Feeding the Gators from the Bungalows

[Olaf]

I believe they're talking about us, meaning DVC members. Yes, I know some people pay cash and rent. Terribly sad.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...2-000-night-bungalows-feeding-alligators.html

 

[L8blumr2]

I hadn't made the connection before, but I suppose the opening of the bungalows could be a contributing factor.

 

[IndyRnRfan]

I hadn't made the connection before, but I suppose the opening of the bungalows could be a contributing factor.

I'm sure it has if people are dumb enough to be throwing food right out the window or deck. The stupidity of adults these days just boggles my mind.

 

[BillPA]

I'm sure it has if people are dumb enough to be throwing food right out the window or deck. The stupidity of adults these days just boggles my mind.

You're not alone with this thought.

 

[suebeelin]

Wow. I'm sad and sick to my stomach that someone in our community contributed to the tragedy.

 

[zavandor]

One wonders which is the species with a brain the size of a walnut: the alligator or the human feeding them?

 

[jerseygal]

It has been reported yesterday on the news, I believe that it was CNN that the wildlife experts are warning people to NOT FEED the alligators.

 

[Olaf]

You don't have to be a wildlife expert to know that feeding the gators is a really, really bad idea. It's illegal in Florida to feed most wild animals. After this, I'm all for Disney putting up signs stating that if you're caught feeding the animals you'll be escorted off the property.

 

[IndyRnRfan]

It has been reported yesterday on the news, I believe that it was CNN that the wildlife experts are warning people to NOT FEED the alligators.

What is sad is we need to have the news tell us this on tv. As I've said before, common sense isn't so common anymore.

 

[Olaf]

The family has put out a statement. Such sweet looking little babies. It's just heart breaking. I've sat on that beach at the Grand Floridan, waded in that water, my own son played near the water at the Wilderness Lodge and BCV as a child. It could have been any of us.

I have a feeling Disney will build some kind of barrier on that beach, like at the Wilderness Lodge. Or maybe do away with it entirely, considering what happened there.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...reveals-install-warning-signs-near-water.html

 

[bwang123]

I have a feeling Disney will build some kind of barrier on that beach, like at the Wilderness Lodge. Or maybe do away with it entirely, considering what happened there.

they will probably just put out more signs to better protect themselves from lawsuits. the chances of this happening in the first place was extremely rare.

 

[moericus]

Never ever ever ever ever feed wildlife of any kind. They are supposed to fear you. It drives me absolutely nuts. I see it every time I go to the beach and someone wastes half a loaf of bread on the those fat seagulls. Then they complain when there's bird crap everywhere and the birds start stealing sandwiches right out of your hands. Do you feed deer in your back yard? You might as well help the hunters out a little more and put a giant target necklace over their neck. They are supposed to fear you!

This really shouldn't be surprising. Those people trained those alligators to consider humans as a food source. Wild animals value food above all else. This may or may not have happened regardless, but it is definitely a big problem.

 

[Olaf]

they will probably just put out more signs to better protect themselves from lawsuits. the chances of this happening in the first place was extremely rare.

I dunno. I have a feeling this beach will become some kind of attraction, people wanting to see where it happened. I bet they end up totally redesigning it.

 

[edk35]

The family has put out a statement. Such sweet looking little babies. It's just heart breaking. I've sat on that beach at the Grand Floridan, waded in that water, my own son played near the water at the Wilderness Lodge and BCV as a child. It could have been any of us.

I have a feeling Disney will build some kind of barrier on that beach, like at the Wilderness Lodge. Or maybe do away with it entirely, considering what happened there.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...reveals-install-warning-signs-near-water.html

Such a beautiful family. So sad. It just makes me sick.

 

[Olaf]

Wow! It's going from bad to really bad for Disney.

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/06/16/san-diego-father-says-gators-at-disney-also-went-after-his-son/

 

[bwang123]

I dunno. I have a feeling this beach will become some kind of attraction, people wanting to see where it happened. I bet they end up totally redesigning it.

beach is still there. just ropes and new signs.

 

[suebeelin]

I'm glad the signs are there. I honestly did not know about the poisonous snakes and thought only alligators under a certain size were allowed around the property. Dumb me.

 

[jiminy14]

I'm glad the signs are there. I honestly did not know about the poisonous snakes and thought only alligators under a certain size were allowed around the property. Dumb me.

We have seen water moccasins swimming in the canals near DHS and personally came across one in the grass on our walk from the BWV to DHS. Several years ago, we saw an alligator in the Rivers of America in MK while walking on the boardwalk from HM to SM. There was a CM stationed by the gator to keep the idiots from feeding it or trying to touch it. My DH is a golfer and has encountered alligators on the Disney courses on several occasions. He has always said that it amazed him as to how many of the golfers would drive up next to the gator in their carts to get a better look.

 

[crisi]

I'm glad the signs are there. I honestly did not know about the poisonous snakes and thought only alligators under a certain size were allowed around the property. Dumb me.

The snakes are probably the bigger risk. Alligators generally are afraid of people - well, except when yahoos have been feeding them. Snakes are as well, but both human and snake are usually surprised by the encounter - resulting in a bite.

 

[jagson]

Are guests being advised about the ''stay out of the lakes signs', when they check in? At check in are the guests advised not to feed the wildlife? Are warning signs spaced close to each other? Are they clearly visible at night? Are the signs in English, Spanish, etc? If the signs warn about alligators, shouldn't the signs warn against venomous snakes, snapping turtles, brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowlerii), etc? The bottom line is "use common sense". Most people know, or should know, that alligators are typically nocturnal and cruise the shorelines for unaware prey. Alligators seen being fed by humans are euthanized for the safety of other humans.
As for PVB guests, those seen feeding the wildlife should be kicked out, and never allowed back on property. Also, they'd forfeit the cost of their entire reservation. If DVC member, I'd have them forfeit their points without compensation. That would be the least of their worries as I'd report them to the authorities who'd have their turn at them, legally. In light of the tragic loss of life to both the child and several alligators, my suggested measures are minimal.