Video of Lakeland Florida Squirrel Jumping Over Alligator Goes Viral
Lakeland Florida, like everywhere else in the Sunshine State, has a wide variety of wildlife. And they don’t seem to care that humans have made paths so that we can enjoy nature, too.
There’s a lot going on in this video, before you watch I’ll warn you that there is some language in the audio. There’s your at-work warning. Other than that, no animals or humans got hurt in this encounter. So it’s some good Florida fun.
The Lakeland Florida Daredevil Squirrel.
This sounds like the setup of a joke. ‘A squirrel, a racoon, and a Florida woman come across an alligator on a trail.” Nature can be pretty entertaining.
@saltynaplesmama That raccoon is me when I see alligators on the trail. The squirrel is.... my husband....🙄😂🤣👋 #fastasfboi #danger #lakeland #florida #swamp #gulfcoast #outdoors #nature #wildlife #floridaexplored #hiking #roamflorida #fitness #getoutside #lovefl #pureflorida #visitflorida #gator #keepfloridawild #travel #explore #adventure #floridalife #swfl #alligator #girlswhohike #picnic #reptile #jurassic #raccoon #squirrel
♬ IM FAST AS FUCK BOI - doaflip_family
That is one fast squirrel, but the raccoon takes a much more cautious approach. And no, despite how still it is, the alligator is in fact, not dead. According to Storyful, “The alligator, which has a damaged tail and three legs, is something of a mini-celebrity, and has been “named Stumpy by the locals”. The raccoon looked like he was about to double check and check, but then decided it was best to just move on. I get the feeling that raccoon has seen some things go down on this Lakeland Florida trail.
As of this writing, the video has been viewed over 198,000 times, but one of her other video really best describes what it’s like exploring the trails in Florida.
@saltynaplesmama Average bike ride through the swamp...😂 #alligator#florida#swamp#biking#outdoors#wildlife#reptiles#gator#naples#adventure#explore#fitness#wild#nature#swfl
♬ original sound - Breanne
Don’t fall, don’t fall, don’t fall. Lol. That’s so true. I remember being on an airboat in the Everglades thinking the same thing. One of the commenters on that video said it best “Is Florida the Australia of the US or what 😂.”
Fun fact here from a Florida resident. Been to Lakeland Florida many times. I’m also a big fan of nature walks: Alligators are actually pretty chill. They generally want nothing to do with humans. But there’s no reason to provoke them. You see that squirrel running away at full speed? Yeah, that’s me.
These 14 Florida Animals Can Kill You
The Box Jellyfish
Did you know? Box jellyfish kill more people each year than sharks. A sting from a box jellyfish can stop your heart. More than 8 different species have caused deaths. And they’re not just here in the tropics. They’ve even, on occasion, made their way up to New Jersey where I’m sure someone guy probably tried to fight it.
I hate these guys - Brown Recluse Spider
I know someone that had multiple brown recluse spider bites on her arm and into her armpit. She didn’t die but it suuuuuuuuuucked. Necrosis, fever, vomiting are all likely symptoms.
The Deadly Black Widow Spider
You normally you won’t die if you get bit by one of these, but are you ready to take that chance? One time I was at a transmitter site and opened a panel to find a black widow nest waiting inside. Momma and all her babies. I don’t help with engineering anymore. Nope.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
It’s called a rattlesnake for a reason, it’ll rattle it’s tail to let you know you need to move on. If unheeded, this snake has an incredible painful bite. If you don’t get help immediately, you can die. Painfully.
The Big Bad Bull Shark
You knew there’d be a shark on this list. Big and aggressive, they cruise the coast of Florida. They’re generally not looking to bite humans but you know, things happen.
Florida's Most Famous - The Alligator
Class, this is what’s know as an Apex predator. Top of the food chain. More and more often we’re seeing these beasts on the golf course. Don’t wanna get eaten? Stick to Top Golf. I took this picture in the Everglades from an air boat. Was it smart to stop an airboat on shore next to an alligator? Probably not, but this is Florida.
Another snake - The Southern Copperhead
Look at how that thing blends in with the leaves – watch your step. Interesting fact, this snake will generally give you a warning strike with little or no venom. The second bite though… Strangely enough my cat does the same thing.
Soo....... Kissing Bugs?
It sounds friendly enough, except that the “kiss” is actually a bloodsucking bite. Not fun. But that’s not really where the real danger is. These bugs transfer a parasite that transmits Chagas, which may lead to fatal cardiac arrest.
The Great White Shark
Yes, as in “Jaws”. Like old people from New York, they come down here in the winter for the warmer climate. Fortunately they don’t have cars.
Fire Ants
I’ve been bit by fire ants many times, it’s not fun. Fortunately for me after the first couple of bites I’m smart enough to get out of the grass. If you’re allergic, or even if you get enough bites, your body can swell up to the point where you suffocate. The best way to avoid this is to stay inside and play video games. I’ve probably killed millions of these things in my yard over the last decade. But there’s always more.
Ooooooooooooh - Barracuda
Super sharp teeth and don’t normally attack humans. These things can swim up to 35 mph (OMG!) and if something shiny catches their eye, like a necklace on a swimmer, they might accidentally attack.
A Wild Boar
If you live in a rural area down here, you’ve seen these things. They are mean, and will attack. The best part? They’re full of diseases and bacteria – including anthrax. I knew a guy in North Fort Myers that spotted one but didn’t have his gun. So he killed it with a screwdriver. North Fort Myers people are different.
Florida Panther
True story, that picture was taken in Charlotte County. There’s actually no reported deaths in Florida from panther attacks, although they have been know to take down livestock. No human deaths in Florida, don’t want to be the first.
Black Bear
If they do attack, they tend to maul rather than kill. So, maybe scarring and horrible disfigurement? Black bears live in the rural areas and are quite known to sift through trash and if you leave pet food outside – you may get a new pet. These things are why people in Golden Gate have to be careful where they put their trash cans.
