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The alligator that ate a homeless woman likely ambushed her — that’s what a gator expert is saying anyway … and she would know, ’cause she dealt with these things on TV.
Ashley Lawrence — who appeared on Animal Planet’s “Gator Boys” — tells TMZ … she has an idea of what might’ve led to the grisly killing of Sabrina Peckham … who was eaten by an alligator in Florida last year, the aftermath of which we’re just now seeing in 2024.
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Lawrence says that because the victim’s camp seemed to be near water — adjacent to a canal — that may have increased her chances of running into a gator in the first place … as she says they lurk near these areas, and they’re always looking for an opportunity to pounce on prey.
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AL also says gators like to hunt at night — and if Peckham was moving around in the darkness … that may have been the deadly X factor in this case. Lawrence lists what it is exactly that these animals are picking up on too… including certain sounds or smells.
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The gator guru notes that cases of these reptiles killing humans are rare … but if you’re in the Sunshine State — she warns folks would best be served if they’re aware of certain warning signs, especially since gators are everywhere. She’s got specific tips here too.
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AL says she hopes the heartbreaking tragedy will be a reminder to Floridians to pretty much always keep an eye out for gators … as we’ve seen, they can be incredibly dangerous.