06:46 PM CDT on Tuesday, May 16, 2006

By Brad Woodard / 11 News

Watch Jeff McShan's report | Raw video: Gators roaming Brazos Bend State Park

News of three deadly gator attacks in Florida has captured attention in this area where gators aren't uncommon -- especially down in the Brazos Bend State Park area.

KHOU

Gators rule the roost at Brazos Bend State Park.

"I like this park.  It's really nice to just walk around and see all the wildlife around you," said It's not like being in the big city.

Barely 40 miles from the concrete canyons of Houston, the gators blend in seamlessly with their natural surroundings -- as they have for millions of years.

In fact, one gator we looked like a lifeless log until it suddenly slithered into the water.

Brazos Bend State Park is the home of the American alligator. This is their home," said Steven Killian with Brazos Bend State Park. "They're inviting us into their home, so to speak.  We have to conduct ourselves in a certain way."

Although the park is home to thousands of gators -- many of them 6 feet or longer -- there hasn't been an attack on a human In 22 years.

The way the park sees it, the gators were here first. That's why they're very big on alligator etiquette.  Among the rules: Keep a minimum distance of 30 feet.

"Alligators appear to be relative sluggish, but they're very explosive for short distances," said Killian.

Which is why the park doesn't allow swimming and has dog watering stations so pets don't become easy meals at the water's edge.

The victims in Florida were a jogger, a snorkler and a third person found in a canal.

Experts call it an unfortunate coincidence and say the same rules apply whether you're in a place like Brazos Bend or not.

"They should be respected," said Killian.