They are not made for running after prey, he said. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Some people are far more tempted by freshwater lakes and ponds. Alligators range throughout much of the South - far beyond Florida. A warm nest means that most of the eggs will be male, while a cooler nest means that the offspring will be mostly females. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. Low fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators are present. The agency also reports that Florida's population of alligators has increased by nearly 50 . If something unexpected happens while on your trip, make sure you have emergency contacts written down. Just be careful not to get too close to the manatees that often congregate in the area. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Alligators are a top predator that has entered popular culture and frequently appear in the news, usually in connection with some crazy Florida story. Police in Florida haul in a large gator on the loose. Alligators and snakes depend upon the ability to ambush prey to survive. Can we use lake water for the Shower and the Hot tub? If youre looking for a kayaking adventure in Florida, be sure to steer clear of alligator-infested waters! Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida. 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. The largest population of gators live in Gainesville, FL. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. It is illegal to feed or harass alligators in Florida. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. Alligator bites are most likely to occur in or near water, as alligators are not well-equipped to catch prey on dry land. Always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water. Despite what the media and Lake Placid would have you believe, alligators are not naturally aggressive toward humans. According to Newsweek, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million alligators in Florida. The . In bad weather, it is not uncommon to find displaced alligators on the streets, in local swimming pools, and even in your backyard. In the late spring time it's mating season., they can show up anywhere then. kayak or take a guided tour along the river, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators, life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak, safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking. Even then it's not a guarantee. Know Now! They even like to hang out on golf courses. This site 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. How do you know if a lake has alligators? Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. Just like last week, there was an incident involving a massive alligator scaling a fence into a Navy base. None of those are conducive to alligator habitats. Crystal River: This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. Where In Florida Are There No Alligators Or Crocodiles? The state park is enormous. The Blackwater River Trail, situated near Milton in Northwest Florida, offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. Tampa topped the list in 2017 with 181 nuisance gators but was bested last year by Sarasota, which tallied 205. 1. While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The water is too cold for them! Do alligators roam the streets in Florida? The waters of the swimming area are crystal blue, and there are a variety of shallow shores and mellow oxbow lakes that you can explore nearif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Rainbow Springs. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. Avoid walking around the shoreline if the water isnt clear. Where do most alligators live in Florida? 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. To an alligator, a splash potentially means a food source is in the water. All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. Alligators have always frequented Disney World, but the issue came to a head in 2016 after a tragic incident involving an alligator killing a two-year-old boy at a Walt Disney World hotel. Myakka River State Park is one of the best places to see alligators in Florida. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about an alligator that crawls into your house through the kitchen window. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Is it safe to swim in a lake with alligators? Be aware of your surroundings: Alligators are opportunistic predators and can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. The only other living species of alligator is the Chinese alligator. Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap. Pools arent uncommon. Obviously, this also depends on the location of the nest and the climate surrounding it. 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. Stay cautious its better to be safe than sorry. Before heading out on your kayak, research and understand the local regulations, so you dont get into trouble. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. The state also traps alligators that are longer than three feet and pose a danger to people, their pets, or their property. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. The only way to avoid gators in florida is to not live close to fresh water. If you tread on one in the dark, well, yes, they may attack. Avoid going into deep waters as it increases the risk of encountering alligators or other dangerous creatures. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. The number of pet dogs attacked and killed by Alligators is countless. It's not at all uncommon to catch alligators scaling fences. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. Each month the park hosts ranger-led tours that are free to the public and nighttime hikes for a small fee. 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. Thats because alligators can leap up to five feet out of the water to snag their dinner. However, when you compare that to car crash statistics, it pales in comparison. Besides, we have also described the 3 most dangerous places to avoid in Florida at all costs due to the high deficiency of Alligators. 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. You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. A congregation of alligators by the side of the road in Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida. 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. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. They already feel they have free run of the place, but when bad weather strikes, it's not uncommon to find displaced gators on the roads, in local swimming pools, and even in your backyard. Welcome to KayakGuidance.com! Always kayak with someone else, preferably someone who is familiar with the area. Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. No gators, but snakes yes. All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. Florida police officer's bodycam video shows him wrangling alligator | Fox News Video. 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. Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. 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. Instead, the FWC operates the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, where people can report a suspicious gator. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. From bald eagles and ospreys to sea turtles, fish, and tiny rays swimming in seagrass meadows. Run away as fast as you can in a straight line. 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. Alligators are plentiful in central Florida, including the Orlando area. 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. Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. The answer to that question is yes and no. 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. Are there any alligators in Lake Murray SC? Hi there! The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. Animals thinking about hanging out on low-hanging branches above the water may want to think again. This includes not just the outskirts, but right in the center of the city! They weigh up to 80 to 100 lbs. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when the water temperature is between 82 and 92F. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. The Ichetucknee River -due to its spring fed source- stays a consistent 72 to 73 degrees year round. 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. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. There are seven places in Florida where you can Kayak without having to worry too much about floating past an unhappy alligator. Alligators are freshwater creatures. The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. And dont forget your camera! But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. When people say alligators are all over the place in Florida, they're not lying. Its also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc.What Floridians fear most, according to their Google searches. It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone. The island is known for its pristine beaches and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for kayaking. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. Skip Navigation Share on Facebook Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. That increased to 7,114 last year, according to FWC data. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. It is highly recommended that all menstruating women wear a diaper in addition to a full wetsuit too help cover the scent of their menstruations. With over 200,000 wild alligators calling this park their home, this is one of the best places to see alligators in Florida! Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing. So they are in Clearwater, but not in saltwater. by Wallace Thomas. The only place where Crocodiles and Alligators coexist is in the Southern Parts of Florida. 13 Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL, Texas Kayaking Laws: Kayak Rules And Regulations In Texas. A large part of the Calusa Blueway is the Caloosahatchee River. So always be aware of your surroundings and never approach an alligator, even if it looks like its sleeping. Although Florida has a large alligator population. Make Noise. We started this blog as a place to go to when we had questions about buying our first home on the lake. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. 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. American crocodiles are not found in Orlando but are found in South Florida, the Caribbean, Southern Mexico and Central America. You should look out for saltwater rivers or those with freshwater mixing with salt water and rivers with low temperatures and sandy floors. 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. Eight major crystal-clear springs join the Ichetucknee River. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. That said, alligator-on-human attacks are somewhat frequent, more so than other predators such as sharks, because alligators have grown increasingly bold in where they venture. You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with more than 2,300. Put on your life jacket, grab your paddle, and set off for an exciting adventure in Florida! RELATED: 750-pound alligator found in Jupiter has new home in Gatorland. How do astronauts brush their teeth in space? Males can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh 800 pounds, with the largest ever recorded measuring 17.5 feet. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. After several years of teaching, I transitioned into the world of educational consulting. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. These conditions, accompanied by the sandy river floors. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. Statewide, 6,700 nuisance alligators were killed or relocated in 2017. Pre-registration is required for each. National Geographic did an entire study disproving this fact. Video. From clear streams to tannic waters, nighttime natural underwater light shows to coastal waters. Do Not Corner An alligator These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. American alligators reside nearly exclusively in the freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes of the southeastern United States, primarily Florida and Louisiana. 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. The American crocodile stays in coastal areas, while the alligator remains in freshwater habitats. Unlike humans who peak as teens, alligators continue to grow as long as they live. Alligators are shy animals that usually avoid human contact. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. Like bears, gators can smell the menstruation, which will put your entire party at risk. We love outdoor adventures! Notably, they are been naturally increasing their range into parts of Tennessee. ST. LUCIE COUNTY Three more alligators have been removed from the Spanish Lakes Fairways community in northern St. Lucie County after an 85-year-old woman died following a Monday alligator . Of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring State Park is also a place! Three florida areas with no alligators areas, while the alligator remains in freshwater habitats are where can... In 2017 its water tubing that to car crash statistics, it is not recommended for,... At all uncommon to catch prey on dry land this message are perfect for novice! Always carry a whistle in case of an emergency with salt water rays... Naturally aggressive toward humans fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators most... So follow the local regulations, so you can find out more which... In a large part of the best places to explore calm and shallow areas to explore is perfect for relaxing... 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