Scuba vs Alligators

[BCSAR]

I am in the process of setting up a Search and Rescue in the South East. Doing this, I have thought of potential hazards that might present themselves. Alligators pop into mind, I was wondering what encounters, if any that I could expect when diving with these creatures that are not really, known for being friendly?

I know we will not be diving in ideal conditions, and I have not really found anything about diving with gators and what their habits or trends might play when diving with them. I am sure a majority of our dives will be in near zero visibility looking in every nook and cranny. We do not want to disturb their habitat but we will have to be in it till what needs to be found is found.

So any help with this would be great, or if anyone has any experience diving with the gators that would be helpful information as well.

 

[BladesRobinson]

I have heard in Flagler County, FL that the sheriffs office uses a "flash bang" to scare off gators before a dive operation. Other agencies post armed personnel to watch over the area during dive operations. Concerns are certainly heightened during the mating season (late spring/early summer) when alligators are more aggressive and I am aware of many close encounters between PSDs and alligators but no one to my knowledge has been bitten (yet).

I am aware of at least one golf course diver being bitten so your concern is legitimate.

Best of luck!

 

[Gary D.]

Don't let them chomp on your tanks. It gives them gas and makes them cranky.

 

[ScubaBasics]

This was my encounter. He did not seem to care if I was there.

 

[SeaHound]

This was my encounter. He did not seem to care if I was there.

Where was this?

 

[metaldector]

Being in Florida we dive with gators often. We keep an eye on them and they on us. I've never had a problem. That said, I think you should contact any south Florida county dive team and get their advice. Body searches, underwater cars, sunken boats, missing fishermen are all routinely conducted by these police and county divers, usually in dark water. They would be your best source of information.

 

[ScubaBasics]

Photo taken in April 2008 in Silver Springs River.

 

[SeaHound]

Photo taken in April 2008 in Silver Springs River.

No wonder the water is so clear. Wonderful pic!

 

[adambayam]

This was my encounter. He did not seem to care if I was there.

Amazing picture!

I'd still rather be face to face with any kind of shark.

Respect!

Adam

 

[ScubaBasics]

I took the pic with my Nikon P5100, Ike Housing & DS 125 Strobes