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‘Ding’ Darling Indigo Trail closed due to alligator

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A female gator and her 12 babies near the beginning of Indigo Trail. JIM BENNIGHT
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A female gator and her 12 babies near the beginning of Indigo Trail. JIM BENNIGHT
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A female gator and her 12 babies near the beginning of Indigo Trail. JIM BENNIGHT

“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge had some unexpected visitors last Monday. On Oct. 24, visitors and volunteers spotted a female gator and her 12 babies near the beginning of Indigo Trail. The trail was closed off at 4 p.m. due to the female gator exhibiting signs of aggression.

“She separated herself from people and the babies. She was opening up her mouth and puffing up her throat,” said Toni Westland, supervisory refuge ranger at “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. “The last thing we need is for her to become aggressive and lunge at someone.”

Westland was initially shocked at the discovery.

“In my 14 years here, I’ve never seen it,” Westland said.

At first, only six babies were found, but later they uncovered the rest. The American alligator typically lays 35 to 50 eggs. Some can even lay up to 90.

“Alligators reach sexual maturity between 8 to 13 years old,” she said.

The temperature of the nest actually determines the sex of the baby. If the temperature reaches above 93 degrees Fahrenheit the nest will produce all males, if it’s below that, the nest will produce females.

Since the refuge focuses on wildlife first, the trail will be closed until further notice. Indigo Trail will be evaluated on an everyday basis.

“As soon as we can re-open, we will,” Westland said.

Until then, she encourages visitors to utilize either Bailey Tract or the 8-mile Wildlife Drive bike route. For more, visit the education center or call (239) 472-1100.