Angie's Corner

The Nature Connection

I’ve heard it said that without nature, humans would die from loneliness. (I believe it was Chief Seattle who said this!) For some of us, that is especially true where alligators are concerned! Our connection to nature enriches our lives beyond measure. Just a sighting of an alligator brings joy and excitement to our day! To be in the presence of such a powerful and majestic creature feels like a gift. When an alligator allows me to be in his or her territory, undisturbed, I always feel honored.

While we, members of Alligator Alliance, respect and value all gators, there is one in particular that we favor: Beau, a.k.a. Popeye. His favorite basking spot is located where we humans can safely observe him. He is aware of our presence and allows us to remain. It is a beautiful example of coexistence. We are careful not to do anything to disturb or distract him. In return, he gives us great photos and a sense of connection to wild nature!

A short drive from Beau/Popeye’s habitat is a city park that surrounds a swampy lake. Visitors can rent pedal boats and ride around the lake and among cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. Some of the alligators that live there will swim right alongside you in your boat, wagging their reptile tails! Aquatic turtles, fish, and shore birds are also all around. To be immersed in nature, even in the middle of town, refreshes my spirit! To see an osprey circling overhead or hear a hawk calling nearby is like a breath of fresh air, revitalizing my senses! God’s creatures not only serve a purpose in balancing ecosystems, but they also bless us with their presence and beauty. When a cowbird or gull lands nearby, or when a pelican preens its feathers as I sit in the salt breeze, it is both comforting and invigorating. Sometimes, I get a sense that a creature might be an angel delivering a hello from Heaven! When I find a track of a fox or bear while out on a walk, it makes me happy just knowing they exist and have passed close by.

I’ve been blessed to have had very close encounters with wild animals, when I’ve been involved in rescue, rehab, and release. I’ve enjoyed this many times with my sister, Kim! We were able to release owls, vultures, possums, and more. Most times, the creatures looked back at us calmly, pausing as if to say thanks, before heading back to their wild homes. To be given the trust of a wild creature you are trying to help is truly amazing.

I feel very lucky to enjoy a connection to nature, and that is one reason I am so passionate about protecting, preserving, and conserving it! And that’s why I love Alligator Alliance and the work that Lisa, John, and Kathy do for wildlife! I am beyond happy to be a part of it!

The Value of Creatures

The Bible mentions animals a number of times. I wondered if alligators were mentioned. I did a little research and came upon verses in the books of Genesis, Leviticus, and Psalms. One translation mentions a “land crocodile,” which people were instructed not to eat. Several mentions are of a Leviathan, which is supposed to be a crocodile. It symbolizes a struggle, something for a person to fight. Also, the Bible states that humankind is to have “dominion” over all plants and animals on Earth. I believe this means different things to different people. I personally feel like humans are to be good stewards of creation. We may have power over it, but it is in our best interest to use our power wisely. Conservation and preservation are passions of mine. Not only is it kind and respectful to treat nature well, but we depend on all of it to live. To me, “dominion” means being good caretakers. We don’t merely own and rule over all living things. Creation is a gift to us. We must cherish it. As human development grows and people encroach on wild habitats, there is an increased need for coexistence. Wild spaces should be preserved, too. Alligators and crocodiles are predatory species that keep the ecosystems they inhabit in check and in balance. Recently, I learned a cool fact about a rainforest ecosystem off the coast of North America. Eagles catch salmon and deposit their remains in the forest. As the fish decompose, they provide nutrients to the soil for the trees that grow there. This is a prime example of the value of every living thing. I cringe when people say they don’t like alligators! You don’t have to think they are pretty to respect and value them. (But I do!)

For Those Of Us Who Loves Reptiles

For those of us who love reptiles, Winter is especially challenging. We don’t get to see our beloved and inspiring creatures, as they are in a state of brumation. We miss their presence. We look forward to Spring so very much! We occasionally get a glimpse on a warm day, when they may come up for air and sun. For the most part, though, they are invisible. I recently had a sweet reminder of approaching Spring when a flower appeared! In the middle of Winter, in a pot of soil, when I thought a plant was dead and gone, new life appeared and bloomed! Pink, fragrant flowers reminded me that the promise of Spring is not too far away! Days are getting longer. Soon, alligators and turtles will again be seen basking on pond shores! Then, we will get our periodic dose of joy and ancient magic from a gator sighting or a turtle glimpse! These gifts from our Creator keep us going! As I am typing this, a rainbow has appeared in the sky in front of me! It’s another reminder of a promise from Above. I am cheered and comforted by it.