You do remember I grew up in Florida? One of my 1st jobs was as a beverage cart girl at a golf course in Florida. I also loved fishing, kayaking, etc. on backwaters and bayous back then. I've seen lots of gators.
Additionally, I've been visiting the Port Arthur area regularly since 1963 since I had/have lots of family there (my parents went to the same high school in Port Arthur that you did, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins). Going to visit my cousins there next month In fact.
I stick my statement to that I'm less worried about a tarantula than an alligator.