Hair-raising footage shows the moment an alligator attempted to sneak up to some unsuspecting swimmers.
David Siljeg was at the Texas’ Huntsville State Park on Saturday (9 September) when he spotted the huge gator, which is estimated to have been around 14-ft long, stealthily swimming towards a group of kids.
You can see how that played out here:
Seeing what was happening, Siljeg whipped out his camera and started filming, initially believing the alligator was much smaller than it was and would leave the area when it witnessed the splashing.
“Well, that wasn’t the case, as the alligator switched to attack mode and was aiming quickly toward the little kids,” Siljeg said.
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At this point, a quick-thinking - and bloody brave - bystander waded into the water flailing his arms and yelling at the kids to get out of the water as fast as possible. You wouldn’t need to tell me twice.
With the kids now back safely on dry land, a woman, armed with a float, gets into the water and moves towards the creature, which then starts to move away.
The alligator can then be seen slowly moving away towards the sand, where there are signs warning visitors about the dangers of alligators.
Siljeg added: “Nobody was hurt, thank God, and the Sheriff arrived soon after to close the beach and verify that everyone was okay.”
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The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department recommends that people try to keep 30-ft away from gators at all times and to not make the mistake of thinking they’re slow moving.
Its website explains: “When you visit the park, you are a guest in this wild habitat. Treat all wildlife with respect. Feeding, harassing, injuring or removing wildlife, including alligators, is against the law.
“Keep 30 feet away from alligators at all times. If you get too close, back away slowly. Do not assume that alligators are slow and sluggish. They are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered. They rarely chase people, but they can outrun or out swim the fastest person for the first 30 feet.”
It adds: “If swimming is allowed, swim only in designated areas. Swimming areas close at sunset. Alligators are more likely to be active at dusk and dawn.”
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It also urges anyone who sees a gator ‘in or near the swimming area’ while at a state park to inform a park employee right away.
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Claire Reid