Thanks to Ralph Shaw the alligator sign I had made is back on the fence at the Lake Ave East and Francis Street intersection. For years the No Swimming Alligators sign sat in the swamp where they used to get clay for the brick factory. No one really ever did see an alligator, but then again you can’t really be sure.
You really, really don’t want to be bitten by an alligator. A 2004 study of wild and captive alligators found that large individuals bite down with 13,172 Newtons–or 2960 pounds–of force, one of the most powerful bites ever recorded for a living animal. That’s a heck of a bite!
Do you really know what really lurks around these trees at night?
Thanks Ralph Shaw for putting the signs back!!
While on the lookout for alligators, you should remember to occasionally look up. American alligators, as well as several other species of crocodylian, are fairly accomplished climbers. As long as there’s enough of an incline for them to haul themselves up, gators can climb trees to get to a better basking spot, or get the drop on you, as the case may be.
The original sign that once sat on the Lake Avenue East swamp now has a permanent home at the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum on Edmund Street.
One of our local poets Carol Stephen even wrote a poem about it. Photo- Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
Photo Mike Jeays
Mike Jeays took this photo a long time ago so we can remember what once was. Where did the alligator from the Brick Yard Swamp go after the buildings were built? I don’t know about you but I might check the basement of those condos. But make sure you turn the lights on first!!
lindaseccaspina 