I went on a solo trip to Ichetuknee Springs (I think it was) and heard a gator coming toward me (it was mating season, I wasn't taking any chances after I heard that unmistakable grunt close...and getting closer) . I took off my flip flops off (being a FL girl I go hiking, pretty much anywhere, in flip flops though I should know better) and walked silently away in a non-aggressive manner. So yes, scary sh---tuff sometimes happens for sure!