A Scottish football supporter documenting his travels in Florida has been met with urgent safety warnings from local Americans after filming alligators at Lake Apopka. The social media user @shaunvlog, part of the Tartan Army traveling to the World Cup, shared a clip on Instagram that has garnered over 817,000 views.
Jurassic Park Encounter in Florida
Shaun stumbled upon the area described as Florida's 'Jurassic Park' just a day into his trip. Speaking to the camera, he said: "Just arrived in Florida. Not even 24 hours later I've already seen my first alligator and loads of them right here in Lake Apopka in Florida near Orlando. This is a wildlife drive, you stay in your car all the way down and honestly it's like a safari." He added: "I feel like we've been driving through Jurassic Park. I've had the theme tune from Jurassic Park playing in my head the whole time."
Local Warnings About Alligators
While many Americans appreciated the Scot's exploration, others were quick to issue warnings about the dangers of alligators. One local wrote: "Remember, Gators can move at speeds up to 30 mph for short distances. Be careful not to get too close!" Another advised: "If you're kind to the water puppies they will leave you alone." A third added: "Pro tip - Just assume any pond of water you see has a gator in it."
Plea for Safety
One American issued a plea: "EYES. ON. THE WATER, SIR! *We* learn how to run from the gators in elementary school. YOU?! If anything happens to you all on our watch, Scotland will never forgive us. Please!" A fifth person was shocked to see Shaun outside his car, warning: "Please stay in your car. As a Floridian I can tell you that they can lunge from the water very quickly. They can also use their tail to turn around very quickly. Enjoy the amazing view from the safety and comfort of your car."
Tartan Army Impressions in Boston
The Tartan Army has also made an impression in Boston, where they attended Scotland's first two World Cup games. After their departure, Red Sox president Sam Kennedy wrote a letter to Hampden bosses, saying: "On behalf of all of us at Fenway Sports Group, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you. What happened at Fenway Park on June 14th was something none of us will forget. We knew the Tartan Army was coming. We did not fully understand what that meant until we saw it." He added: "Scotland's return to the World Cup after 28 years deserves every bit of the enthusiasm your supporters brought to Boston. We are proud that Fenway Park could be part of this chapter in your celebration."
