Casey Yarbrough was playing a game of golf at a course in Naples, Florida when he encountered a 14-foot-long alligator with a large turtle in its jaws. Yarbrough estimated the turtle to weigh about 50 pounds and heard the sound of the alligator’s jaws cracking through the turtle’s shell. This was a rare sight for Yarbrough, who has been playing golf for almost 50 years and had never seen anything like it before.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that alligators are opportunistic feeders and will eat turtles, snakes, small mammals, birds, fish, and even smaller alligators. It is not uncommon for alligators to make a meal out of turtles, as they are a common prey for these large reptiles. In a recent incident, a woman in Florida captured images of a large alligator eating a smaller version of itself, leaving her feeling “creeped out”.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides safety tools and tips for dealing with nuisance alligators. They advise against handling any alligators, as bites can result in serious infections and are also illegal. Alligators less than 4 feet in length are not considered dangerous unless handled. In such situations, the FWC recommends calling the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR for assistance.
Yarbrough was stunned by the sight of the alligator with the turtle in its jaws, as it was a unique experience for him as a golf player. Despite the shocking encounter, he continued with his game and shared his experience with Fox 35. The large alligator preying on the turtle is a reminder of the diverse wildlife that can be encountered in Florida’s ecosystem, where alligators are a common sight.
The incident with the alligator and turtle highlights the natural behavior of these animals in the wild. Alligators have a wide range of prey items, and turtles are known to be on their menu. This interaction between predator and prey is a part of the balance of nature in the Florida environment. Yarbrough’s encounter serves as a reminder of the importance of coexisting with wildlife and respecting their natural behaviors.
As a seasoned golfer who has never seen anything like the alligator with the turtle in its jaws before, Yarbrough’s experience is a testament to the unexpected encounters one can have in Florida’s outdoor spaces. The presence of alligators in golf courses and other natural areas is a reminder of the wild, untamed beauty of the environment. By following safety guidelines and respecting wildlife, individuals can enjoy outdoor activities while preserving the delicate balance of nature in Florida’s ecosystem.
