Giving alligators the space they deserve

So you've probably heard about the recent spate of alligator attacks in Florida, right? Yeah, nasty stuff. Fortunately, if you should find yourself be-bopping through some wetlands in the near future, KHOU has some tips on how to keep yourself from becoming gator food. After what we're sure was hours of research, Channel 11 offers the following advice based on a visit to Brazos Bend State Park, which has some gators of its own:

The way the park sees it, the gators were here first. That's why they're very big on alligator etiquette. Among the rules: Keep a minimum distance of 30 feet.

"Alligators appear to be relative sluggish, but they're very explosive for short distances," said Killian.

Which is why the park doesn't allow swimming and has dog watering stations so pets don't become easy meals at the water's edge.

Expecting more? Sorry, that's all: Don't stand close to alligators and chances are they may not eat you. Fair enough. Actually, there doesn't really seem to be much more to it. Florida Fish & Wildlife has a few more hints, including Don't Feed Alligators and Don't Make an Alligator Your Pet, but the No. 1 safety rule seems to be Steer Clear of Alligators. Believe us, we will.

A few alligator-related tidbits to help you make it through the week: In Houston, it's a Class C midemeanor (carrying a fine up to $500) to intentionally feed a free-ranging alligator, according to Texas Parks & Wildlife. Though there's no official count, TPWD estimates 286,000 gators live in Chambers, Jefferson and Orange counties east of Houston, and we're right in the middle of gator mating season. So, uh, better make it 60 feet, especially if you're wearing a pair of alligator shoes.