G a t o r   T a l e s

The word alligator often conjures up images of adventure and danger. This was an often discussed subject in our family circle since our home was not far from lakes or canals. In every swamp, roadside ditch and lake, gators were frequently observed submerged, except for their eyes and nose. After a meal or just being in the water all night they crawl out on a river or lake bank and bask in the sun to warm their cold blood which assist in their digestion.

Stories of people being harmed by gators were usually exaggerated but it did happen and it kept us alert to the dangers of being around those dark waters. No camp out was complete without a yarn or two of these swamp dragons. Most knew that these tales were stretched beyond believability but it added some fun to the nights’ activities.

During breeding season the males emit a deep resounding bellow which vibrates the night air and can be heard for a mile or more in the swamps. Gators are usually very slow , dull colored and uninviting creatures. They are equipped with a full set of teeth in a long mouth and with a tough, bumpy hide they are very much at home in their environment. They can obtain a length of 10-12 feet and longer in captivity. They hunt mostly at night, taking their prey of turtles, snakes and garfish. Occasionally they will take an animal from the shore line where the animals come to feed and drink. With a sudden explosive action the gator with its’ long , wide tail, jets forward out of the darkness and the unsuspecting prey never knew what happened. With their powerful jaws and great strength they crush and take their food to the bottom and eat it later after it has ripened a bit.

Alligators were hunted almost to the brink of extinction in the early 1900’s . The Great Depression caused people do whatever necessary to make a dollar and hunting gators and selling their hides for shoe and purse leather was big business until laws were passed to protect this unique creature. They are back now and in good numbers. In some areas they are so plentiful they can be nuisances. Many small air strips in Florida have to be patrolled before planes can land. Also many golf courses have to clear the greens and fairways of these reptiles before tee-off time. By-the-way gators eat golf balls. Not very nourishing but a “top-flite” meal.

Gators do perform a valuable service for other animals and fish though. In order to survive a drought they dig deep holes in the mud in the bottom of the ponds and lakes which retain water for months and in many instances this is the only water available in that area until the rains come again. These strange and awesome reptiles did not do this to help their fellow creatures but by doing and being what the Great Creator planned for them they are a great benefactor to the natural world around them. How often by just doing what is right have you influenced others to do the same. Like the alligator, we may never know what good we have done until we get to Heaven. Are we helping others or influencing them to do right by our actions.

Burney Tompkins

    - Uncle Burney