While using drone cameras can get some pretty spectacular photos and videos, it can lead to some awkward situations as well. The last example being an alligator destroying a drone. Video of the bizarre incident has now sparked an online debate over drones used to record wildlife.
In a TikTok video that went viral, a drone was seen hovering over the swampy waters of the Everglades, Florida when an alligator catches it with its mouth. White smoke billowed from the drone as the alligator began to gnaw at it.
The caption of the video claimed that the people who used the drone did not know how to use it and that it was only the second time that they had flown it. “We were trying to get a close-up of the alligator with its mouth open and thought that obstacle avoidance would make the drone fly,” it read.
Drone operators hoped the remote sensor would prevent it from getting too close to the animal.
Watch the moment here:
The video originally posted on Tiktok by user @devhlanger has also gone viral on other platforms. It gained more attention after Google CEO Sundar Pichai retweeted it.
While TikToker said the incident occurred in the Everglades, some users believe it occurred in an area controlled by the National Parks Service, where there is an anti-drone policy, News week reported.
According to Complex, the user in another video added that “George” is doing fine and “still looked hungry”. However, netizens were concerned whether the alligator was still doing well after consuming the drone.
While some believe that flying drones near wildlife should be banned, others have questioned whether those handling the drone should be held responsible for damage to the reptile, arguing that plastic and lithium are dangerous. for the alligator.
Your video of the day in Florida. https://t.co/IxWxKjOhtf
– El Brown (@Carmanjelo) September 1, 2021
I’m pretty sure it’s illegal other than murdering or harassing and endangering an animal
If it was done with a similar weapon, people wouldn’t hesitate to condemn this bc it’s very similar to a firecracker https://t.co/IuDNb8amxg
– PRINCE RAMSES (@imthedronelord) September 1, 2021
In fact, it’s not cool .. a little disturbing and dangerous for the fauna .. !!! The alligator (crocodile) thought it was a bird and snatched the drone away. https://t.co/uYJWapT3GP
– AruN🦸ðŸ»â€â™‚ï¸ (@arun_sak_) September 1, 2021
It’s not funny. I hear people laughing when it hides the fire in the video, it was also very stupid and cruel. Hope the alligator is doing well.#alligator #cruel #drone https://t.co/ewwR3UvtCZ
– Rokibul Islam (@rokibul_islaam) September 1, 2021
This is partly why it is illegal to harass wild animals by flying drones near them. It was devastating and disgusting.
– Deborah Lee Soltesz (@dsoltesz) September 1, 2021
They should ban the use of drones in areas as they now know it can endanger the lives of these poor creatures!
– Rich (@ RuchiAg97440662) September 1, 2021
Drone and dusted.
– Peace of mind (@dhakkakonmaara) September 1, 2021
Obstacle avoidance? Truly?!
Lol🤣🤣 It’s not a @You’re here, and this is not an obstacle. This is what happens when you play with the prehistoric beast of nature.– Sarthak Uchil (@SarthakUchil) September 1, 2021
