Childhood movies seem to be coming to life on Disneyland properties. Disney is under scrutiny for a reptilian attack -- not of the Tick-Tock Crocodile type -- but that of a real, live alligator. The resort in Orlando had a major tragedy on June 14 after an alligator killed a young boy. Lane Graves, age two, was playing in the lagoon near the shore when an alligator grabbed him and dragged him in. Seeing the attack, the boy’s parents rushed to save their child -- attempting to pry open the animal’s mouth -- but were unable to. The body was found a day later in the water with puncture wounds from the alligator's bite. It is presumed that Lane drowned after being bitten because the alligator let go after the father startled it.

While there are many signs posted around the lagoon that state "No swimming" and warn of wildlife, the unfortunate event still occurred. Some have criticized the parents for allowing their child to be unsupervised and wading in water that was clearly stated do not enter. Others show sympathy to the parents for the loss of their beloved child. The parents are upset over the loss of their child and ask that people see the pain that they are feeling -- their son is gone.

Disney’s response to the attack came from the vice president at Walt Disney World Resort. Jacquee Wahler said, "Everyone here at the Walt Disney Resort is devastated by this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the family. We are helping the family and doing everything we can to assist law enforcement."

Animal expert, Jeff Corwin, was extremely surprised that an alligator not only traveled that far without being seen but that it also traveled so close to an area with a high human rate. The company can face charges such as those for negligence if they knew that a dangerous animal could have been on the resort grounds -- they must inform the customers, something that they may have failed to do.

In Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the company has had issues with guests feeding the alligators even after being told not to, so protective fences were placed in the area. Orlando is looking into the possibility of adding fences in areas.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states that from 1948 until 2016, there have been only 257 unprovoked alligator attacks that have required medical care, and 23 deaths. These statistics are rather low considering that areas where alligators live have become populated by human developments. Wildlife is exactly that-- wild. Areas in which predatory animals live should not be populated with resorts in the first place because accidents such as this one can occur.

Unfortunately, as of June 22, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission believes that the alligator from the attack had been captured and euthanized which eliminates any alligator attacks at the resort for a short period of time. As for long-term results? Disney needs a solution for preventing attacks such as these since alligators visit their parks frequently.

For more information refer to:
http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/15/us/alligator-attacks...
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/06/19/dis...
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-offici...