A photo of a huge alligator lying on a Florida course looking ominously at the photographer is creating buzz on social media.
Matt Devitt, WINK Chief Meteorologist, said that the image was taken by Rich Louty on a Sebring course.
Devitt posted on Facebook, “Welcome Florida, home of Jurassic Park,”
It is not clear how big the alligator is, but it is possible to wonder. The longest recorded alligator in Florida was 14 feet, 3 1/2 inches. The weight record for a different gator is 1,043 pounds.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, adult alligators eat a lot of fish, small mammals and turtles.
Golfers are not on their menu, thankfully.
Devitt’s post attracted more than 2,000 comments from both residents and strangers, who were amazed by the size of the reptile.
“I have lived in Florida my whole life. One person said that this was the largest one she had ever seen.
Non-resident said, “I love sunny Florida. But these guys keep my from living there.”
Another top comment is “We have been living in Florida since 1989. About 20 years ago, I saw the largest man I had ever seen lying on a canal in Debary. He was slightly larger than this one. We simply turned the boat around, and headed the opposite direction.”
A gator this large is a new definition of “water hazard,” which in this instance means a fairway danger to be avoided.
Another comment: “Well, that will definitely slow down your game.”
