Large Gator Charges At GA Deputy During Training Exercise: Sheriff

GAINESVILLE, GA — A Hall County deputy received a scaly surprise Tuesday when a large alligator charged at him while he was training near an Allen Creek Road pond, the Hall County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

Authorities said the deputy was not injured after encountering the alligator, between 7 and 9 feet, around 7:30 a.m. during the training exercise.

The unnamed deputy first heard a hissing sound while he was laying a track for the K9 team, authorities said. He then saw the alligator with an open mouth.

The alligator charged at the deputy, leading him to run up an embankment away from the alligator, authorities said.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources was notified of the sighting, authorities said.

Drone photos released Wednesday by the sheriff's office show the alligator in muddy waters.

"While the pond is located in an area not typically accessible to the public, HCSO is encouraging citizens to take precautions around the water in that area, including the stream that feeds the pond. As a result of this morning’s sighting, HCSO will be installing warning signs, cautioning the public about alligators, snakes and other wildlife that may pose a danger to the public," authorities said in a Facebook post.

According to the DNR, more than 200,000 alligators live in Georgia and are known to stay in the wetlands.

Marshes, swamps, rivers, farm ponds and wild lakes are all alligator habitats though the DNR said they can also be found in golf course ponds, swimming pools, drainage canals, ditches, neighborhoods and roadways.

"Alligators are important in nature. They help maintain the population balance of certain prey species and they help shape and modify habitats. During times of severe drought, alligators dig holes (gator holes) to concentrate water. This helps the alligator survive and helps many other species of plants and animals in the area," the DNR said.

• Treat all wildlife with respect. Feeding, harassing, injuring or removing wildlife, including alligators, is against the law.
• Never feed an alligator.
• Never approach alligators. They are extremely fast and will defend themselves when cornered. They rarely chase people, but they can outrun or out swim the fastest person for the first 30 feet.
• Keep pets and children away from the banks of lakes and streams.
• Do not fish near an alligator that seems interested in you. If an alligator takes your bait, cut your line and move away. Do not use a stringer for fish. Do not throw fish scraps in water.
• Swim only in designated areas. If you see an alligator near a swimming area, immediately notify park staff.
• Let park staff know if you encounter an aggressive gator or see anyone feeding an alligator.