: ...I don't think I'd want to take
: on any of your gators with a SOF...

I probably shouldn't have put all that gator stuff on my web pages, as it only serves to further the public's misconceptions about these fascinating creatures.

Gators are not the least bit aggressive, unless it is a female guarding a nest. In which case, she closely resembles a stressed-out soccer mom in an SUV at rush hour, and likewise, it is generally considered healthful to stay out of her way.

Always remember this handy trick: rubbing a gator's belly will make him fall fast asleep so you can get away safely. For those too large to pin down, just prop their mouth open with a stick and pull a tooth out with a pair of pliers. It will grow another one soon, but it annoys the critter so badly it will leave you alone. And the tooth makes a cool necklace or keychain ornament. With really big specimens, the tooth makes a fine gear shift knob (especially for a "three-on-the-tree"). But remember to take the stick out before releasing him.

Cheers,
Kurt Maurer