Top of the Food Chain - 3/8/11

Alligators are the top of their food chain and have no real predators here in Florida except for Man. Today we saw a clear sign of their enemy. Driving down route 41 in the Everglades we came across a feeding frenzy of vultures on what looked to me to be a shared meal with an alligator. I soon found out that the meal was the alligator. The alligator had been hit by a car just the night before and dragged himself (or by someone else) off the side of the road where it died. He was meal enough for a hundred vultures and they were having a feast. This was an example of a successful food chain. If the alligator hadn’t died, then the vultures would not have their meal. However, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the alligator. He should not have died! Living in the Big Cypress Wildlife Preserve his habitat is supposed to be preserved and animals protected. However, they cannot be protected from lethal force of Man’s machines. Too many animals are killed each year from passing cars. Whether the cars are following the speed laws or not cannot protect animals from walking or flying in front of them. This renders animals helpless and it is so sad see them die because of our carelessness and convenience. This is their world too and the animals are entitled to live in it the way they know how without Man taking it over entirely. Please take care of your environment and let our furry, feathered and reptile friends live in peace. Slow down and pay attention people!