What to do if an alligator is chasing you? Some of these waters are Ichetucknee, Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. They are not made for running after prey, he said. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. 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. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. Fun Outdoor Ventures is owned and operated by Susan and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. American Alligators are found in the Southeastern United States including Orlando. So Be Always careful even if you cant see them doesnt mean they cant see you either. They can also move quickly on land. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Dissuade alligators from residing here and create a fun-filled stress-free environment for the average kayaker to enjoy their outdoor adventure.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-banner-1-0'); The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190 mile long network of paddling routes situated along the Gulf of Mexicos coastline. April is alligator courting season, which means the frisky crocodilians may be venturing out more in the hopes of finding a companion before mating season begins in earnest in May and June. After an 85-year-old woman was killed by an alligator in a neighborhood in St. Lucie County, Florida, three more alligators have been removed from the same area. Be very careful. Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing. Be aware of your surroundings: Alligators are opportunistic predators and can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. It has more alligators than any other state. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. The number of pet dogs attacked and killed by Alligators is countless. Homeowners in Clearwater woke up to a massive alligator in their kitchen last night. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. National Geographic did an entire study disproving this fact. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? What Is A Good Salary For Gainesville Florida? There were crocodiles and alligators in the past, though they didn't look the same as the ones in existence today. 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;}. Anyone with concerns about an alligator should call the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program at 866-392-4286. Tampa topped the list in 2017 with 181 nuisance gators but was bested last year by Sarasota, which tallied 205. How can you stay safe from alligators in Florida? Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. I've since worked with schools and districts all over the country, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction methods. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Minnesota calls itself the land of lakes with its 10,000 watery holes, but Florida has about 30,000. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. It's also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. It is approximately a 6-mile long trail with a relatively swift current perfect for inexperienced kayakers or those who wish to have a lazy float down the river. You can read more about me on my about page. Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. Experience turtle time. Can you store stands in a bizarre journey? A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. This area is also one of the spots where you can find alligators in the wild and has become one of Florida's most popular destinations for recreational hiking and camping. November 6, 2022. How many gator attacks in Florida per year? However, its important to remember that kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. The agency also reports that Florida's population of alligators has increased by nearly 50 . Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard. Why are there no alligators in Florida springs? This state park is home to De Leon Springs, a popular spot for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. 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 many swamps. Just be careful not to paddle too close to the swan boats! Police in Florida had quite a job on their hands when they were tasked with corralling a large alligator on the loose in Miami Dade County. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom. They used to live all the way from Japan, but they were almost driven extinct. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. Tampa topped the list in 2017 with 181 nuisance gators but was bested last year by. America Reports. Even then it's not a guarantee. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The Ichetucknee River -due to its spring fed source- stays a consistent 72 to 73 degrees year round. Six alligators were killed following the boys death. Because of their large population, they are everywhere in Florida. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. Pools arent uncommon. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee River. They are not made for running after prey, he said. Dont go near grassy areas that have a swamp or lake nearby as they love to hide in vegetation areas because it provides good camouflage. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. The higher central hills of FL down the middle of the state have to least alligators, the driest land fewest ponds and swamps, and obviously the most hills, grass, trees, brush and forest lands. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. Alligators are fascinating creatures, but that doesn't mean we'd be willing to get close to any of the million-plus living in Flordia right now. Do Kayaks Need to Be Registered in Colorado. One also doesn't need to go to Florida to see the gators as they live all through the South. Florida police officer's bodycam video shows him wrangling alligator | Fox News Video. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. Alligators range throughout much of the South - far beyond Florida. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a sea kayakers dream. An 85-year-old woman died Feb. 20 after an alligator grabbed her dog in a St. Lucie County community along Florida's East Coast. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. There are roughly 2,000 crocodiles in Florida. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. American crocodiles are not found in Orlando but are found in South Florida, the Caribbean, Southern Mexico and Central America. Video of the capture, shared online by the Miami Dade Police Department, showed an officer with a lasso as he tried to bring in the large hissing gator. You know water sports you know me! And crocodile are only found in south FL. Alligators are shy animals that usually avoid human contact. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. Be sure to clean up any trash or debris that you may have brought with you when you leave the kayaking area. We love outdoor adventures! Ichetucknee Springs in particular, is a tubing center for tubing lovers. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Posted on Published: May 27, 2022- Last updated: June 14, 2022. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. I've worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, and I love helping them unlock their full potential. Yes, there are crocodiles in Florida. The parents were incensed about the attack and the fact the alligators were left to roam around. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. RELATED: Father of boy killed by gator couldnt pull child from gators jaws. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. There are no alligators in the swimming area, but if you had to kayak further down the river, you would probably come across a couple. Baby alligators, in particular, are the most at risk. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. You might see an alligator swimming in a puddle at a crowded intersection or even visiting your neighbor's swimming pool. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist. With over 200,000 wild alligators calling this park their home, this is one of the best places to see alligators in Florida! Where do most alligators live in Florida? This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. Leave alligators alone. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most- more than 2,300. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. American alligators are found mostly in South Florida, where they live in brackish and saltwater habitats such as ponds, bays, and creeks of mangrove swamps. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. They live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. While alligators can be found throughout the Southeastern U.S., the crocodile footprint in the U.S. is generally limited to South Florida, though they have occasionally been spotted as far north as the Tampa Bay area. They can be found roaming pretty much all over the state. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. 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. So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone. over a year ago. The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. But hear not, You are far more likely to injure yourself in some other way than to be eaten by an alligator. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. Besides, there are numerous access points along the river, such as Bayport or Pine Island Beach. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. Alligators are freshwater creatures. The answer to that question is yes and no. Alligators have been spotted roaming the streets of Florida as Hurricane Irma continues to move up the state. 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