florida areas with no alligators

[2] Where Are Crocodiles Found In . It is one of the United States wildest and longest publically owned coastal wetlands. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. What to Look For When Buying a Used Kayak? Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. Otherwise, nuisance gators can be sold to an alligator farm. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. 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. That said, if you are unlucky enough to cross paths with an angry gator and it bites you, that doesn't automatically mean you're doomed. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. As we mentioned earlier in this article, alligator attacks are rare. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? When people say alligators are all over the place in Florida, they're not lying. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. (FWC) is responsible for the management of alligator and shark populations in the state of Florida. Keep pets away from the area. However, if you drive about 45 minutes up the Keys to an island called Big Pine, which has the largest freshwater lense in the Lower Keys, and head to the Blue Hole, youll probably see American alligators. I got my start in education as a teacher, working with students in grades K-12. And dont forget to apply sunscreen! RELATED: Father of boy killed by gator couldnt pull child from gators jaws. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. RELATED: 10 Best Places To Visit In Florida. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. Dont walk by the shoreline at sunrise and sunset. By comparison, humans only have about 52 teeth in their lifetime and two sets max. America Reports. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. In addition, the majority of natural Florida lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility. Yes, there are crocodiles in Florida. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Most locals are aware of the alligators around and know how to steer clear of them. 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. No gators, but snakes yes. The . American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are a shy and reclusive species. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. You can rest assured that each one is home to gators. 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. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. Myakka River State Park is one of the best places to see alligators in Florida. Their range is restricted to only parts of the province of Anhui and is considered critically endangered. The only other living species of alligator is the Chinese alligator. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. Did Stephen Hawking prefer Oxford or Cambridge. November 6, 2022. 1. The number of pet dogs attacked and killed by Alligators is countless. This means the only surviving Archosaurs are the croc family and the birds. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. But you get used to them and just use common sense and you will be fine. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best places to enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any alligators. 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. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. [Whats The Best Method? 12 Things You Didnt Know About Alligators In Florida. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. There is something for everyone. Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. It is also the only state where you can see rare white alligators, which are native to Louisiana. We cover the whole outdoor arena. You can get there from the cities of Crystal River or Apalachicola, where you can rent a kayak and go paddling for hours without alligators. What body of water in Florida has the most alligators? So they are in Clearwater, but not in saltwater. I found it more enjoyable to be good to them, he said. If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. 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. If you see an alligator at a spring, if there has been a recent report of one, or there are No swimming signs up, then do not swim. Is it safe to swim in a lake with alligators? 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. They wont attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. Scour the Shore Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. Anna Maria Island is located off the coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. And other interesting facts. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. Having the chance to witness one of these apex predators in person is a thrilling experience and one that many people do through the state's various tours. 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. There have also been a few alligators spotted along this river. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. 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. In general, as long as you stay clear of them and don't go swimming in their home or get close to their nests, you should be fine. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. Alligators are one of the most iconic animals in the United States and are one of the main attractions in Florida. Typically, alligators have about 80 teeth in their mouth at one time, but they lose teeth frequently. Should I be worried about alligators in Florida? Alligators can be found everywhere in Florida, especially near the freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. 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. There are less than 2,000 crocodiles in the United States. Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center, in Madeira Beach on Florida's west coast, is a smaller stop that's good for kids who want to give a gator a smooch, while Jungle Adventures, near Merritt Island on the Space Coast, features all sorts of Florida critters plus a jungle swamp river cruise. The Blackwater River Trail, situated near Milton in Northwest Florida, offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. Learn More{{/message}}. Alligators will typically chase a human only to defend their territory. Any body of fresh or brackish water in Florida potentially has an alligator in it, though they tend to be wary of people and usually retreat or keep their distance. You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Additionally, these waters are safe to paddle in, as no alligators are present. If youre looking for a kayaking adventure in Florida, be sure to steer clear of alligator-infested waters! Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. They can be found roaming pretty much all over the state. None of those are conducive to alligator habitats. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. Be mindful of where they are located at all times. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. It is the only place where crocodiles and alligators live together. Alligators range throughout much of the South - far beyond Florida. Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1.3 million gators statewide and about 13,000 in Lake Jesup. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Alligators are no strangers to cannibalism. They look like something that crawled out of the prehistoric era. The media makes it seem worse than it is. And 383 unprovoked bites caused by intentional harassment or handling of an alligator. Low fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators are present. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most- more than 2,300. Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. If you plan on kayaking, the best time to visit Ichetuknee Spring is during winter, as the waters are quieter without all of the tubers. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water. Skip Navigation Share on Facebook This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Areas with the highest removals are in and around Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, Fort Myers and Jacksonville. They're carnivorous predators, and it's not unusual for them to lose teeth on a difficult kill. 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. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. Areas with the highest removals are in and around Tampa, Sarasota . This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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