On Sunday evening, Jan. 18 there was a very exciting event! Pam & I were sitting out side of the visitor center waiting for time for my evening alligator walk, when a girl of 12 was approaching on her bike at a speed that was a bit excessive for the crowded walking/biking area where she was. A small child pulled a little bike directly into the path of the young girl, causing the girl to lock the brake and loose control of her bicycle. When she swerved off of the paved path she screamed as she was heading directly toward an alligator of about 9 feet in length! I immediately began to run in the direction of the impending accident. 

The alligator headed for the water and safety, but not quickly enough as the girl's bike hit the gator's tail about midway up the tail as the gator retreated. In it's rush to swim away the tail threw water,  the bike and girl splashed into the water and for a few seconds I lost track of the entire event. Once at the scene, I found the girl wet but uninjured, the mother present and in panic and the gater long gone and probably far more frightened than either the girl or her mom! Today the girl and her mother have both recovered and the alligoator is fearful, but may eventurally return to his favorite spot. All is well that ends well!