Gators Just a Little Too Close to Home

It's official...there was a gator in our lake. In Florida you pretty much have to assume that every body of water has a gator in it, but this one was a bit too close to home. As crazy as it was, it was also pretty cool to see a gator in the wild this close up. Here is our story.....

The day before, the gator looms on the lakeside.

The gator guy set a bait, ie a large chunk of meat on a line and the gator took it.

Now for the retrieval. Notice he is without shoes. WHAT?!

Pulling him in from the side.

There he is. All five feet six inches of him.

And then he jumps on top of him, croc hunter style.

Get the mouth....can't open up but can chomp down.

The magic tool- electrical tape.

Grab that mouth. Can you tell this guy had only been doing this for 6 weeks?

Get it done!

Looking at Steph, the photographer with his beady eyes.

Now to tie him up.

Around the neck first.

Then the arms. No, they don't make handcuffs this small.

All tied up!

I guess taping over their eyes makes them calm down. Interesting.

He brought the gator up close to the porch so the kiddos and I could see. I was standing there with Miriam, Cecilia and my friend's son Jax.

I love how he carried him like a suitcase!

Another angle.

Steph touching his hand.

My friend Susan!

And Steph, the brave photographer with the gator.