Big alligator relaxes on golf course, takes pics

Big alligator relaxes on golf course, takes pics - USA TODAY

March 12, 2015

USA Today Network Isabel MascareÃ±as, WTSP-TV 10:41 p.m. EDT March 11, 2015

A massive alligator plopped down right in front of a few golfers in Florida. It was just enough time for the group to snap some photos. VPC

This 12-foot alligator joins the game at the 7th hole at Myakka Pines Golf Club in Florida.(Photo: Dick Huber, Myakka Pines Golf Club)

Sarasota, Fla. -- Golfers know the game has its share of traps and hazards -- and not the sand or water kind. We are talking alligators.

"There's a couple of big guys out here," says Don Peterson.

"I have an agreement I don't bother them they don't bother me," adds Julius Orban.

Alligators, yes! Usually they're are seen sunning along the ponds at Myakka Pines Golf Club in Englewood, Fla., but what happens when one decides to join the game.

"She walked up on the green, laid down right on the pin," says Dick Huber. The gator stopped right near his golf ball on the 7th hole and the estimated 12-foot gator stayed long enough to pose for pictures.

"I got within 10 feet of her. I didn't get close enough to measure him. I definitely didn't roll it over to see if it's male or female," Huber says, laughing.

Huber's pictures are making national headlines.

"The phones won't stop ringing, it's crazy!" says Mickie Zada, general manager at Myakka Pines. The course even posted photos of the alligator on the club's Facebook page.

A gator getting this close is rare says the golfer. He explains, "What the gator is doing is moving from pond to pond, it's mating season."

Golfers say this gator is a new member to the club and joined about a week ago. Golfers at Myakka Pines say golfing with wildlife is part of the game and they see gators on nearly every round.

Huber says, "They're here every day. They live here we visit."

So when golfers do spot these prehistoric creatures they are respectful.

"You give them a wide berth, let them have their space and play on," says Huber. When his group saw the gator Friday afternoon the golfers patiently waited for it to move, his stay was short.

Huber says, "As soon as the gator walked off, we putted out and continued on."

Zada says in the 37 years the course has been open there has never been a gator attack.

Photos: More gator images at the golf course

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Last SlideNext Slide

Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1C7bK83

USA NOW

Black Hawk crash: Fog hampers search efforts

Mar 11, 2015