Local News
Elderly Texas Man Attacked By Gator on His Property
KR Smith, 88, lives on a piece of waterfront property in Fort Bend County. While working out in his yard, he unknowingly got too close for comfort to a gator in the nearby pond. All of a sudden, the gator grabbed a hold of his arm with its powerful jaws and teeth. Though Smith had been known to feed the enormous reptiles from time to time, he never would have expected this.
CW 39 reports that Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Barry Eversole warned, “It’s against state law, it’s a Class C misdemeanor to feed wild alligators. Any time you interact with them and they imprint on humans, that’s what causes the problems. Don’t let them realize that you could be a food source.”
Luckily, Smith was taken to the hospital quickly and is expected to make a full recovery. Smith is a part of a very small group – only 15 Texans have reported being attacked by a gator since the 1950s. The LA Times gave some tips on how to avoid the aggressive creatures. They advise to stay out of their territory especially during the rain when they’re more active. Also, run in a straight line away from the creature if one is approaching you. They can be very fast, but wear out after a short distance.
