The season has started!

[corralup]

She will stay on the leash. I firmly believe in that. I was concerned about the gators. I'll be keeping my distance from them. I always remembered them on the river banks and in the pond over there. I saw a post last week on another forum that they are sunning themselves right on the trails where people are walking. It kind of freaked me out.

[mderrjohnson]

What a breath of fresh air! I wish we had more green here in DFW! I love the first image!

[jfoureyes]

Sandy this is a fairly regular site this time of year.

[jfoureyes]

Thanks Melanie! I’ve been waiting since November for this.

[Patti Edens]

Great shots and beautiful colors Jim! I can't wait to go back out there. Did you see the red flowers all over the roadside on the way to BBSP. I thought they were Indian Paintbrush, but not sure.

[jfoureyes]

Originally Posted by Patti Edens

Great shots and beautiful colors Jim! I can't wait to go back out there. Did you see the red flowers all over the roadside on the way to BBSP. I thought they were Indian Paintbrush, but not sure.

Thanks Patti. Oh yes… I see those every year and they are little small patches of Indian Paintbrush. Wish there were some at BBSP. There are some Bluebonnets at the HQ building (entrance) that they planted several years ago that come up every year. I forgot to check on them this week.

[ttusa]

Originally Posted by corralup

She will stay on the leash. I firmly believe in that. I was concerned about the gators. I'll be keeping my distance from them. I always remembered them on the river banks and in the pond over there. I saw a post last week on another forum that they are sunning themselves right on the trails where people are walking. It kind of freaked me out.

Hi Sandy,
I've never taken my Boston Terrier to BBSP. He's TOO friendly and sometimes gets out of his collar. He thinks he's such a big boy that he might want to go try and make friends with Mr. Alligator-gulp...

[quyd200]

Very nice Jim! I like the first two a lot!

[jfoureyes]

Thanks Quy I really appreicate your comment.

[John Godwin]

Hello Folk's

While I am not a trained professional in alligator behavior I will offer some advice and observations on pets versus alligators.

In a close combat situation put your money on the alligator.

To avoid close combat situations NEVER let your pet get close to the water. I have seen alligators that were under water come out of the water and on to the bank at a distance of upwards to six feet (a really big alligator) quicker than most folk's can react.

Very rarely will an alligator chase prey on land, yet it can happen especially if the attack starts at or near the waters edge.

The size of the pet is not necessarily a deterrent if the alligator decides that there goes its next meal.

Pay close attention of your surroundings and keep your pet on the hard pack trails, NEVER let them get within six feet (the more the merrier) of a resting alligator or the water.

Have fun at the park, it is a great place to visit.

John Godwin

[Will Rountree]

Last week I learned a little more on alligator behavior. See the dark spots under the mouth on the throat, if something touches these sensors the gator will rapidly swing its head around and bite. If you are in its mouth, don't touch anything such as its palate as that will make it's jaws close automatically. These are automatic reactions so don't blame the gator.
Will