A massive alligator terrified the swimmers enjoying the water at Raven Lake in Huntsville State Park last weekend. The apex predator was caught on camera approaching a group of kids.
Huge Alligator Scares Swimmers in Texas
An uninvited guest joined a Girl Scout troop at Raven Lake. The huge gator was caught on camera swimming towards a group of children. The kids can be heard shouting in the video as they immediately leave the water. Some parents run in to help them. One child jumps in the water as the reptile swims closer.
According to David Siljeg, the gator was aiming for one girl. He likened the incident to a movie scene while noting that it was real. For him, it brought the same feelings when watching the American thriller "Jaws."
Noel Garcia added that the beast was "definitely sneaking." Garcia can be seen running into the water to help the kids out of the water. The gator got tangled in a rope that slowed it from approaching the kids.
Garcia said it wasn't the "best feeling," and they were fortunate the rope was there to distract the gator.
The witnesses said the alligator was over 10 feet long. It was estimated to be about 12 feet long.
Alligators are mentioned on several signs near the swimming area of Huntsville State Park. Another incident at the same swimming area earlier this summer necessitated the rescue of swimmers from a dock. This happened after an alligator blocked their path to the coast.
According to Eddie Sunila, the gator in the video might be a larger male gator. He speculated that the beast probably perceived a kid of a smaller size as prey.
Alligators may be found all across Houston. They extend rather far along the Texas border. There have been no reported injuries from both alligator-related incidents at Raven Lake.
Alligator Attack in Texas
Alligator attacks in Texas rarely happen. In July 2015, a fatal alligator attack occurred at Burkart's Marina on Adams Bayou, off Mississippi Street in Orange, ending a 179-year streak.
A large gator reportedly attacked a 28-year-old man, Tommie Woodward. The body was later found near the area where the assault happened.
According to Orange County Justice of the Peace Rodney Price, Woodward ignored verbal warnings and the sign that read "No Swimming Alligators." He also allegedly mocked the deadly animals before plunging into the water.
Woodward reportedly removed his shirt and billfold when someone shouted to warn him. However, he responded with "blank the alligators" and jumped into the water. It didn't take long when the people heard him screaming for help.
According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, Orange, Jefferson, and Chambers counties-located along the Gulf Coast and border Louisiana-have the state's highest alligator population. There are believed to be close to 300,000 animals in these three counties despite the lack of state-wide data.
According to TPWD statistics, alligators live in nearly half of Texas' 254 counties.
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