The gators congregate near the Heltons’ house in Everglade City, Fla., after big rains, when the rivers flood the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico with brackish water.
In one inlet, Clay and Tyson Helton have seen as many as 20 alligators. They call it Alligator Cove. Near there is where they make annual family fishing trips with their father, Kim.
Navigating the shallow waters is tricky, and a piece of their boat’s motor sometimes snaps off. So Kim will tell one of them, “OK, jump in and get it.”
Clay and Tyson exchange glances. Doesn’t he see the rows of jaws and jagged teeth?