It's not all that surprising, given how well-kept the waters are. Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing. Alligators are more likely to attack if they mistake you for prey, so wearing brightly colored clothing will help them identify you as a human. Most locals are aware of the alligators around and know how to steer clear of them. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. They can be found roaming pretty much all over the state. It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone. Punch, hit, kick, or attack the eyes of the gator that has sunk its teeth into you. How can you stay safe from alligators in Florida? As a rule, alligators are very shy and avoid human interaction as much as possible. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. There are less than 2,000 crocodiles in the United States. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',124,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-124{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Ensure to keep an eye out for things like logs, rocks, or other submerged objects that could be hazardous to your boat. Scour the Shore Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. So if youre planning a kayak trip to Florida, keep these points in mind to have a fun and safe time! Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles. The Black Bear Wilderness Area covers 1,650 acres of marshes and the swampy plain of Sanford, Florida and is known for being the home of Florida's largest black bear. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water. Wearing the right clothing when kayaking is important for both comfort and safety. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC? 15 Things You Didnt Know About Alligators In Florida. Some of these waters are Ichetucknee, Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. How do astronauts brush their teeth in space? If anyone alligator gets too close, you should make loud noises to scare it away. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. The largest population of gators live in Gainesville, FL. We cover the whole outdoor arena. They are not made for running after prey, he said. It has more alligators than any other state. How many gator attacks in Florida per year? Alligators are more likely to attack if they mistake you for prey, so wearing brightly colored clothing will help them identify you as a human. Yes, there are crocodiles in Florida. This river is also a wildlife haven with many animals making this their home, especially turtle populations. These rest areas provide a chance for visitors to stretch their legs, enjoy a picnic lunch, or take in the surrounding natural beauty of the Florida Everglades. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. Alligators appear in multiple places around the continental United States, but they're most predominantly known for living in Florida because of the Everglades and a large number of swamps. However, there have been repeated cases of alligators getting into peoples' yards and homes. Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap. Alligators make good pets. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. For this reason, its important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. They may be big, but they're surprisingly agile creatures. The island is known for its pristine beaches and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for kayaking. All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. Can you store stands in a bizarre journey? Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a sea kayakers dream. Do not allow your dogs or children to swim in waters inhabited by alligators, or to drink or play at the water's edge. This means the only surviving Archosaurs are the croc family and the birds. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. They are not made for running after prey, he said. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with more than 2,300. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. To experience the best of the area, here are five standout wildlife experiences to weave into your trip. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. 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Weather can change quickly in Florida, so its important to check the forecast before heading out and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. The river boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife you can observe while exploring. When people say alligators are all over the place in Florida, they're not lying. What body of water in Florida has the most alligators? Though theres a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. I dont like to kill them, and I had a license not to for a couple of years. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. To an alligator, a splash potentially means a food source is in the water. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? Twenty five of those attacks have been fatal. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. Theres a famous saying in Florida that if the water is more than 2 inches deep assume there are alligators and venomous snakes in it. Leave alligators alone. Combine a growing alligator population with a growing human population, and it is easy to see that encounters between alligators and humans will continue to increase. Be sure to heed these warnings and avoid paddling in areas where alligators are known to be present. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. The state has one million wild alligators and another million on alligator farms. RELATED: 750-pound alligator found in Jupiter has new home in Gatorland. The state park is enormous. Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. This area is a part of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Wildlife Management Area, where you can enjoy kayaking in the mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, but if you are concerned about an alligator, call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. I'm passionate about helping people achieve their dreams, and I believe that education is the key to unlocking everyone's potential. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the FWC recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water. With an estimated 1.3 million alligators in Florida, the states Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is warning the public to be aware of the increase in alligator activity this time of year and the possibilities of encountering them. Along with being apex predators, these incredible animals can also grow to exponentially large sizes. There are freshwater spring-fed rivers in Central Florida that are free of alligators and sharks. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Mit), Missouri University Of Science And Technology, State University Of New York Health Science Center At Brooklyn, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry, The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, The University Of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston, The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences, University At Buffalo Suny School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences, University Of California, Los Angeles (Ucla), University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, University Of Maryland Baltimore County (Umbc), University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, University Of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? So we decided to create a place where we could gather all our concerns, and who knows, maybe we could also help someone else in our situation. With that being said, alligators aren't even the largest of their kind - there are crocodiles that can get even bigger than that, as well. But if they don't make it to .500 by season's end, they may not make any other tournament, either making games like Tuesday night's at Georgia meaningful in marginal ways. Florida is home to an estimated two million American alligators, which means that there is one alligator for every twenty-one acres of land in the state. [2] Where Are Crocodiles Found In . So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Dont walk by the shoreline at sunrise and sunset. Does every lake in Florida have alligators? Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. To protect yourself from sunburns, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and apply sunscreen regularly when paddling. Bend are some of the places that may be included. Alligators are plentiful in central Florida, including the Orlando area. WHY? . Cochran said if a nuisance gator is 4 feet or longer and the trapper doesnt have a special permit to take it alive, its usually killed. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins. Ultimate Guide To Florida Alligators | Facts About Gators In Florida. They are a common sight in the swamps of Louisiana (Louisiana has a very large population), and their northernmost range is thought to be around the Great Dismal Swamp of North Carolina. Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. We help our readers find the best kayaks and water related equipment to help you have the best time of your life whenever you are engaging in water activities. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. 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