Blind gator frightens beach-goers

DAUPHIN ISLAND - Tourists were shocked to find out a 12-foot alligator was swimming among them. Every time the waves came in and out folks said they could see the alligator and he would keep popping his head up.

Many people left the beach because it was too close for comfort. Maria Richards said, "It was pretty freaky. Everybody got their kids off the beach. We were hanging out here all day. The day before we were right where the alligator was."

Their concern grew even more when the large reptile made its way onto the beach. Cary Evers said, "It almost ate a dog that was walking down here but the dog started barking at it. That's how everyone saw there was an alligator in the water."

Marine Police cleared the area and tried to get the gator but decided to call Wildlife Specialist Gary Casper. He said, "It's a public safety hazard; a 12-foot alligator during tourist season on Dauphin Island on the beach when people are day and night swimming."

But how did it get into the Gulf of Mexico in the first place? Casper added, "He was blind. He didn't know where he was. He got washed up and ended up on Dauphin Island."

Not only was the alligator blind, but Casper said it had also been injured by a boat propeller. He added, "This makes him dangerous because he's going to come back up the beach. Some tourists could be walking there thinking he's dead and then go up and kick him. Because he can't see you it's not a good idea."

Because of its injuries it could be defensive and react, so it had to be put down. Folks were glad it was caught, but said they're now going to keep a more watchful eye in murky water.

Officials said this was the third alligator found on Dauphin Island this summer alone.