A Cuban resident in Florida experienced a tense moment when she encountered an alligator on the road while walking with her children in her neighborhood. The reptile was in the direction she intended to go, leaving her unable to proceed due to fear. "Now I really have to move. Look at the alligator and I need to go that way, and I'm with my two kids. What should I do? There's another alligator over there. Well, the best thing to do is leave here and have someone pick us up by car. This is out of control. There are two kids living in that house too," said the Cuban woman, Ali Fernández, who shared the frightening moment on her TikTok profile, where she goes by @missfernandez7.
The reactions to these images have been swift. Among the comments on the viral TikTok video are messages like: "I lived in Miami many years ago, I left because of this, my whole family did," "I don't know what time it was, but I would still be running," "I don't understand why they don't fence off the lakes in Miami with so many alligators around," "They're so fast, I wouldn't record anything, I would be running with my daughter, those alligators are super fast," "Girl, you are brave because just standing there with two kids, those alligators are incredibly fast, I wouldn't live there even if they gave me a house," and "I don't understand how people live around alligators."
Alligator Encounters in Florida: Key Questions Answered
Given the recent incident involving Ali Fernández and an alligator in Florida, many are wondering about safety measures and what to do in such situations. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What should you do if you encounter an alligator?
If you encounter an alligator, stay calm and back away slowly. Do not approach or feed the alligator. Contact local wildlife authorities if the alligator poses a threat.
Why are alligators common in Florida?
Florida's warm climate and abundant wetlands provide an ideal habitat for alligators, making them a common sight in the state.
Are alligator attacks common in Florida?
Alligator attacks are rare, but they do happen. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines when in areas where alligators are known to live.