Your Dog
And Alligators
The recovery of the American Alligator is one of conservation's
great success stories. The gator is not only no longer endangered
but the sale of alligator meat is now being planned. If you plan
to hike with your dog near the coasts anywhere from North Carolina
to Texas, alligators are a definite trail hazard you need to
account for. Alligators are found in marshes, swamps, rivers
and lakes as well as neighborhood drainage ditches and canals.
Use common sense and do not not allow your dog in waters where
alligators may be lurking. Don't walk your dog close to water
if you can avoid it.
But the danger is only in the water.
If you see an alligator on land, just walk your dog away from
the alligator - alligators do not run down prey on land. They
may run on land to escape danger or protect a nest but will not
come after you if it has an escape route to the water. Make sure
you give him one.
<<Back To April 2007 Newsletter
<<Back
To Article Index
|