All:

Thanks to the many people who replied to this email.  Apparently there are few hard facts released so far about this case, which is still under investigation.  A report may be available next week, and I will try to follow up.  At this no name or other details, only that the person suffered serious injuries (concussion, lacerations, etc.) and was transported to Shands.  It appears he was alone, but that is not confirmed.  The location we do have:  Near Mile 5, between Prairie Creek and Witness Tree Junction.

Several people have expressed doubts as to the physical existence of the alligator.  Others have pointed out that the Trail was closed, so what was this person doing there? 

And how did he see an alligator at 9:00 PM?

Just for future reference, if you do encounter an actual alligator, do not approach closer than 20 feet.  And do not go within 5 feet of the edge of any body of water (other than your swimming pool).  Follow those two simple rules, and you will be safe around alligators.  In any case, do not ride your bike up to one.  An ASO deputy did that the other day with his patrol car, and the alligator felt threatened enough to defend itself by clamping down on the front bumper of the patrol car, which I am sure caused expensive damage to that 5-mph bumper.

And stay off the Trail when it is closed (That's a direct quote from a local official). 

Cheers,

George

On 5/10/2011 7:22 AM, George Edwards wrote:

All:

Does anyone (anyone at all) have any factual information about the alleged alligator incident on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail on Sunday, as reported in the SUN this morning?  It seems to be shrouded in mystery, but if real it is of considerable importance to the Trail.

Please send any hard information my way.

Thanks,

George Edwards, Captain
GCC Trailkeepers

 

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