Do We Really Need a Sign Warning Folks Not to Molest Alligators?

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Louisiana has some crazy statutes on the books, but we're pretty sure we don't have one about molesting alligators like they do in Florida. I took this picture last Friday night when I was out to dinner with a friend on the banks of Orange Lake at the Eagle's Nest Cafe in Citra, FL. Have we really sunk so low as to have to not only post signs about 'molesting' the alligators but enact legislation as well? It appears they have in Florida!

While you can't tie your pet gator to a fire hydrant in New Orleans, yes, that's a real law, Florida has a statute about 'molesting' their alligators. It's not allowed. If you look closely at the bottom of the sign, you can see the actual law... Florida Statute 372.667.

Obviously, when I read the sign (and had a good laugh, by the way) I took the word 'molest' to mean to abuse someone or something sexually. In this instance, it means not to bother the gators. I guess it's kind of like warning people that coffee is hot???

Here's the deal. I'm more scared of the person who actually molests gators than the actual alligator. Who does that? I mean, I've never wanted an alligator bag or boots that bad. Does this bring new meaning to the phrase, 'crocodile tears?' Hmmmm...

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Filed Under: Alligators, Florida

Categories: Funny, Louisiana News, Pets & Animals, Photos