COCOA BEACH, Fla. – A Cocoa Beach man recently had a surprising encounter in his own backyard as he came face to face with a determined six-foot alligator. What initially seemed like a perplexing mystery quickly turned into a fascinating glimpse into the life of a mother alligator protecting her nest.
Quite a Shock
Bill Geiger Jr., the resident in question, had quite the shock when he stepped into his backyard and found himself in close proximity to the sizeable reptile. His confusion about how the alligator had gained access to his property was dispelled when he caught the mother alligator’s entrance on video.
The video, which has gained significant attention, portrays the gator hissing as it approaches the backyard fence. With a burst of energy, the alligator lunges towards the fence bars, displaying incredible determination as it squeezes and maneuvers its way through the barriers. The alligator’s swift movements made it look like a “missile,” as described by Geiger Jr.
“It was incredible. It caught me by surprise; I was shocked!” Geiger Jr. exclaimed.
No Stranger
The alligator in question is no stranger to the neighborhood. Geiger Jr. estimates that she has been a resident for several years. In a lighthearted anecdote, he recounted an incident where the alligator’s head surprisingly emerged from a sewer drain while city employees were working nearby.
While most people might be inclined to steer clear of such encounters, Geiger Jr. shared that he is not one to shy away from danger, even when it comes to alligators. He stated, “I wasn’t really afraid of it; I was just wary of it.”
Gator Professional
Alligator expert Brandon Fisher from Gatorland shed light on the situation, explaining that mother alligators are known for being highly protective of their young. Fisher advised, “Your best thing to do is leave it alone and keep your distance.” He emphasized the importance of not interfering with alligators in the state of Florida due to their potential danger and the legal ramifications.
Geiger Jr.’s concern extends to his family’s safety. He expressed his desire to let the alligator go about its business, but due to the presence of a one-year-old granddaughter and his son’s dogs, he is compelled to ensure their well-being. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that alligator nests usually contain an average of 32 to 46 eggs, raising concerns for the family’s safety once the eggs hatch.
To address the situation, Geiger Jr. took proactive steps by reaching out to the FWC. He explained, “I called FWC to find out what to do. They told me, ‘You’ve got to contact the city, you’ve got to do this, there’s a lot of red tape.’ Eventually, probably in a couple of days, they’re going to come out – I hope – remove the eggs, relocate the gator.”
As this intriguing encounter continues to unfold, residents and onlookers are reminded of the importance of coexisting with Florida’s native wildlife while prioritizing safety for all parties involved.
