First time I saw a gator in the wild was at park near Ft Stewart GA. He was just lying in the shallow water near the bank with his mouth wide open. I got about ten feet away and couldn't resist throwing a dirt clod, went right in his throat. Amazing how explosive fast they are. Thought I was safe when I got on top of a picnic table but that sucker followed me right up. Lucky for me a buddies car was within a few feet, dented the hood and roof jumping up on it. The gator circled the car twice then slowly made his way back to the water and disappeared! I don't hang out at the edge of any fresh water south of the Mason-Dixon to this day.