Storm brings gators and humans together

Storm stories abound on the evening news as autumn approaches. Down here in the south, we have a unique storm hazard. Alligators. They can appear in the ditch by the driveway, in the swimming pools, the ponds of a subdivision or quite seriously, in your living room if a door is left open. We once had a 8'6" gator take haven in our courtyard. Had to call in professional trappers fromFlorida Fish and Wildlife (one was a woman, I'm proud to say).

This photo of glassy eyed gators in a pond at night is called "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" was taken by well known Florida nature photographer John Moran. The white dot reflections in the water are the alligators eyes. Often they appear red - - I kid you not. I experienced such a sight on a midnight canoe trip on the Hillsborough River. Creepy, chilling and heartpumping.

For 20 years the American alligator was listed as an endangered species. However, they've made a strong come back and according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife website, their population is up to approximately 1.25 million again in this state.

Seeing a wild gator is quite common as they sun themselves along the waterways beside I-75 between Naples and Miami. Population control is needed however. People are attacked by alligators every year. The controlled alligator hunting season runs from Aug 15 to Nov 1.

More Florida nature photos by John Moran can be seen at www.JohnMoranPhotos.com.