So, there are slightly raised paths, as well as some boardwalks, around the wetlands. But, the paths are not high enough to deter gators. Some of the gators I photographed were within, I'd say, 7 yards from us but all at the edge of the water, none near the path. The park warning signs instruct visitors to stay on the paths and don't approach or feed gators.

Gators don't want to attack humans. We are way too much work and gators are rather lazy creatures. Most gator attacks on humans occur in the water, meaning the human invaded the gators space. Shoreline attacks on humans are usually on small children that may look like prey to a gator - alligators have terrible eyesight.

People walking near water with a dog are also asking for trouble. Gators attack dogs of all sizes with unnerving frequency. When the human tries to save the dog, the human is bitten and, in a few cases, killed. The park does not allow dogs but I've seen very stupid people bring them in and walk around with them.

Gators in a wetlands park like Sweetwater have plenty of food that's easier to kill than a human. These gators are huge and haven't missed any meals! So, if a visitor remains on the path and doesn't get too near a gator, she should be fine. Common sense, really. And, if a gator is actually on the path, turn around!! Don't try to get past the gator.

The gator holes are actually encouraging signs because the gator has created an easy escape route. He really doesn't want to interact or even see humans, so the holds allow him to slink away quietly. However, at this time of year, the water is still chilly and gators are cold-blooded, so they need to warm up in the sun. That means lots of gators on the shoreline. On the plus side, they are cold and slow and not wanting to do much. On the downside, this is mating season so the males become more aggressive. So, a little more caution is needed.

I never felt at risk but Gina did because she HATES gators! We were, of course, very careful.