[kokonutty]

As if the Orlando area has not had enough horror since Friday a two year old playing at the Grand Floridian beach is dragged away by a gator in spite of his father's attempts to wrest him from the reptile's grasp.

[Astral_Weeks]

That is really sad and tragic news. Here is a link to the Orlando Sentinel.

Alligator attacks 2-year-old boy at Disney World, recovery effort continues - Orlando Sentinel

A quote from the article, "There are no signs warning of gators in the area, but there are notices posted against swimming in the man-made lake."

Seems like a difference without much of a distinction?

Either way, the story indicated the kid was on the beach near the water and got dragged in. Just horrific and sad.

[pepsik]

Note - it has happened at territory of Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at the bank of lake! It turns out people with the children setting off to the lake can be in really danger!

[aridon]

What a terrible loss for the family. So sorry.

[hotkarl]

Jesus Christ. Unbelievable.

[phonelady61]

My heart goes out to them we all know what alligators do if we have spent any time in florida . I do hope that God will comfort them and bring them peace when it is time . So sad Orlando is not having a good year .

[Bonzo33]

Disney slaughtering all alligators due to negligence of parents!! Why would these parents let their 2 year old into the lagoon clearly posted with "No Swimming!" signs?

[poodlestix]

This story was posted in the current events section, but for some reason a moderator decided it should be deleted. Yes, there were no swimming signs, but unfortunately I think Disney really should post warning signs about gators, because people from other areas just aren't aware how prevalent they are here in pretty much EVERY body of water. Also, being on Disney property probably gives a lot of people a false sense of security thinking nothing bad can possibly happen at the "happiest place on earth".

[FlyMIA]

The issue is the child was small. Once of the first things you learn as a camper/hiker in Florida is by water don't bend down and make yourself look small, and little kids its dangerous to be by the edges of water. Gators typically run away from humans, but this was a small child. The gator saw an animal by the water much smaller than him/her so it attacked instead of fleeing.

Honestly, it seems like it was an issue with Disney signs + the parents/kid not knowing any better about being aware of gators in Florida. I can see how someone can see a "No Swimming" sign as not a "Don't Get Near the Water Sign."

News said the child was wading near the water, or maybe right on the shore of the man made beach, but not swimming.

At University of Miami they make it very clear in there man made lake on why you can't swim there and to be careful. There are big signs that talk the crocs that are sometimes seen there.

http://dinets.info/amcrocsign3.jpg

[BucFan]

Sad for the family invoved. Most likely these gators are fed by tourists. Disney is responsible for the safety and that means more than a sign by a lagoon. Parents also bear big responsibility for not watching the child.....reminds me of a pool drowning.