“He’s as big as a dinosaur!”
The other day, Ken Bergquist set out for a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Circle B Nature Reserve in Florida. With each step, he brimmed with excitement, knowing the landscape held secrets waiting to be discovered – perhaps a glimpse of the majestic alligators that often graced the reserve’s waters and sun-drenched banks.
“Every visit brings new wonders,” Bergquist mused. “I’ve become a familiar face at Circle B, exploring its beauty two or three times a week for the past year and a half.”
There was something Bergquist hadn’t expected to see, however. The reserve’s most massive alligator — named Fabio — out for a stroll.While Bergquist and others looked on, the massive animal emerged from the water to cross their path. “He’s a monster — 12 feet long. Maybe a few inches more,” Bergquist said. “This was my first time seeing him walking. He’s like a dinosaur!”For Bergquist, spotting Fabio’s incredible heft on display was nothing short of humbling. “It’s always incredible to see [an alligator] cross, but one like Fabio is just awe inspiring,” Bergquist said. “He’s definitely at the top of the food chain.”Given Fabio’s impressive length, he’s estimated to be over 36 years old, though his lineage as a species dates back far longer — some 245 million years, indeed, to the time of dinosaurs. At the Circle B nature reserve, they remain unchallenged in their strength and beauty. “I enjoy all the wildlife out there,” Bergquist said. “But for me, the gators are the stars.”