Students and parents warned of alligator lingering in pond near school route

18 August 2023 , 20:57

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Wildlife authorities in Georgia declined to retrieve the alligator saying the reptile wasn't hurting anybody. Furthermore, schools within the district are protected by fences (Image: Getty Images)

A school in Georgia informed parents of a five-foot alligator lurking in a pond that's on their children's commute to and from school, according to reports.

In a note sent out to parents this week, officials of the Columbia County School District wrote: "We are notifying you regarding a concern brought to our attention by a community member that may impact students who walk to and from school."

Wildlife authorities in Georgia declined to retrieve the alligator saying the reptile wasn't hurting anybody, WRDW reports. Additionally, all the schools in the district are protected by fences.

Alligators are very dangerous, territorial creatures and shouldn't be approached, say wildlife experts at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) (Getty Images)

Alligators are very dangerous, territorial creatures and shouldn't be approached, say wildlife experts at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The TPWD recommends individuals keep their distance if they spot an alligator. In the case of an unexpected or unavoidable encounter, experts give readers several tips.

Alligators are more likely to be out swimming about around dusk and dawn, so individuals should take a dip closer to sunset. Offering a large reptile food, whether it be fish or bait, is very dangerous—not to mention illegal in some states, including Texas. The offence is deemed a class c misdemeanour and perpetrators can be fined up to $500.

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Alligators are more likely to be out swimming about around dusk and dawn, so individuals should take a dip closer to sunset (Getty Images)

TPWD says to Keep 30 feet away from alligators at all times. If one gets too close, one should back away slowly. "Do not assume that alligators are slow and sluggish. They are extremely quick and agile and will defend themselves when cornered," experts say on the TPWD site. Alligators are said to rarely chase people, but they can outrun or outswim the fastest person for the first 30 feet. If an alligator hisses, the reptile is warning you to back away.

A female protecting her nest or young may charge if one gets too close, but will quickly return to the nest after they leave (Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

A female protecting her nest or young may charge if one gets too close, but will quickly return to the nest after they leave. TPWD implores readers to avoid piles of twigs, grasses and soil near the side of a lake. Alligators often bask along the banks of a pond or streams, which usually indicates that they are warming their bodies.

Pets are similar in size and shape to common alligator prey. They should stay away from the water’s edge and on leashes that are no longer than 6 feet. Your pet also shouldn’t drink from or enter the water in an alligator habitat. Readers are encouraged to tell a park employee if an alligator comes toward them when they are walking near the water, especially if it comes out of the water.

Mataeo Smith