Our new neighbors

As I'm sure many of you have seen, we now have some new neighbors on the course.  I'm talking about the kind of neighbors that like to keep to themselves, are quiet all the time and do not like company.  In all regards they are good neighbors....they just usually scare the heck out of most people! Lacking any sort of people skills themselves, I thought I would introduce them to you on their behalf so we can all get to know each other.

This is Al E. Gator, our new neighbor

We have all seen these guys around at different courses, but it has been a while since we have had one that has called CCN home.  As you can see, this guy likes to use the fountain float on #5 as a resting platform.  In doing so he actually knocked the fountain out of its cradle and the fountain fell to the bottom of the lake while running which caused the power cord to get all tangled up into a giant knot.  That's why the float is in the corner of the lake.  I have to replace the power cord to be able to reposition the fountain back into the middle of the lake.

I also wanted to take the opportunity to remind everyone of the basic rule when it comes to dealing with alligators.  The most important thing to remember is DO NOT FEED THE ALLIGATORS!  When alligators are feed by people they start to lose their fear of people and this is when the problems start.  As far as the State of Florida is concerned as long as the alligator doesn't lose its fear of people and moves away from them when approached, it has a right to live in the lake.  Its when the gator stays put when approached that it is considered a nuisance and can be removed.  It has nothing to do with size!

If you are out on the course and you see one of our new neighbors, please do not go over and say hi.  The like to keep to themselves, so don't take it personally.  If you happen to ride up on a gator and it does not get back into the water, please call the golf shop immediately.  They will in turn call me and I will start the investigation process.  If needed, I will call the state licensed trapper who will confirm that the gator has lost its fear of people.  Once confirmed, the trapper will get a permit from Florida Fish and Wildlife to remove the alligator.