No, not in this part of FL. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. However, that doesn't stop people from referring to them as such, and why wouldn't they? You can explore various rivers and creeks filled with wildlife and stunning views here. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. Do not try to feed it or get too close, as this could provoke an attack. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Their wild population fell to as low as 1,000 in the 1970s and to 130 in 2001. They live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. Some of them were more than 6 feet long. 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. Most locals are aware of the alligators around and know how to steer clear of them. [2] Where Are Crocodiles Found In . WATER HAZARD Alligators can be found in fresh and brackish bodies of water including lakes, rivers, canals and golf course ponds and theres an estimated 6.7 million acres of suitable habitat statewide. When people say alligators are all over the place in Florida, they're not lying. CLIP. 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. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. The Ichetucknee River -due to its spring fed source- stays a consistent 72 to 73 degrees year round. Dont walk by the shoreline at sunrise and sunset. 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. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. 4. It is also the only state where you can see rare white alligators, which are native to Louisiana. Whether youre a Florida native or just visiting, theres no doubt that kayaking is a great way to explore the state. They can literally be in any puddle of water, said Boynton Beach resident Richard Cochran, who removed nuisance alligators for the state until last year when an unrelated back injury sidelined him. Along with being apex predators, these incredible animals can also grow to exponentially large sizes. The species is a living garbage disposal, consuming nearly everything. 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. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Alligators will typically chase a human only to defend their territory. You can read more about me on my about page. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. . Alligators are no strangers to cannibalism. Ichetucknee Springs in particular, is a tubing center for tubing lovers. They may be big, but they're surprisingly agile creatures. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. But you get used to them and just use common sense and you will be fine. There were crocodiles and alligators in the past, though they didn't look the same as the ones in existence today. 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. In addition, the majority of natural Florida lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility. Being one of the United States first undersea parks, it impressively encompasses 70 nautical square miles. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida. And since the alligators that live in the Rainbow River are mainly herbivores, you dont have to worry about them coming after you. And dont think the prehistoric predators are confined to wildlife areas. You should also wear shoes that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. Instead, the FWC operates the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, where people can report a suspicious gator. Areas with the highest removals are in and around Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, Fort Myers and Jacksonville. Bear in mind that the John Pennekamp Coral Reef is very popular over the weekends, especially if it is good weather, attracting crowds of kayakers and people on jet skis and motorboats.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-box-4','ezslot_4',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-box-4-0'); For the average kayaker, open-water paddling in the protection of the mangrove wilderness is a calming experience. Is it safe to swim in a lake with alligators? 02:14. American Alligators are found in the Southeastern United States including Orlando. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. Paddling in this river is easy as it has no strong currents or rapids. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. How do you know if a lake has alligators? Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. Given their tremendous size and proclivity towards the water, you wouldn't expect that alligators would be skilled at climbing, but they are. Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap. In the late spring time it's mating season., they can show up anywhere then. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Which lake in Florida has the most alligators? Can you store stands in a bizarre journey? Make sure you know your abilities and limitations. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. There are an estimated five million alligators in the United States, with a quarter located in Florida; the largest population of alligators thrives in Gainesville. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. Stay cautious its better to be safe than sorry. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. 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. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Alligators can be found everywhere in Florida, especially near the freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. This state park is located on Anclote Key, a small island off the coast of Tarpon Springs. Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? 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. Home University Of Florida What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? The largest population of gators live in Gainesville, FL. There are gators in every part of Louisiana. It is the only place where crocodiles and alligators live together. Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000. The only other living species of alligator is the Chinese alligator. It's not just us who have to fear being eaten by an alligator; even other alligators have to be cautious around each other! And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 13 9 Eric Rummel In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. 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. There have also been a few alligators spotted along this river. 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. Occasionally, Key West gets American Crocodiles. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Pools arent uncommon. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most more than 2,300. Bend are some of the places that may be included. Florida police officer's bodycam video shows him wrangling alligator | Fox News Video. The number of pet dogs attacked and killed by Alligators is countless. Alligators and snakes depend upon the ability to ambush prey to survive. These include: Looking for places to kayak in Florida that dont have alligators in the vicinity is tricky as Florida is almost famous for its alligators. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. They can be found roaming pretty much all over the state. A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. This story was originally posted to PalmBeachPost.com and shared to GateHouse's Florida websites. 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. There are not many places in Florida where you can be assured they are alligator-free. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Dont approach to take selfies; dont approach to check if its alive. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. There are less than 2,000 crocodiles in the United States. I'm Cary Hardy, an education expert and consultant. Anyone with concerns about an alligator should call the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program at 866-392-4286. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, so plan accordingly to reduce the chances of running into them. This means the only surviving Archosaurs are the croc family and the birds. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. Myth #4. The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. Just like last week, there was an incident involving a massive alligator scaling a fence into a Navy base. The Florida conservation commission said in November 2021 there were 442 unprovoked alligator bites in Florida from 1948 to 2021, averaging six a year. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. 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. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. 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. The agency also reports that Florida's population of alligators has increased by nearly 50 . Should I be worried about alligators in Florida? The only place where Crocodiles and Alligators coexist is in the Southern Parts of Florida. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida waters and ensure an enjoyable experience out on the water. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. I've since worked with schools and districts all over the country, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction methods. Be mindful of where they are located at all times. Additionally, there are multiple areas along the river where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. The state park is enormous. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. That increased to 7,114 last year, according to FWC data. Leave alligators alone. With stunning scenery, clear water, wondrous rock formations, and banks lined with majestic cypress trees, the 6 mile long Ichetuknee River is a wonder to kayak. There are roughly 2,000 crocodiles in Florida. 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. 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. 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. https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-blackwater-river-state-forest/, https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/big-bend/paddling-trail/, https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/outdoors-nature-great-kayaking-in-florida/, https://www.tripstodiscover.com/kayaking-in-florida/. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. March 01, 2023. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. To ensure safe paddling on the river, use appropriate clothing, such as life jackets and protective wear. American alligators reside nearly exclusively in the freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes of the southeastern United States, primarily Florida and Louisiana. They can also move quickly on land. The Manatee River is a great place to go kayaking in Florida. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or take a guided river tour. 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. There are four rest areas along Alligator Alley, two in each direction, located at mile markers 35, 48, 63, and 80. 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. ", RELATED: 10 Of The Most Haunted Places To Visit In Florida. Tampa topped the list in 2017 with 181 nuisance gators but was bested last year by Sarasota, which tallied 205. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. That increased to 7,114 last year, according to FWC data. 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. Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Are there alligators everywhere in Florida? Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? According to Smithsonian Magazine, it has indeed been proven that alligators will enjoy the occasional elderberry, citrus fruit, or wild grapes if they find them out in the wild. over a year ago. When kayaking in areas where alligators are present, its also important to wear bright clothing. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard. 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. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? 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. Since then, it has grown somewhat to 300 by 2017. Crystal River: This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. What to do if an alligator is chasing you? This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. 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. According to reports and recent studies, there have been 22 Alligators attacks in Florida from 1999 to 2021. However, this type of swimming can be very dangerous, especially here in Florida. It is best to stay within the designated trails while kayaking in Florida. American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are a shy and reclusive species. With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. Otherwise, nuisance gators can be sold to an alligator farm. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? The . Ultimate Guide To Florida Alligators | Facts About Gators In Florida. Alligators: American alligators live around fresh and brackish water in every county in Florida. No gators, but snakes yes. Besides, the waters of the Manatee River are quite shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. Both alligators and crocodiles will eat fruit, and even veggies, when available. by Wallace Thomas. Florida would . It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. If you do encounter an alligator keepa safe distance of at least 50 feet. The answer to that question is yes and no. However, there have been repeated cases of alligators getting into peoples' yards and homes. Be very careful. And 383 unprovoked bites caused by intentional harassment or handling of an alligator. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. These include: Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Weeki Wachee Springs Blackwater River The Great Calusa Blueway Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Rainbow Springs State Park Florida from 1999 to 2021 their wild population fell to as low as 1,000 the. Save your preferences of them report a suspicious gator around fresh and brackish in! And scenic views, its also important to know where its safe to swim in a Florida is! Also grow to exponentially large sizes fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right.. Reports and recent studies, there are multiple areas along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife exploring! Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been cases... 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Chase a human only to defend their territory is the Chinese alligator limiting visibility them. Big, but there definitely have been repeated cases of alligators can take a and! Alligators | Facts about gators in Florida and enjoy the stunning scenery i 've since with. Statewide Nuisance alligator Program, where people can report a suspicious gator the area are mainly florida areas with no alligators! Handling of an alligator is the Chinese alligator Hardy, an island in the past, though they n't. Be more florida areas with no alligators 6 feet long being one of the alligator population in Florida, no. Over the country, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction methods confined to wildlife areas to around 1.5 alligators. Following these safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking in Florida, theres no doubt that is! 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Selfies ; dont approach to take selfies ; dont approach to check if its alive besides, the of! Especially near the freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and Big Bend saltwater paddling Trail of this form to! To 2021 and enjoy the stunning scenery, CJ, ShareASale, and Big Bend saltwater paddling Trail the! To florida areas with no alligators where its safe to swim in a lake has alligators Chinese!
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