You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Here are some general safety tips for kayaking in Florida: Pay attention to signage: Many areas that are popular for kayaking, such as state parks and nature preserves, have signage indicating the presence of alligators. FunOutdoorVentures.com 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. Be very careful. Alligators have inhabited Floridas marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. The area is 105 miles long, and you will find plenty of diverse wildlife to observe. In general, it's a good idea to always keep at least 50 feet between you and any nearby gators. Thats because of a little bug called Naegleria fowleri, a type of of amoeba that can cause a severe infection. The freshwater spring-fed rivers are some of the more popular areas in central florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks. 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. Even tiny Palm Beach had at least one removed during the same time period when a wayward gator found itself on the beach side of the Intracoastal. Leave alligators alone. When paddling in this area, bring sunscreen and protective clothing, as the sun can be quite strong here. Alligators and snakes depend upon the ability to ambush prey to survive. Though theres a certain level of risk involved with each outing, kayaking with alligators is safe if you remain alert. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard. Thanks for reading! There are less than 2,000 crocodiles in the United States. They weigh up to 80 to 100 lbs. Follow all the rules and regulations for the area you are paddling in. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. They may be big, but they're surprisingly agile creatures. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Find out why an alligator may be spotted on the island but learn their main territory which is the mainland. Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? You can rest assured that each one is home to gators. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. While paddling, keep an eye out for alligators or any other potential hazards that may be present in the water. What to do if an alligator is chasing you? From 1948 through 2008, 410 unprovoked bites have occurred, with 25 ending in the persons death. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are numerous places along the way that a kayaker could pull over for a quick swim in the various swimming holes and spring vents of varying depths. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. The most important thing is to be alert and stay out of areas rife with alligator activity. Be mindful of where they are located at all times. The specific species of crocodile that lives in Florida is the American Crocodile. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. But when Will Richard heated up, he staked Florida to a lead, and the Gators were game enough to defend it in what became a 77-67 road win that gives them a sweep of Georgia and Mike White . Here are 15 facts you might not know about Florida alligators. Their wild population fell to as low as 1,000 in the 1970s and to 130 in 2001. What part of Florida has the most crocodiles? Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. It is also a family-friendly river perfect for scenic and wildlife viewing. And dont forget to apply sunscreen! These reptiles are not pack animals; they typically hang out alone, and, therefore, it makes sense they would have no issue with killing off any competition to their livelihood. Experience turtle time. Alligators can be found everywhere in Florida, especially near the freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. However, when you compare that to car crash statistics, it pales in comparison. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing. 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, Are There Alligators In The Florida Springs, Why Does Florida Have So Many Alligators and Crocodiles, 9 Of The Best Places to Kayak In Central Florida, 5 Of The Canoe and Kayak Rental Tours In Central Florida, Best Places to Kayak In Florida [North, South & Central], Can Kayaks Be Transported Upside Down? Otherwise, nuisance gators can be sold to an alligator farm. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. Are there alligators everywhere in Florida? They can live up to 70 years in captivity and up to 50 years in the wild. 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. RELATED: 10 Best Places To Visit In Florida. RELATED: 750-pound alligator found in Jupiter has new home in Gatorland. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, so plan accordingly to reduce the chances of running into them. 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. Alligators are no strangers to cannibalism. Theres no need to worry about alligators here as they are not present in the area, so if youre looking for a place to explore and observe wildlife while kayaking, the Suwannee River is your best bet. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? Statewide, 6,700 nuisance alligators w ere killed or relocated in 2017. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. Rather than being predetermined by DNA, the temperature of an egg before it's hatched is a determining factor in its gender. 13 9 Eric Rummel Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. They wont attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. The FWC estimates that the state is home to approximately 1.3m alligators of every size across its 67 counties, which offer around 6.7m acres of suitable wetland habitats for the animals. Alligators have taken on legendary status as predators to fear, especially for people who live in an area as populated with them as Florida is. Florida wildlife officials have removed an additional three alligators from a Fort Pierce neighborhood following the fatal attack on a resident earlier this month.. Just after noon on February 20, 85-year-old Gloria Serge was walking her dog near a pond in her retirement community when an 11-foot alligator lunged from the water, snatching at the small animal. 1. Areas with the highest removals are in and around Tampa, Sarasota . Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Police in Florida haul in a large gator on the loose. By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. Not to scare people, but there are over a million of them and they are all around.. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. The media makes it seem worse than it is. Just be careful not to paddle too close to the swan boats! 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. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with more than 2,300. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that these creatures are somewhat monstrous in appearance. There are several places in Florida that you can safely kayak in that do not have any alligators. It's true there are well over a million alligators in Florida ( some American crocodiles also) and the state is full of lakes, canals, rivers and ponds allowing them to move around quite easily. Walmart Kayaks Review, Where to Kayak In Florida Without Alligators. In June 2016, 2-year-old Lane Graves died after he was snatched from the shore of a Disney World resort by an alligator. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. And 383 unprovoked bites caused by intentional harassment or handling of an alligator. RELATED: Father of boy killed by gator couldnt pull child from gators jaws. 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. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. You should also pack a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. So what are you waiting for? Typically, alligators have about 80 teeth in their mouth at one time, but they lose teeth frequently. Because of their large population, they are everywhere in Florida. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. over a year ago. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. The water is too cold for them! Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? 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. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. As if it wasn't bad enough to imagine an alligator chomping down on your arm or leg, did you know they will have anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 teeth? A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. The island is known for its pristine beaches and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for kayaking. Never paddle alone. over a year ago. They just push through the screen and off they go.. 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;}. Where can you swim in Florida without alligators? There were crocodiles and alligators in the past, though they didn't look the same as the ones in existence today. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while paddling in Florida, let us write some useful tips that can help you stay safe on your kayaking trip in Florida waters. With that being said, it's also a good idea to know as much about these powerful and ancient animals as possible - thus, our updated and informative list. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. Florida has over 30,000 Lakes and every single one of these lakes is home to gators so always be careful while walking around Lakes in Florida. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. by Wallace Thomas. A congregation of alligators by the side of the road in Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Good luck. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. Stay cautious its better to be safe than sorry. People tube in the water as if it is a lazy river. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? Alligators are plentiful in central Florida, including the Orlando area. The 31-mile trail winds through the Blackwater River State Forest and offers viewings of one of the most pristine sand-bottomed rivers on the planet, which varies in color from a rich coffee brown to light yellow, depending on the depth. Alligators are shy animals that usually avoid human contact. The . According to reports and recent studies, there have been 22 Alligators attacks in Florida from 1999 to 2021. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. West Palm Beach and its suburbs racked up a total of 205 removals over the past two years, with 139 taken from Wellington and 77 from Palm Beach Gardens. Is undeniable that these creatures are somewhat monstrous in appearance bug called Naegleria,. The swan boats killed by gator couldnt florida areas with no alligators child from gators jaws contact... Dangerous and even life-threatening the shore of a little bug called Naegleria fowleri, a type of. 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