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Victim’s
mother shares thoughts on alligators
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Extracted
from the Ocala Star-Banner Newspaper Blog |
| Posted
by: Joe
Byrnes |
2/20/2007
4:11 PM |
Dawn
Marie Yankeelov -- whose daughter, a talented artist, was killed
last May by an alligator while she was snorkeling in Juniper Creek
in the Ocala National Forest – has sent an e-mail to the Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission on its review of alligator
management.
Yankeelov agreed to share that letter with all of us. The
well-written thoughts of a former journalist who lost her daughter
on Mother’s Day speak for themselves. Here's a picture of her
daughter, Annmarie Campbell:
I urge you, also, to share your views on alligator management
— whether your concerns are conservation or public safety, or both
– with FWC Alligator Management Program Coordinator Harry Dutton
by e-mailing him at harry.Dutton@myfwc.com. Get more information at myfwc.com/gators
Here’s Yankeelov’s letter:
Harry, With the death of my precious daughter, Annmarie
Campbell, age 23, at the Sweetwater Cabin in the Ocala National
Forest by an alligator shy of 12 feet, comes the responsibility to
weigh in on the regulation of alligators in the state.
I was a Florida (Ocala) resident for a period of 10 years, and do
believe that the combination of human needs, land development, and
an unchecked alligator population has begun to encroach on public
safety. Overall, there should be more awareness for guests
visiting the state, in light of more international travel, and
generations of young Americans traveling now, who may not know the
dangers. Billboards glamorize the alligator population in the
state. And, adults of all ages, as well as children, need to hear
the risks stated each time they enter an area where alligators are
prevalent, and, particularly when the availability of assistance in
an emergency, is limited. The list of all injuries reported by
alligators each month throughout the state should be made public and
posted on the web, with the locations of the attacks. This
awareness and public safety through solid public affairs
communications should be heightened during alligator mating seasons
and years where drought causes more activity in the alligator
population. It is my understanding from your team that signage was
not in the vicinity at the time of her death. I was told that what
signage there was in the region, regarding “no swimming” in the
water downstream, was to “protect vegetation,” according to
representatives of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Commission and the Ocala National Forest. Surely we value
human life more than tourism and vegetation. I know that I do.
Clearly my daughter’s death is only one example of the need for
the following:
--additional trail and water signage in state parks and wilderness
areas,
--signage of no swimming and associated risks, and special
consideration of signage in wilderness areas.
I understand that some action to add additional signage regarding
alligator risks at Sweetwater Cabin has taken place. My daughter’s
date of death and age were to be placed on signage as a deterrent.
I do not believe this has occurred, and it is still an important
step in warning the public of risks. However, this is one area in
Florida only. Perhaps forms that require a signature for each
visitor into the wilderness areas, stating the risks associated with
alligators in the vicinity should be mandatory. And, a copy should
be given to each guest entering the wilderness area, describing the
risk for renting a cabin in the area, regarding alligators and what
to do. As you may know, I have been an advocate for 911 service
needed to reach Florida guests and residents in the wilderness
areas, particularly where people pay to be at these cabins. I have
provided the contacts to Denise Rains at the Ocala Forest Service at
Verizon and other telecommunications professionals who may be in a
position to assist on the government side in this process.
I also believe that the FWC could relax hunting restrictions, allow
landowners to manage alligators on their land and make it easier for
homeowners to get rid of nuisance gators. And, in commercial
settings gators can also be found to be a threat to public
safety--you do not have to go to many networking business meetings
in Louisville, Ky., to hear about alligator bites on Florida golf
courses where there are bodies of water, for example. I
believe that alligators are now more of a game species, but I am not
familiar enough with the rules, regulations and past legislation on
the books to know what is available to better aid population control
and public safety regarding alligators. Clearly, it is time to take
action to protect the public through enhanced communications,
trapping, hunting, and regulations. This should be a part of
Annmarie’s legacy to the state of Florida.
Best wishes for a safe and healthy future for all Florida residents
and guests, Dawn.
Dawn Marie Yankeelov
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