators can roam anywhere they want and it's a lot more likely at the other wilderness-type resorts, but at least staying out of the waters can reduce any risks. My guess is Disney is going to reform the beaches and put a wide path of rocks along the edge of the beaches so they don't get rid of them completely. If anything, having a beach is good because gators are a bit adverse to being out of the water and in the open most of the time. They just need people to stay out of the water.

 

[poppabk]

Look in the 45+ years Disney has been in Florida this has never happened, something like this is extremely rare. It is NOT the parents fault and it's NOT Disney's fault, this was a freak accident and they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I feel horrible for that family right now.

For those asking why Disney has a lagoon if gators are possible, it doesn't matter in Florida. If you have a swimming pool, they can show up. Water is water in Florida and their habitat to live is disappearing because of humans.

I just heard the kid was in the water at night despite the signs not allowing that too My guess is Disney will make changes because of this, maybe rope off the waters edge, no idea. However this won't stop a gator, it'll just climb over. They are regularly found IN the parks themselevs and removed. You can't stop gators in Florida, just hopefully find them.

A sign saying gators are present in the water would probably go a long way to making people more cautious.

 

[Octavianus]

That's fucked up.. can't even imagine what the child's parrents are going through right now.
I mean, losing a child is messed up to begin with, but losing a child by having him/her get dragged into the water by a gator? Damn..

 

[Somnia]

A sign saying gators are present in the water would probably go a long way to making people more cautious.

This very much may happen or as the poster above they may rock it off to keep the beach.

A gator itself is not going to roam up onto the beach to attack people, its why it hasn't happened before. Being IN the water, CNN reporting a foot into the water though splashing around will attract a gator.

This is a tragic and extremely rare incident and it's horrible.


Edit: I will update with CNNs link later in the OP.

 

[yyzjohn]

That's fucked up.. can't even imagine what the child's parrents are going through right now.
I mean, losing a child is messed up to begin with, but losing a child by having him/her get dragged into the water by a gator? Damn..

I can't imagine what the dad is going through. Reports are he tried to save his child but was unable to. Having that memory with you for the rest of your life is your personal hell. I'm in tears just thinking about it.

 

[btrboyev]

I just read on Yahoo news this morning that authorities are still optimistic. I'm not sure why exactly.

 

[Baraka in the White House]

*enters restroom*

*leaves*

 

[BudokaiMR2]

Terrible story, but I can't say I'm surprised. I'm a native Floridian, and I learned a long time ago not to go into any bodies of freshwater that aren't crystal clear, like hot springs. Most people who aren't from the state don't realize how pervasive alligators can be, though. I went to college and law school at the University of Florida (whose friggin mascot is the Gator), and some of my friends from up north were shocked to find out that the big lake on campus had actual alligators in it. They thought they only lived in zoos or something.

During my freshman orientation they actually went out of their way to scare everyone by telling us that if you get chased by one make sure to zig zag so they don't catch you.

Same. Sort of embarrassed to be sharing this but whatever. One of my fratnernity's pledging rituals is to take initiates into that lake LOL. I can't believe I did it. Also, there are gators in the pond next to the student union amphitheater. These fuckers are everywhere.

I honestly should have expected something like this. Fuckin Gainesville. LOL

 

[ced]

I just read on Yahoo news this morning that authorities are still optimistic. I'm not sure why exactly.

Optimistic to recover the body...

 

[The Artisan]

oh my god...the chick that sits behind me at work was talking about this this morning i thought she was just telling a random old story...i didn't know this JUST happened

 

[Joezie]

Serious question; all these stories about Florida and wild animals like gators/snakes etc. Doesn't the state do anything about it? Are there no projects setup to safely remove these animals back to nature or maybe zoo's? Hearing about snakes going through the sewage system is fucking terrifying. What does the government do about all of this?

Depends on the creature.

Alligators are almost always relocated if possible. They're scary, and a lot of people may not be comfy with them, but they are still beloved in many parts of the state. Resident and Non-Resident hunters can apply for hunting permits that will allow them up to 2 alligator kills. This is managed at a district level mostly for population control purposes.

The Nine Banded Armadillo is not allowed(as of 2015 anyway) to be hunted publicly, though private landowners have the option of relocating or killing them if they become a nuisance.

Florida Wildlife Services is currently taking an observation approach on the Gambian Pouch Rat in the keys. The main goal there is to simply stop them from hitting the mainland.

Burmese pythons and the like are almost always killed on site or at a FWS center. Though there are exceptions for some study purposes.

 

[SpaceWolf]

Surely this is going to lead to the biggest lawsuit in human history?

 

[Syringe]

Sad. My goodness what is going on in Florida?

Environment is what is going on. It truly sucks for the baby and the family (whom I wish to pay my condolences), but truth is, only way to not have this in Florida is by killing of extreme amounts of gators and try to keep them in the Glades.

I'm no Floridian myself, but spends a few weeks there every year. I know there are gators just about everywhere. In the swimming pools, on the golf courses, in city fountains... everywhere and reports about pets being eaten is very common. But I've always respected Floridians for putting up with mother nature. This is the way Florida is, and I hope it will stay that way. Locking away nature totally isn't the right way.

 

[Lord Morairty007]

This might be an unpopular opinion...but killing alligators year round should be legal here in FL. They been off the endangered list since 1987.

 

[Valhelm]

My ex lost a cousin this way. Memes aside, Florida can be a scary place.

 

[Squalor]

Family shouldn't have been there.

That sucks.

 

[LosDaddie]

Kid probably lasted all of a minute, tops. More likely: gator jaw snap killed him.

I want to know what the fuck Disney was thinking holding an event like this. We have fencing up for a reason around lakes, ponds, and creeks (I should know, there's like 10000 of them here). Did they have to hop a fence, or did they just not have a fence?

Disney is such a cancer on this state.

Disney has been a boon for FL. It's not even debatable. Tons & tons of jobs and gobbles of tourist money.

 

[Joezie]

This might be an unpopular opinion...but killing alligators year round should be legal here in FL. They been off the endangered list since 1987.

It already is legal.

 

[Squalor]

Disney has been a boon for FL. It's not even debatable. Tons & tons of jobs and gobbles of tourist money.

Tons and tons of low-paying jobs.

Disney has been a boon, but not for working-class people.

 

[TheCochese]

I'm not even going to bother commenting outside of I feel for the family, because there are too many people here who think they know everything.

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Four gators pulled out of the lake, none of which are believed to have attacked the 2-year old. Someone on Twitter was saying they were euthanized.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/report-gator-dragged-child-into-water-near-disney-/nrgS3/

Environment is what is going on. It truly sucks for the baby and the family (whom I wish to pay my condolences), but truth is, only way to not have this in Florida is by killing of extreme amounts of gators and try to keep them in the Glades.

I'm no Floridian myself, but spends a few weeks there every year. I know there are gators just about everywhere. In the swimming pools, on the golf courses, in city fountains... everywhere and reports about pets being eaten is very common. But I've always respected Floridians for putting up with mother nature. This is the way Florida is, and I hope it will stay that way. Locking away nature totally isn't the right way.

Yeah. I mean if anyone is still wondering, look at a satellite map of the place. It's just how it is.

 

[Shinypogs]

So um if I want to visit relatives in florida do I just avoid any and all water I can't see to the bottom of? As a Canadian who grew up in the country I'm more used to bears and moose and while extremely dangerous those aren't exactly subtle creatures you can miss approaching.

 

[Squalor]

Four gators pulled out of the lake, none of which are believed to have attacked the 2-year old. Someone on Twitter was saying they were euthanized.

Did you read the article? Authorities said they were euthanized.

There's no other way to check for remains.

So um if I want to visit relatives in florida do I just avoid any and all water I can't see to the bottom of? As a Canadian who grew up in the country I'm more used to bears and moose and while extremely dangerous those aren't exactly subtle creatures you can miss approaching.

I wouldn't recommend swimming in ponds, lakes, or marshes.

A real, saltwater beach is fine.

 

[DasTanK]

Family shouldn't have been there.

That sucks.

???? They were watching a movie on the beach hosted by Disney. I do agree the kid shoudlnt have been in the water cause there are signs that say no swimming.

 

[pxleyes]

Completely avoidable. I feel horrible for the parents, but you have to know that no body of water in Florida is perfectly safe (especially at night).

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Did you read the article? Authorities said they were euthanized.

The one that I linked?

 

[LosDaddie]

Tons and tons of low-paying jobs.

Disney has been a boon, but not for working-class people.

Disney pays fairly good wages. Over minimum wage. And that's not counting the businesses that surround Disney, as well.

 

[Squalor]

???? They were watching a movie on the beach hosted by Disney. I do agree the kid shoudlnt have been in the water cause there are signs that say no swimming.

I'm talking about in the water.

The one that I linked?

Original one.

 

[AkumaNiko]

Just a friendly reminder, you HAVE to assume that a non pool, non ocean body of water has a gator in it.

I go to disney twice a year and my brother + SIL live near the gulf coast, he lives right by a lake and has gators on his property all the time. He also goes golfing and sees gators there too!

Be careful! That lagoon is connected to a non man made lake and all sorts of wild life migrated from there

 

[D1renegade]

Lol, why would you make a beach where it's not safe to be in the water?

 

[bengraven]

How about you man up and tell your wife and inlaws what not to do? Seriously, are you crazy? Just because your family is stupid doesn't mean you just sit and watch, you fucking stop that from happening.

Guys, this really isn't a man up situation. Relax. I admitted even in my first post that I was just being neurotic. People have been swimming in these areas for years. Chances are that my son could be killed in a car driving than by an alligator but I'm not "being a man" if I put my foot down and refuse to let him get into a car.

I had no idea I was going to get this much backlash.

 

[Keri]

Must admit, I find it truly bizarre that people's first reactions in this thread are to blame the parents....

I'm guessing those people aren't parents so don't realise 2 year olds do, occasionally, run away etc even if you are watching them closely

It's because it's hard to imagine a 2-years old being allowed to run around on his own, near a large body of water and also very hard to imagine an alligator, attacking a child that's standing immediately next to his parent. So the immediate picture that get's painted, is that the 2-year old was near the water, alone. Maybe I am being overly cautious though. My first child is due next month, so I'm still reading about how you should never bathe baby in more than an inch or so of water...So letting a small child that near a lake, without holding their hands seems like it would be abnormal, is it not?

 

[RoKKeR]

Absolutely terrifying story, can't imagine what the parents must be going through. Just awful.

 

[Squalor]

Disney pays fairly good wages. Over minimum wage. And that's not counting the businesses that surround Disney, as well.

No, they don't:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...-fun-for-orlando-workers-as-poverty-nears-20-

 

[RowdyReverb]

Tons and tons of low-paying jobs.

Disney has been a boon, but not for working-class people.

It's not just Disney's employees, it creates jobs all around the park because it, along with Universal's park, creates a constant high influx of tourists in that area