FORT MYERS

Close call: Turtle caught in a gator's mouth - and lives

Cory O'Donnell
codonnell@news-press.com
This 8-foot gator was spotted at Colonial Country Club lounging next to the 18th green.  His meal plan was in place until a golf cart ventured close enough to scare the gator back into the lake.  When he spun to dive back into the water, the turtle flew out of his mouth and splashed down about ten feet away, safe and sound.

A gator's early lunch just off the 18th green of a Fort Myers golf course turned into a miraculous escape for a turtle, and a chance to live another day.

The photo was taken by Steven Backman of Colonial Country Club, and he shared the story surrounding this fateful moment near the fairway.

Backman spotted the 8-foot gator at Colonial Country Club lounging next to the 18th green.  There was something different about this gator; namely, the Florida red-bellied turtle sitting in its mouth.

This 8-foot gator was spotted at Colonial Country Club lounging next to the 18th green.  His meal plan was in place until a golf cart ventured close enough to scare the gator back into the lake.  When he spun to dive back into the water, the turtle flew out of his mouth and splashed down about ten feet away, safe and sound.

The gator's plan for a nice meal was all set in motion when the turtle found itself surrounded by the alligator's teeth.  The turtle remained incarcerated by the alligator's gaping mouth until a golf cart scooted close enough to scare the gator back into the lake, Backman says.

When the alligator spun to dive back into the water, the turtle flew out of his mouth and splashed down about ten feet away, safe and sound.

Backman also said the 8-foot alligator is the biggest they have seen in the Colonial Country Club neighborhood.  Members of the club were playing the 18th hole all day and the gator just minded his own business.

Ozzie, the world-famous bald eagle, has died

Colonial Country Club contains a natural preserve area where deer, bobcats and river otter have also been seen.

A close call for the turtle and a missed opportunity for that gator.  I have a feeling these two may meet again.

 

Cory O'Donnell is Digital Engagement Editor for The News-Press.  You can connect with him on facebook.com/coryo and on Twitter: @CoryODonnell.