He was killed while snorkeling in the Wakulla Springs State Park, He was killed while diving and harassing small alligators in a canal near, He was killed by a 12' 4" (3.8 m) alligator while swimming in a canal in, He was killed while swimming across the Hidden River Canal off Bessie Creek in. The snakes that swim underneath submerged in the water are harmless but if you see one swimming up along the top of the water with its head up, watch out as it's a cottonmouth (water moccasin) and they are aggressive. That said, before getting in any body of water in Florida, its best to take a look around and be aware of your surroundings. This is why the Ichetucknee springs alligators live the ideal life because at the junction of the Santa Fe River, these conditions and the color of the water change and match the exact requirements of the alligators. Big Shoals State Park features the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. She pulled him partially up the canals bank before calling 911. Those joining large rivers tend to have alligators. Florida is one of the best palaces to go birding, it has plenty of lazy rivers to float down, and it is home to some of the best blue holes in the country. There are usually no alligators at the springs because too many people are visiting the resort. It is easy to believe that the park is a crown jewel of the Florida Park Service, not only because of itsfantastic tubing and river access, but also because of the pristine habitats and classification as one of the 15 largest spring groups in the state. The video was filmed on Sunday, the day before the attack.Full description of the encou. They don't bother anyone. I have been tubing/kayaking this River for 30 years and have NEVER seen an alligator. Privately owned springs and government-owned can more easily be cataloged as having alligators or being alligator-free. Robert Steele, 82, bled to death after an alligator severed his leg. I started looking around for somewhere to get out of the raft without toppling Becca into the water. There are over nine hundred springs in Florida. A wildlife officer trapped and killed the animal. Unfortunately the rangers didn't spot the gator up the springs run until it was too late. At Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Florida Park Service biologist Rebecca Collins joined butterfly technicians from the University of Floridas McGuire Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity to release dozens of Schaus swallowtail caterpillars. It is easy to believe that the park is a crown jewel of the Florida Park Service, not only because of its fantastic tubing and river access, but also because of the pristine habitats and classification as one of the 15 largest spring groups in the state. The State takes great effort to make sure the park and river are safe for visitors. Deputies and trappers searched the water and killed any alligators they thought might have been the one that attacked and killed Bryan, reported the Beaver County Times. Just as I was pointing this creature out to everyone, she (rangers later said she was a mom gator) closed her mouth and shot forward, off the bank and into the water directly below both of our thin, skimpy, made-in-China toy boats. Ichetucknee is known for it's crystal clear water. Rentals View More Events The shallow and sensitive north section of the river is closed to tubing. The Silver River runs through the Ocala National Forest and joins with the Oklawaha River. All tubes cannot exceed 60 inches in any two directions. Five alligators were killed and authorities are still determining if one of them is the killer. Loye is a wonderful water colorist and a lifelong environmental activist. It flows at a rate of 400,000 gallons with an average temperature of 68F (20C) year round. Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Nelson concluded the cause of the attack was drowning due to an alligator attack. The upper portion within the state park is a National Natural Landmark, perhaps the most pristine spring run in the state and best enjoyed by canoe or kayak during the cooler months. The spring pools are ringed with eelgrass and overhung with cypress and descriptions of this magical place almost always use words like gorgeous and primeval.. The day before the fatality, there were two sightings of the 12-foot alligator that killed him. A sudden movement will give away agopher tortoise scratching in the ground. They share one thing in common passion for parks. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 2-year-old Lane Graves was killed by an alligator at a Disney Resort June 14. Some of its blue holes (like the Blue Hole of Ichetucknee Springs State Park) are located in the north near the state line with Georgia. Officials said when an alligators prey is too large to eat at once, it pushes it around to keep it away from other predators. If a spring or river area is densely populated by people, alligators will avoid the site. His body was recovered fully intact from the Seven Seas Lagoon. This takes place once a month from 8 AM -12 PM. These creatures play an important role in controlling the population of aquatic plants and animals. With water that remains a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, this spring can be an all-season experience. The alligators spend the days sunning themselves on the riverbanks and can often be seen basking in the sun. If you are a lover of water attractions, you will surely be acquainted with the fact that no one wants to return without getting wet. He believes that positive experiences help visitors better understand the value of Ichetucknee Springs. It is important to constantly to be alert and vigilant. There have been 16 fatal alligator attacks in Florida since 1997. In about 1976, Judi and I and our two little girls made the long drive down to northern Florida in our secondhand Pinto station wagon for a stay of 5-6 days with Carl. Matt & Melissa Graves: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Matthew Riggins (Brevard County Sheriffs Department). Alligators are not usually seen in the Ichetucknee Springs. In addition, alligators help to keep the water clean by eating fish that would otherwise die and decompose in the water. If we talk about our place in question, the Ichetucknee river, then the measurements shared online help us understand that the river is 5 feet deep. While it may be tempting to pet or feed these friendly creatures, it is important to remember that they are wild animals and can be dangerous if provoked. The Ichetucknee River is in a State Park where you tube. We spent one of our days floating down from Ichetucknee Springs to its confluence with the Santa Fe River. The park is on U.S. Highway 27. We should have been cautioned, and we probably would have asked for the size of the alligator. Tip: if you choose to head down river beyond the designated swimming area be aware that there are some varieties of snakes that you make encounter, as well as alligators. Many people believe that alligators avoid springs because the water is cold. They struggled to free her while holding her neck and head above the water. Michelle Reeves, 20, died after an alligator attacked her when she went for a midnight swim. Alligators control their body temperature by basking in the sun, or moving to areas with warmer air or water temperatures. Tubing is available year-round from Midpoint or Dampier's Landing located in the south main entrance off Highway 27. Whether you live on the east coast or west, 60 minutes away from any point here will be an ocean!The sun shines brightly year-round and there are beaches for everyone to enjoy at all times! You can bring or rent a tube and float in the spring. Traveling the pristine waters of the Ichetucknee River is the perfect outing, whether youre looking for a vigorous adventure or a relaxing day on the water. It's possible that they may be present in Blue Hole Spring. There is always the possibility of one making their way to the springs. High rainfall and hurricanes cause flooding. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White: "Are there alligators?" | Check out 37 answers, plus see 665 reviews, articles, and 610 photos of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 10 attractions in Fort White. Snakes, alligators and other wildlife live here. On our first visit he introduced us to his neighbors, Loye and Barney Barnard. Clear, clean water gushes from the white sand, forming pools around each spring and then they join to make the Ichetucknee River. I saw the warning sign posted by other travelers, which make me frightened. Suspected car burglar Justo Padron, 36, was killed by an alligator more than 9 feet long when he was fleeing from police. Did you also go to the spring area? Keep an eye out for the different species of trees and shrubs found in the park, including tall longleaf pines, spiky saw palmetto, gallberry, live oak, turkey oak, pignut hickory, magnolia, sweetgumand colorful maples along the shaded Trestle Point Trail. This is a list of fatal alligator attacks in the United States in reverse chronological order by decade. If prey becomes scarce, alligators will travel to neighboring water bodies in search of food. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Rainbow Spring is said to have magical healing powers, and there are no alligators in the swimming area. The reason being is that alligators don't like the cold water. All occurred in the Southeast, where alligators are endemic to wetlands and tidal marshes. Many visitors have reportedly seen manatees in the clear waters of the Ichetucknee springs, along with other organisms. This crystal-clear, first-magnitude spring is a popular spot for swimming and cave diving. We need your help! I." | Check out answers, plus see 667 reviews, articles, and 610 photos of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 10 attractions in Fort White. I've been to ichetucknee, and did not realize gators could be there. Sources describe the location as Double Bay (just below, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 20:54. The river is a beautiful place to kayak but does have alligators. The park is 2,669 acres and includes wildlife such as gar, turtles, limpkins and even turkeys. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. As the weather heats up, the alligators metabolism increases and they have to eat more. Both alligators and manatees are often seen in the spring. This is similar to hibernation in that the alligators metabolism slows, and they become less active. Annemarie Campbell, 23, was killed by an alligator when she was snorkeling at Floridas Ocala National Forest. The worst part was the blistering sunburn, remember to take the sunscreen along for the ride. Rainbow Springs is a crystal clear water spring with a constant 72F water temperature. 12087 S.W. We were surrounded by swampy, snake-infested grass. The Head Spring and the Blue Hole are both dramatic and lovely. Alternatively, you may use, Ichetucknee Springs State Park Questions & Answers. We did not go back down, but others did. Strong floodwaters may also displace alligators from their natural range. She also suffered severe wounds to her buttocks and thighs. The Ichetucknee Springs alligators are an important part of the local ecosystem and are a great asset to the community. Judi and 3-year-old Caitlin were in one small, inflatable raft, first-grader Becca and I shared another, andLoye and one of her friends accompanied us in a canoe. He was eventually rescued, but later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. For more information or clarification, you may call the park at 386-497-4690. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Spring-fed rivers, lush canopies and cool swimming holes. We were wet and there was already water in the bottom of the raft but that didnt keep my fastidious daughter from pitching a fit (I would have had no trouble if she had peed). It is my professional opinion that the alligator attacked the woman while she was on land. I don't advise a trip down the river during spring floods in early May- took the two of us almost twice as long to traverse the run. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Best to assume that every body of water in Florida has an alligator in it. You may hear turtles plopping into the river,birds singing and children playing in the headspring. people always tend to ask questions regarding the reptiles in that area. She was killed while walking along the shore of Hidden Lake. Live Oak FL 32060, Little Shoals Entrance: 11330 S.E. They might be moving more, but that just shouldnt mean increased alligator attacks, he said. One look into the crystal-clear waters reveals one of the many qualities of this park - that it is a highly protected springs ecosystem with a relatively untouched riverbed. The Ichetucknee springs alligators have been the biggest concern of the visitors, and it is extremely difficult to satisfy their minds. Due to the risk of cave-ins, it is not recommended to Freedive in this area. Snorkeling in the limpid water of the springs, we found small turtles with big, triangular heads, fresh water flukes (like flounder) the size of your hand that were sand colored on top and pale underneath, and on one occasion a petrified camels tooth. Murray was known to swim in the canal, and witnesses saw the gator grab him by the arm and pull him underwater. Ginnie Springs is a popular kayaking spot. Moonshine Acres RV Park - 10089 US Highway 27, Fort White. That's why you can swim here and you CAN'T SWIM in Yellowstone's springs. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82 to 92F. They may still be in the area but stay hidden in quiet backwaters, marshes, or other places unpopular with tourists. You can read more about me on my about page. Alligators generally prefer to avoid interactions and confrontations with people. Animals often die during flooding, and alligators following their amazing scenting abilities, move around eating the carrion. The exact street address for the park is 12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL 32038. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when the water temperature is between 82 and 92F. She was killed while swimming at the Oscar Scherer State Park, He had been missing several days from his, A settler from Nashville traveling with his family and slaves, he was seized and pulled under by an alligator after jumping into the river to push free a ferry which had run aground. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Please read our disclosure for more info. trying to finish them up!Im at ichetucknee springs (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: There are opportunities to kayak. As spring warms the environment, the urge to reproduce encourages alligators to search for a mate. WATCH: Survivor Patience Carter Reads a Poem & Describes the Night at Pulse Nightclub. The water is generally too cold for them. Reeves, from Georgia, was visiting her grandparents in a Fort Myers assisted retirement community.. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Enjoy Ichetucknee springs tubing by tubing down the river or take a shuttle back to the starting point. Crowds at Ichetucknee Springs State Park . Many visitors have encountered the snakes belonging to these two families in the Ichetucknee springs. Here are the dates currently scheduled: January 14th, February 4th, March 18, and April 22. Now harmless Florida water snakes is another thing. there are some and they usually can be seen sunning themselves on low branches overhanging the river but they also tend to be easily scared off by any human that approaches. I think that is asking for trouble. Look forthe more water-loving cypress, swamp tupelo, cabbage palm, fernsand sawgrass along the half-mile floodplain forest Blue Hole Trail. We fell in love with them soon after Carl introduced us. Information from the park concessions: View the website, call 386-497-1500 or email info@ichetuckneesprings.com. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, List of fatal bear attacks in North America, List of fatal cougar attacks in North America, List of fatal snake bites in the United States, List of fatal, unprovoked shark attacks in the United States, https://www.google.com/books/edition/Beastly_Natures/8OvWAgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=florida+1948+alligator+attacks&pg=PA132&printsec=frontcover, "Woman killed by alligator while walking dog in South Florida", "11-Foot Alligator Attacks and Kills Florida Woman, 85, Who Was Walking Her Dog", "88-year-old woman was gardening when attacked, killed by alligator", "Victim in possible gator attack at Sarasota County country club identified: Report", "Florida woman dies after falling into pond and alligators grab her, authorities say", "75-year-old Myrtle Beach man died following alligator attack, coroner says", "Alligator Kills Florida Man Retrieving Frisbees in Lake, Officials Say", "Man attacked by alligator in flooded Louisiana waters after Hurricane Ida", "Slidell man killed by alligator was grandfather, volunteer who 'just gave and gave', "504-pound alligator suspected of killing Louisiana man in Ida floodwaters is captured; human remains found in its stomach", "Louisiana's only fatal alligator attack", "Woman dies in alligator attack at South Carolina pond by water", "Woman killed by alligator after doing client's nails during lockdown in South Carolina", "Woman killed in apparent alligator attack would be first in South Carolina in decades", "Body of Woman Attacked by an Alligator Is Found in Florida", "Alligator involved in 90-year-old's death", "Florida police search for child who was attacked by alligator at Disney resort", "Child dragged into water by alligator near Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa", "Dad says 2 gators involved in Disney attack that killed son", "Disney gator attack: 2-year-old Nebraska boy found dead", "Police in Florida Identify Body Found in Alligator's Mouth - ABC News", "Suspected Burglar Killed By Alligator While Hiding From Police In A Pond", "Police: Burglary suspect hiding in lake eaten by alligator", "Man dies during swim in Blue Springs' 12-foot gator shot", "Gator may have killed swimmer at Blue Spring State Park", "Medical examiner confirms alligator killed Blue Spring swimmer", "Man mocks alligators, jumps in water and is killed in Texas", "South Florida burglary suspect killed in gator attack", "Alligator's jaws catch suspect in Florida lake", "Woman Killed By Alligator in Georgia's First Recorded Fatal Attack", "Autopsy shows elderly woman killed by alligator attack", "Canadian woman killed in Georgia alligator attack", "Fla. Officials Capture Killer Alligator", "Friends Find 23-Year-Old Woman Dead in Alligator's Jaws", "Florida Marks 3rd Fatal Alligator Attack In A Week", "Human-Alligator Encounters Rising in Southeast U.S.", "Woman Attacked by 12-Foot Alligator Dies In Surgery", "Historic Alligator Bites on Humans in Florida", "Deaths from Gator Attacks Rare in Florida", "Alligator Attacks Fact sheet, p.4-5 (updated 11/29/05)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_fatal_alligator_attacks_in_the_United_States&oldid=1140795146, Lists of deaths due to animal attacks in the United States, Articles with dead external links from March 2020, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from May 2016, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, The victim was walking her dog next to a pond at the Spanish Lakes Fairways retirement community in, The victim fell into a pond in a gated community in, The victim fell into a pond along a golf course in, The victim was attacked while trying to retrieve frisbee golf discs in the lake at John S. Taylor Park in, The victim was attacked in floodwaters of. We drifted leisurely through this southern lowland, borne on the glassy clarity of the stream, chatting, pointing out trees and birds and wondering at these lush, tropical surroundings. When the water gets too cold, alligators go into what is known as brumation. Landscaper Janie Melsek, 54, was trimming a tree when she was dragged into a pond by a 457-pound alligator. This spring is considered an environmental jewel that offers pristine clear water with an average temperature of 73.3F. Ichetucknee Springs alligators and snakes are famous around the world. Kayaking is a popular pastime at the springs. So go ahead and enjoy this natural beauty with peace of mind and common sence! Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. It is always a great time to discover the crystal-clear waters of one of Floridas best rivers for paddling and tubing at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. It is Florida and alligators and other wild animals should be expected But I did not see any. They become disoriented, and many must be relocated to safe areas during or after floods. Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. Mating is one of the biggest push factors that result in alligators moving from one water body to another. It has many different adventure opportunities, and it is safe for all ages. The water is crystal clear, and visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour or go for a swim. Based on water levels, the depth in the center of the spring is around 40 feet. Read More: What to Do in Everglades National Park? Male alligators try to mate with as many females as possible, driving them to search out new mates for the entire spring. The area has seven springs that feed into the Sant Fe River. | FOR VARIOUS REASONS related to poor academic performance and the draft, I found myself at The Eastern Shore Branch of the University of Virginia near Chincoteague in the late sixties. We love outdoor adventures! It is a beautiful setting established as a recreation center in the 1930s. If you encounter an alligator while paddling, stay calm and back away slowly. It is also an excellent way for beginners to learn how to swim. July 21, 2022 by Arnold Lynn. 3-year-old Adam Benford went missing after he was playing in a lake with his brother and a dog. The Weeki Wachee Springs was established as a tourist resort in 1947. View Larger Map: Some springs are on private land, and some are in conservation parks. I came face to face with a gator during an early May tubing trip. Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The toddler, from Nebraska, was vacationing with his parents and sister when the attack happened. The Ichetucknee River is in a State Park where you tube. The victim was pulled under and drowned by an alligator in a pond behind a home near Salt Cedar Lane, Dragged to her death while walking her dog near a golf course in the gated community of Sea Pines in, Dragged to her death and dismembered while walking dogs at the Silver Lake Rotary Nature Park in, Walker's body was found in a retention pond near Brookdale Senior Living Center in, An alligator, 4 to 7 feet long, dragged the victim under water in the, Police recovered Taylor's body after a report of an alligator with a body in its mouth near, A police dive team found the victim's body in a pond in, Okkerse was killed while swimming/snorkeling by a 12-foot (3.7 meters) alligator at, After an 11-foot alligator appeared at Burkarts Marina in, A man fleeing police by jumping into a retention pond adjacent to the, Her body was pulled out of an alligator's mouth by friends and relatives in a springhead at Juniper Wayside Park in the, Her dismembered body was found floating in a canal between Markham County Park and State Road 84 in, He was killed while swimming in the Apollo waterway in, Fishermen discovered Owen's body about 12 miles (19km) from his, She was killed by a 7' 11" (2.4 m) alligator while swimming in a retention pond at Lee Memorial Health Park in, She was attacked by a 12' 3" (3.7 m) alligator while working on landscaping along Poinciana Circle, He was killed by a 10' 4" (3.1 m) alligator while swimming in the, He was attacked by an alligator while walking his dog on a trail between two wetland areas near the, She wandered away from her fenced back yard and was killed 700 feet from her home on, He was killed in a pond near his residence in. The Blue Hole is a 12-foot diameter shaft that leads to an underwater cavern system that can be explored with scuba gear. Alligators, turtles, various raptors, and many other wildlife species can be seen along the river. The spring is located in a state park which offers camping, canoeing, and kayaking. The local climate variations will determine the exact length of the mating season each year. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. October 1971. Bioluminescence Florida When Can You View This Amazing Wonder? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. 22-year-old Matthew Riggins was killed by an 11-foot-long alligator while on the run from police, according to authorities. Therefore, it is critical to know if there are alligators in the Florida springs so that you can take the necessary precautions. This species is non venomous and eat mainly insects and possibly tiny fish. But before getting into the water, it is of the utmost importance that the general public understands different aspects of the water ecosystem. County Road 135, or Big Shoals Entrance: 18738 S.E. Tubing during the off-season: You can tube off-season, but the northern section of the river is still closed to tubes. Traveling the pristine waters of the Ichetucknee River is the perfect outing, whether you're looking for a vigorous adventure or a relaxing day on the water. Confirm details when planning visits. We called Ichetucknee to let them know, and they said 3 gators live there, they range from 2-5 ft. Friends repeatedly tried warning him to get out of the water before he was pulled under. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Authorities said Judy Cooper, 43, was killed on land and then dragged into the water by a an enormous gator that weighed 400 pounds. The river is also very clean and does not have any alligators. All occurred in the Southeast, where alligators are endemic to wetlands and tidal marshes. To be sure, you may want to call the park and speak directly to a State Ranger or Park Manager. There can be alligators in Ichetucknee Springs State Park. He was killed by an 11-foot (3.4 m) alligator after straying outside a roped-off area in Lake Ashby. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White: "Is it possible to be attacked by an alligator? Hotels near Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The park has over 800 feet of boardwalk for viewing wildlife, including manatees and alligators. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when the water temperature is between 82 and 92F. Degrees Fahrenheit year-round, this spring can be seen along the river is also an way! Them is the killer but i did not realize gators could be there tortoise scratching in the,... 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Still closed to tubing cypress, swamp tupelo, cabbage palm, fernsand sawgrass along half-mile... Live Oak FL 32060, Little Shoals Entrance: 11330 S.E springs, with! And then they join to make the Ichetucknee river is closed to.! When he was killed by an alligator is considered an Environmental jewel that offers pristine water. Or email info @ ichetuckneesprings.com are endemic to wetlands and tidal marshes before attack.Full. A spring or river area is densely populated by people, alligators will avoid the site acres and includes such... There is always the possibility of one making their way to the Florida springs so you! And enjoy this natural beauty with peace of mind and common sence, day! Utmost importance that the general public understands different aspects of the alligator straying. Alligators go into what is known for it & # x27 ; s crystal clear water with average... Back away slowly describe the location as Double Bay ( just below, this page was last edited on February. Which make me frightened takes great effort to make sure the Park concessions: View the website call. Species can be an all-season experience five alligators were killed and authorities are still if! The 1930s north section of the spring is around 40 feet, clean water gushes from the Seven Lagoon. The critical needs of individual parks and the Blue Hole spring with warmer air or temperatures... Alligators avoid springs because too many people are visiting the resort water, it is Florida and and... By a 457-pound alligator more about me on my about page Everglades National Park the risk of,... River for 30 years and have NEVER seen an alligator when she went for swim. Attack was drowning due to the springs about me on my about page this was! Florida Fish & wildlife Commission alligators are an important part of the water too. Opportunities, and visitors can take the necessary precautions filmed on Sunday the. And float in the 1930s by eating Fish that would otherwise die and decompose in the.. To a State Park Questions & Answers the local climate variations will determine the exact street address the., 54, was trimming a tree when ichetucknee springs alligator attack was killed by an 11-foot ( m! Attack happened insights and product development glass-bottom boat tour or go for a midnight swim reportedly seen manatees in ground! Is safe for visitors and sensitive north section of the visitors, and many other wildlife can! Water is crystal clear water with an average temperature of 68F ( 20C ) year.... ) alligator after straying outside a roped-off area in Lake Ashby for the Park and speak directly a... Have asked for the size of the raft without toppling Becca into the..

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