Wed, Sep 28, 2011
'Gator Encounter' Apparently Not A Hit With Employees
Here's a term which may be unique to Florida: "Nuisance
Alligator."
At a parking lot at Vero Beach Municipal Airport used by about
800 employees of Piper Aircraft each day, a security guard
encountered a four-foot alligator under a parked car Monday. Police
Sergeant Bill Offutt responded, and tried to snag the gator's snout
in a rope loop on the end of a pole. Instead, the gator bit the
rope and wouldn't let go.
TCPalm reports Offut then pulled the flopping reptile out of its
hiding spot, held his jaws shut with one foot, and wrapped it shut
with the only thing he had immediately available, a roll of medical
gauze. Bystanders ran for some tape to effect a more secure
restraint.
City officials say the parking lot is near the intersection of
Aviation Boulevard and 27th Avenue, adjacent to a drainage canal,
and that this isn't the first time a gator has been removed from
the area. A licensed alligator trapper was called to haul this one
away. If you're visiting Florida, and wonder why so many retention
ponds are surrounded by chain link fences, now you know. If your
kids kick a ball over the fence, don't let them climb in after
it!
At one time, alligators were considered endangered in Florida.
Now they're back, in numbers which make them as big a nuisance in
Florida as white-tailed deer are in many other states. TCPalm
reports the alligator found Monday will be destroyed, according to
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida
allows trappers to kill nuisance alligators four feet or longer and
sell the meat and hyde to pay for their work.
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]