As a kid I lived near Valdosta, GA on Brooks AFB, which had a lake by the flight line full of gators. Somehow one large one had crossed the highway and was in the golf course pond, which spurred the security police to come get it.
I loved fishing in that lake, and had my mom take me over there predawn so I could get busy fishing during prime time. But because I couldn't see well enough I waited in the car 'til first light!
I was walking along the cattails when I realized just how close to a small (4') gator I was. Doubtful it would have tried for me, but it still made me jump back! Couldn't believe how stupid I was behaving when I should have known better!