Reason #391 You Need An Everplan: You Feed Alligators In Your Backyard

If you live in the south, particularly Florida, it's not uncommon to have alligators in your backyard. What is uncommon, and extremely reckless, is feeding them… and that's exactly what this woman who lives in a Port St. Lucie senior living complex did on a regular basis.

According to a news report from NBC 5 in Chicago (complete with video), the woman is seen attempting to feed the alligator like she's in a petting zoo. Her neighbors were quoted as saying that they've seen her do this "over and over again." When the gator got fresh the woman reared back and started kicking her legs:

Oddly enough, this leg-flailing technique proved quite effective and the alligator didn't eat her. Still, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission doesn't approve of this behavior and noted that it's illegal in Florida to feed alligators, mainly because these massive beasts can and will kill you. Plus, feeding stray animals means they'll come back for more. Unlike a sad-eyed dog or kitty-cat, alligators can't be tamed and according to the story "the gator was so used to getting fed, it would chase people with steaks."

To be fair, we've been guilty of chasing people who are carrying around steaks as well. They're delicious no matter what species you are.

Via NBC Chicago