Mesopredator Gaze

A few months ago, I was in Everglades National Park. As is the case with most people, I saw a ton of alligators while there. Most of them just ignored the people walking around, but there was one who, upon me stopping to look, opened their eyes and looked at me.

Like, actually regarded me.

It was an unnerving feeling, knowing that if the alligator wanted to hurt me, it could. They knew I was there, clearly.

Question: what would it be like to look into the eyes of the thing that scares you most? It doesn’t have to be an animal.

PSA: Don’t get close to alligators! Or any wild animals in their natural habitats! You’re in their home; show some respect.