Alligator wrestling dates back to the early 1990’s where the MIccosukee and Seminole tribes would part take in such an activity for tourism and general entertainment. Alligator wrestling is a typical Floridian past time but occurs throughout the southeast. After World War I alligator wrestlers were earning tips, a few as high as a $1,000. Today it’s harder to find alligator wrestlers. The activity involves the handler or “hunter”, as enthusiasts would call themselves, being locked in a pen with the american alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. The handler is then coerced to tie the alligator by the legs, or encouraged by on lookers to taunt the gator. Long before the practice was done by entertainment alligators were hunted for their hide and as food. They were nearly hunted to extinction but are slowly making a comeback. Apparently if you're an up and coming alligator wrestler you must seek approval from the Snake Clan, a clan within the Seminole tribe. Alligator wrestling used to be commonplace next to docks, parks, and Native American villages. What used to be a thriving profession is now diminishing where the more prominent alligator wrestlers have moved on to more lucrative professions. Tourist are more attracted to the Disney theme parks and Animal Rights activists have taken a hard stance against the practice.
To me alligators and crocs are treated differently throughout the world but are generally seen as a creature of power. I remember reading an article about a tribe in Papua New Guinea that mimic the scales of the crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae). In America, alligators are seen as something to be feared which I believe shouldn’t be the case. They are amazing creatures that should be respected for what they do and are slowly gaining respect, that’s why I think wrestling practice is slowly dying out.
1 comment:
I agree that it's a good thing that alligator wrestling is in decline, as people gain a better appreciation for these animals. It doesn't sound like a particularly nice experience for the alligator. On the other hand, at the time, it may have been a good way for some native people to make use of their traditional knowledge of wildlife.
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