An American has issued an urgent warning to Scotland's Tartan Army as they descend on Miami for the World Cup: do not put traffic cones on alligators. The tongue-in-cheek but serious message comes as fans head south after a historic time in Boston.
Tartan Army Heads to Miami for Brazil Match
After a historic time in Boston, the Tartan Army have begun their migration down south ahead of Scotland's next World Cup match. Steve Clarke's men will take on Brazil on Wednesday, June 24, with the team's chance of advancing in the balance after losing 1-0 to Morocco. It's no surprise that Scots have made a lasting impression on Bostonians since the World Cup began.
Alligator Warning for Scotland Fans
But Scotland fans heading down south should be aware of one major factor that they won't have encountered on the east coast: alligators. The scaly critters are widespread across the state of Florida and are incredibly dangerous. While locals have learned to co-exist with the animals, the same can't be said for wide-eyed tourists.
One American has even issued a warning to any Tartan Army fans planning to christen the city with famous traffic cones. Sharing an "important PSA" on TikTok, user @justinthedogfather posted a video captioned: "PSA to the Scottish Tartan Army. No cones on the gators."
Warning: Alligators Are Fast and Dangerous
In the clip, he said: "To the Scottish, now that you guys are in Florida here's a very helpful tip. Do not mess with the gators and remember that they are fast as f**k. So even if you think you've got enough distance between them, you don't. They can do about 35mph on land, even the small ones. Don't be like 'here kitty kitty kitty' cause it's not a kitty and they will f**k you up."
Despite the seriousness of the message, many Scots replied with typical patter: "I'm putting my money on the Scott's lol." A second echoed this, writing: "My moneys on the Scottish." While a third wrote: "Have shared this important PSA though some may read it as a challenge." But others supported the advice, as a fourth penned: "I went to Everglades when i came over once i can clarify they are even the big ones !!!! they look big n' sluggish yeh nope."
Alligators Common in Florida
While the chances of seeing the scaly critter walking around Miami streets are relatively low, the risk increases the further out you go, particularly to Florida's surrounding wetlands, known as the Everglades. There are an estimated 200,000 alligators living in these parts of the state, which is also a popular tourist spot. As well as canoeing in the Everglades, there are even special "gator tours" tourists can take.
Alligators often find themselves in residential areas, so much so that Florida has its own Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Generally, an alligator may be considered a nuisance if it's at least four feet in length and believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.
Safety Advice for Tartan Army
Any Scots that run into an encounter with an alligator should take the utmost caution. This includes staying at least 10 feet away from the alligator or the water's edge, depending on where you spot them. Do not feed the gators under any circumstances and swim only during the day and in designated areas. It's important to remember that alligators are ambush predators and feel most confident in water than on land. However, if you run into one on land, keep calm and keep your distance and be aware of your surroundings.
You can report a roaming gator to the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. Area codes will vary depending on location. And of course, for any Scot that does make a grave encounter, resist the urge to top the gator's head with a luminous orange traffic cone.
