It was the stuff that holiday nightmares are made of: a 2-year-old boy snatched by an alligator near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando. How can one avoid an alligator situation like this or avert a deadly disaster just in time?

The family of 2-year-old Lane Graves was at an outdoor movie night when, at about 9 p.m. on June 14, the child waded into a foot-deep lagoon at the resort. He was grabbed by an alligator from nowhere and was taken away despite the parents’ attempts to save him.

According to eyewitness accounts, the child was dragged underwater in the Seven Seas Lagoon, which is linked to a series of canals that feed into large bodies of water. Search operations dragged on for about 16 hours before the intact body of the boy, who likely drowned, was found at about 1:45 p.m. on June 15.

Nick Wiley, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FCW), said that the alligator that took the boy away may have already been caught, but that is still due for confirmation.

“We're going to make certain that we have the alligator that was involved, and that we remove it from the lake," said Wiley.

How To Avoid A Gator Attack

Alligators — listed as “species of special concern” in Florida — are opportunistic feeders that will eat what is available to them, preferring to chase after easily overpowered prey. Most of them naturally fear human encounters, but could easily lose that feeling when they are being fed.

There lies the danger: alligator feeding leads the animals to associate people with food. This is also why it is illegal to feed wild alligators in the state.

FWC provides the following safety tips to avoid an alligator situation:

• Beware of alligators’ presence in or near fresh and brackish waters, as well as in saltwater. Pay close attention to your near-water surroundings at all times.

• Supervise children closely when they are playing in or around water. Do not let them go unsupervised.

• Swim within designated areas and avoid waters that could be inhabited by large alligators. These creatures are most active from dusk to dawn, so swim only during daytime.

• Keep pets out of waters containing alligators — dogs are more prone to being bitten than humans since they resemble the predators’ natural food. Barking sounds may also draw the gators closer.

• Never feed alligators, and inform others that doing so is illegal and can endanger people who use the water for recreational purposes. Avoid throwing fish scraps in the water.

• Appreciate and photograph the animals from a safe distance. They remain a crucial part of any natural habitat and freshwater system, so do not do anything that can endanger their well-being and yours. It is best to leave them alone.

When It’s Time To Fight Back And Save Your Life

In the event of an alligator bite, the best move is to fight back and make as much noise and commotion as you can, advised FWC. It can release you from its grip when you hit, kick, or poke it in the eyes.

Immediate medical attention is a must if you have been bitten, as it can result in severe infection. Most bites likely take place in or around water, as these animals are not so well-adjusted for prey-hunting on land. Note, however, that alligators can lunge at their prey a few feet from the shore.

Watch out for accidental collisions, too, such as when you bump into one while swimming.

If living in Florida, contact the FWC at 1-866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286) for any alligator spotting that can affect or threaten humans and property.

Photo: Mike Bowler | Flickr