How Does Disney Keep Alligators Out?
The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is a magical place, where families and children come to experience the wonder of Disney’s theme parks. However, behind the scenes, there’s a team of dedicated professionals working to ensure the safety and security of guests and employees alike. One of the top concerns for Disney is keeping alligators out of the residential and recreational areas. In this article, we’ll explore how Disney keeps alligators out, from prevention to detection and removal.
Prevention is the Best Offense
Preventing alligators from entering Disney property is the most effective way to minimize the risk of encounters. Disney takes the following measures to prevent alligators from entering the resort:
- Fencing: Disney has installed 8-foot tall chain-link fencing around the entire perimeter of the resort to prevent alligators from wandering in.
- Moats: Some areas of the resort, such as the water parks, have moats filled with water that are too deep and wide for alligators to cross.
- Ditches: Disney has also dug deeper ditches around the perimeter of the property to prevent alligators from crossing from neighboring areas.
Detection: What to Look Out For
Prevention is not always 100% effective, and sometimes alligators may still find their way onto Disney property. To detect and remove these alligators, Disney has a team of professionals on standby:
- Alligator Response Team: Disney has a dedicated Alligator Response Team, composed of experts in alligator removal and control, who are trained to detect and capture these animals.
- Regular Patrols: The Alligator Response Team conducts regular patrols around the resort, searching for signs of alligators, such as holes, tracks, and scat.
- Guest Reporting: Guests are encouraged to report any alligator sightings to Disney’s Guest Services, which is equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies.
Removal and Control: What Happens If an Alligator is Found
If an alligator is detected on Disney property, it’s removed and relocated to a safe area. Here’s what happens:
- Removal: Alligators are removed from Disney property by the Alligator Response Team, using specialized equipment and techniques to avoid harming the animals or people.
- Relocation: Once removed, the alligator is relocated to a State-approved site, where it can live safely and without posing a threat to humans.
- Monitoring: The relocated alligator is monitored for a period to ensure it’s adjusted to its new environment and not causing any problems.
Interesting Facts and Figures
- Alligator Population: There are approximately 1.3 million alligators in Florida, with the majority living in freshwater environments like lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
- Disney Alligator Sightings: On average, Disney sees around four alligator sightings per year, with most being small, juvenile alligators.
- Alligator Attack Statistics: According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there were 426 reported alligator bites in Florida in 2020, with only one fatality.
Conclusion
Keeping alligators out of Disney’s Walt Disney World Resort is a top priority, and the company takes a multi-pronged approach to prevention, detection, and removal. By understanding the measures in place, we can appreciate the extra effort that goes into ensuring a safe and magical experience for everyone. Whether you’re a guest or an employee, it’s reassuring to know that Disney has a dedicated team and processes in place to deal with any potential alligator encounters. The next time you visit Disney, take a moment to appreciate the unseen heroes working behind the scenes to keep you safe – and alligator-free.