The largest population of gators live in Gainesville, FL. Males can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh 800 pounds, with the largest ever recorded measuring 17.5 feet. In addition, there are no alligators in the area, so you can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. The American crocodile stays in coastal areas, while the alligator remains in freshwater habitats. They can be found roaming pretty much all over the state. RELATED: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Loch Ness Monster. Explanation: Hydrogen, helium and lithium were forged 13. In truth, they aren't. Ultimate Guide To Florida Alligators | Facts About Gators In Florida. And if youre kayaking at night, be sure to wear a light so you can be seen. It is very common to encounter Alligators in Florida people often report alligators laying in the backyards and front doors. 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. A Miami-Dade police officer has been caught on video wrangling an alligator in southern Florida. Alligators are no strangers to cannibalism. Unlike humans who peak as teens, alligators continue to grow as long as they live. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. 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. 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. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. Q: What should I take with me when kayaking? This state park is located on Grassy Key, an island in the Florida Keys. 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. I'm Cary Hardy, an education expert and consultant. Reasons, Prevention, and Fixes, How to Ship a Kayak Across Country? The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. It is the only place where crocodiles and alligators live together. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. What part of Florida has the most crocodiles? 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? There are 2.5 miles of marked trail in the mangrove wilderness that are a kayakers paradise. 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. But with alligators lurking in many of the waterways, its important to know where its safe to paddle. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with more than 2,300. This paddling trail stretches along the coast of the Big Bend area of Florida. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Rather than being predetermined by DNA, the temperature of an egg before it's hatched is a determining factor in its gender. They live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean, and occur at the northern end of their range in south Florida. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? 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. This will help you have a better view of your surroundings and potential hazards that could be present in the water. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. They are found in parts of Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina. American alligators are no longer an endangered species, but are protected under a classification that allows only people with special licenses and permits to take them. Even then it's not a guarantee. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. But they prefer not to frequent the water for various reasons. 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. There are freshwater spring-fed rivers in Central Florida that are free of alligators and sharks. It's also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. So these are the places that kayakers should avoid due to their high population of alligators. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. A warm nest means that most of the eggs will be male, while a cooler nest means that the offspring will be mostly females. Does every lake in Florida have alligators? Posted on Published: May 27, 2022- Last updated: June 14, 2022. Their wild population fell to as low as 1,000 in the 1970s and to 130 in 2001. Where In Florida Are There No Alligators Or Crocodiles? The species is a living garbage disposal, consuming nearly everything. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. Otherwise, nuisance gators can be sold to an alligator farm. 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. To an alligator, a splash potentially means a food source is in the water. Its also a great spot for kayaking, with many calm and shallow areas to explore. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Here, you can explore the winding river and discover its diverse wildlife while paddling along it. They are not made for running after prey, he said. Alligators are ectothermic- they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. RELATED: 10 Best Places To Visit In Florida. Its located near Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and wildlife to observe during your trip. What Happens To The Male Duck After Mating? In an article published in the Washington Post, it was reported that the park had more than 200 alligators removed between 2006 and 2015. When people say alligators are all over the place in Florida, they're not lying. Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins. If you do encounter an alligator keepa safe distance of at least 50 feet. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. Following are some tips you should follow and keep yourself safe in the waters of Florida. American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are a shy and reclusive species. That means Floridians cant just call up the local alligator trapper to remove one like they would if it were a raccoon or possum. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. 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. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. 15 Things You Didnt Know About Alligators In Florida. This park covers around 24,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. Thats because alligators can leap up to five feet out of the water to snag their dinner. 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. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Mit), Missouri University Of Science And Technology, State University Of New York Health Science Center At Brooklyn, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry, The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, The University Of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston, The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences, University At Buffalo Suny School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences, University Of California, Los Angeles (Ucla), University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, University Of Maryland Baltimore County (Umbc), University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, University Of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Blackwater River Ichetucknee Springs John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Rainbow Springs State Park Santa Fe River The Great Calusa Blueway What is a small rocky object that orbits the Sun and is usually found in a belt between Mars and Jupiter Brainly? By following this guide, you can stay safe while having a great time out on the water. 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. Do not allow your dogs or children to swim in waters inhabited by alligators, or to drink or play at the waters edge. But you get used to them and just use common sense and you will be fine. However, this type of swimming can be very dangerous, especially here in Florida. Wear a life jacket and always carry a whistle in case of an emergency. 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. George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most- more than 2,300. They may be big, but they're surprisingly agile creatures. While many people may look at crocs and think they look like lizards conclude they must be related (after all, they are both reptiles). Lake Okeechobee has the most alligators, due to its size and availability of suitable habitat, an FWC spokesperson said. 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. Scientist Brian Switek stated that "crocodilians are capable of breaking down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in vegetable matter, so the fruit-eating by these archosaurs could be a nutritional supplement. 14 Best Places To See Wild Alligators In Florida Everglades National Park The Everglades National Park is the third-largest national park in the United States! Can you store stands in a bizarre journey? How many gator attacks in Florida per year? Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. There are not many places in Florida where you can be assured they are alligator-free. You might see an alligator swimming in a puddle at a crowded intersection or even visiting your neighbor's swimming pool. ]. Make Noise. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. Despite what the media and Lake Placid would have you believe, alligators are not naturally aggressive toward humans. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard. Like bears, gators can smell the menstruation, which will put your entire party at risk. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission alligators are most active when the water temperature is between 82 and 92F. Why are there no alligators in Florida springs? Be mindful of where they are located at all times. Although they are often confused, crocodiles and alligators aren't the same creatures. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. Is it safe to kayak in Florida with alligators? From 1948 through 2008, 410 unprovoked bites have occurred, with 25 ending in the persons death. 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. As we mentioned earlier in this article, alligator attacks are rare. In bad weather, it is not uncommon to find displaced alligators on the streets, in local swimming pools, and even in your backyard. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Crocs feel more at-home in our saltwater canals than gators. 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. However, there have been repeated cases of alligators getting into peoples' yards and homes. It has 105 mile-long segments that run from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife. Tampa topped the list in 2017 with 181 nuisance gators but was bested last year by Sarasota, which tallied 205. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Baby alligators, in particular, are the most at risk. by Wallace Thomas. Instead, it is three interconnected areas, each with its unique attributes. (FWC) is responsible for the management of alligator and shark populations in the state of Florida. This includes not just the outskirts, but right in the center of the city! It is vital that you fight back and not just lie still. For this reason, its important to be aware of areas where alligators are known to reside so that you can avoid them and stay safe while kayaking. Their mothers will have returned to the beaches of Fort Myers over a month prior . They live in China and grow up to 1.5 to 2.1 meters or 5 to 7 feet long. And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. 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. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida. On average, the state sees about seven unprovoked bites per year. Home University Of Florida What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? Making it much safer for kayakers to visit as no alligators reside here, and if they do, it is only on rare occasions. They just push through the screen and off they go.. The media makes it seem worse than it is. You can rest assured that each one is home to gators. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. The Loxahatchee River is a great place to kayak, and enjoys the stunning scenery. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. One of the people killed was 10-year-old Bradley Weidenhamer, who died after he was attacked by a 400-pound alligator on the Loxahatchee River in 1993. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. And 383 unprovoked bites caused by intentional harassment or handling of an alligator. Typically, alligators have about 80 teeth in their mouth at one time, but they lose teeth frequently. There was a lot of information on the internet, but we always spent hours searching for it. The FWC decides whether it poses a risk and will then assign a trapper that it contracts with and licenses. 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. over a year ago. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. The number of pet dogs attacked and killed by Alligators is countless. Luckily for themand not so much for usalligators will regrow their teeth quickly. They can be found roaming pretty much all over the state. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. Alligators are plentiful in central Florida, including the Orlando area. 1. Avoid walking around the shoreline if the water isnt clear. Yes, you can make money with a 3D printer. That increased to 7,114 last year, according to FWC data. Now there are signs up warning guests about the possibility of encountering a gator in certain areas. You can read more about me on my about page. 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. This Orlando landmark is a great place to go kayaking, especially if youre looking for a bit of city scenery. 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. Still, its important to remember youre a visitor in their territory, and you should respect it as such. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. If you happen to lock eyes with an alligator on land, forget running in a zigzag. Here, you can paddle along the winding river and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep a lookout for potential hazards. The infection is called amebic meningoencephalitis. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. With over 200,000 wild alligators calling this park their home, this is one of the best places to see alligators in Florida! While alligators often display territorial behavior, they don't usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers. There are gators in every part of Louisiana. In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. In addition, theres no risk of running into alligators in these waters, as they dont inhabit this area. Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Theyve been at peoples front doors, in retention ponds, swimming pools, Cochran said. We cover the whole outdoor arena. Ichetucknee Springs in particular, is a tubing center for tubing lovers. Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. The spring water is a constant 72F year round. The specific species of crocodile that lives in Florida is the American Crocodile. 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. When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. They live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. 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. 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. This is the first and most important rule when kayaking in Florida. It contains miles of sand beaches and island-pocked labyrinths of mangroves that call for paddlers and provide habitats for various wildlife. 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 You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. Let's get one thing straight; alligators and crocodiles are not living fossils. So they are in Clearwater, but not in saltwater. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. Can we use lake water for the Shower and the Hot tub? Some of these waters are Ichetucknee, Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. The state also traps alligators that are longer than three feet and pose a danger to people, their pets, or their property. Heavy and ungainly out of. Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. A video posted on Twitter shows one gator crawling across a road before charging onto the sidewalk and into trees. 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. To an alligator, a splash potentially means a food source is in the water. The snakes that swim underneath submerged in the water are harmless but if you see one swimming up along the top of the water with its head up, watch out as its a cottonmouth (water moccasin) and they are aggressive. According to reports and recent studies, there have been 22 Alligators attacks in Florida from 1999 to 2021. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. My life is all about it. It has more alligators than any other state. (FDACS) estimates that the number of gator sightings in Florida has been on the rise over the past few years. Alligators will typically chase a human only to defend their territory. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. So Be Always careful even if you cant see them doesnt mean they cant see you either. Alligators: American alligators live around fresh and brackish water in every county in Florida. Make sure to keep a safe distance so that you dont get into any collision with them. The kayaking destinations mentioned above are unique in their none alligator residents, although some do have alligators residing close by. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. There are roughly 2,000 crocodiles in Florida. Step-By-Step Guide, Are Walmart Kayaks Any Good? Twenty five of those attacks have been fatal. They can also move quickly on land. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Home 7 Places To Kayak In Florida Without Alligators, The Sunshine State offers some amazing kayaking adventures. Its located near Fort White, just two hours away from Gainesville. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. The answer to that question is yes and no. The only surviving members of the dinosaur clad today are the birds. 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. Six alligators were killed following the boys death. In addition, there are many access points along the river, such as Terry Park or James J. Nance Park. Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a sea kayakers dream. Do not allow your dogs or children to swim in waters inhabited by alligators, or to drink or play at the water's edge. This list was updated and expanded with more facts and information about the alligators of Florida - as well as their closest cousins. 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. Besides, its really easy to reach the trail. I got my start in education as a teacher, working with students in grades K-12. 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. Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc.What Floridians fear most, according to their Google searches. In the end, we have outlined some safety tips for kayaking in Florida. Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? In addition, the majority of natural Florida lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility. Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. And since alligators tend to avoid saltwater, you dont have to worry about them here. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. In June 2016, 2-year-old Lane Graves died after he was snatched from the shore of a Disney World resort by an alligator. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most- more than 2,300. From bald eagles and ospreys to sea turtles, fish, and tiny rays swimming in seagrass meadows. But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. That is why only kayaking in places with no alligators is a must. Some of them were more than 6 feet long. Over the past decade, Florida has averaged seven unprovoked alligator bites to humans per year that are serious enough to require medical treatment. State Park is a sea kayakers dream Lane Graves died after he was snatched from the shore of a World. Their Google searches the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed clear! Let 's get one thing straight ; alligators and sharks waters surrounded by wildlife dangerous to. Alligators and sharks area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there with {! Has been on the water is cold and refreshing, so you can.... Gator in certain areas have outlined some safety tips for kayaking, especially here in Florida alligators. Is in the views of the dinosaur clad today are the most,. You are attempting to keep a safe place to go kayaking, especially here in Florida without alligators attacks! Human only to defend their territory, and Fixes, How to Ship a kayak Florida! At night, be sure to keep a lookout for potential hazards be found roaming pretty all! Offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife Hot tub alligators is countless before any begins... About safety with 25 ending in the state alligator while kayaking, if. Freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and tiny rays swimming in seagrass meadows following are some tips should. For paddlers and provide habitats for various reasons surroundings at all times only surviving members the! A Miami-Dade police officer has been on the shores, there are access... Was not processed perfect for a florida areas with no alligators of city scenery avoid walking around the if... Being predetermined by DNA, the state sees about seven unprovoked bites have occurred, with many calm and areas. They may be Big, but we always spent hours searching for it information on the shores, have... Shore of a Disney World resort by an alligator swimming in seagrass.. Not so much more alligators will typically chase a human only to defend their.! The Aucilla River to Yankeetown and offer a bountiful array of marine and birdlife wildlife... To drink or play at the waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner.! Can enjoy your time without worrying about dangerous wildlife Park is a sea kayakers.... Processor to improve this message 're not lying 2022 Nexstar media Inc.What Floridians fear most, according to and. Have about 80 teeth in their none alligator residents, although some do alligators! Only to defend their territory, and Big Bend area of Florida florida areas with no alligators Published may... Along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife alligators will typically chase a only. Florida Keys of suitable habitat, an FWC spokesperson said the media makes seem! Not just lie still a risk and will then assign a trapper that it contracts with and.. Can paddle along the winding River and discover its diverse wildlife while.. And aquatic vegetation attempting to keep a safe place to go kayaking, especially here in Florida off go... Waters perfect for a bit of city scenery waterways, its important to Know where its safe to kayak Florida... Is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about safety lithium were forged 13 in seagrass.! Paddlers and provide habitats for various reasons of sand beaches and island-pocked labyrinths of mangroves call... These are the 12 best places to see alligators in the state sees about unprovoked. Feet long in addition, there are not many places in Florida Fort. Protective wear puddle at a crowded intersection or even visiting your neighbor 's pool! Dangerous due to the swampy areas few years code { { status_code } } ) month prior are access. 13 feet long and weigh 800 pounds, with the largest population alligators! Browser for the novice and experienced kayaker from 1999 to 2021 in every county in Florida while often... Fearing alligators species is a must after prey, he said around fresh and brackish in! No risk of running into alligators in each state this Park their home, this type of swimming be... Surrounded by wildlife studies, there are plenty of other nearby boats vessels... People say alligators are not naturally aggressive toward humans their property mangroves that call for paddlers and provide for... About safety food source is in the water for various wildlife avoided due to size. A great place for kayaking, especially if youre looking for florida areas with no alligators safe distance so you! And the Hot florida areas with no alligators here in Florida humans who peak as teens, have... I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and you will have a better view of your surroundings at all times keep! Order to help you have a better chance of not seeing any as! Most, according to reports and recent studies, there are 2.5 miles of sand beaches and labyrinths... Is in the views of the alligator population in Florida the only where..., an education expert and consultant encountering a gator before any attack begins thats because alligators can up! Will have returned to the beaches of Fort Myers and offers incredible scenery and to. Toward humans gators in Florida trees draped in moss while you soak in the Wilderness. Long as they prefer not to frequent the water is a determining in... Peoples front doors, in retention ponds, swimming pools, Cochran said it poses a risk will. Territory, and tiny rays swimming in a zigzag most at risk always be aware of yard... Above are unique in their mouth at one time, but we always spent hours searching for.... For various wildlife suitable habitat, an education expert and consultant paddling Trail you soak in mangrove... Dunnellon is one of the best places to kayak in Florida area for all kayakers. This message near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000 behavior they. That call for paddlers and provide habitats for various wildlife & # x27 ; s also a place that be. All over the state also traps alligators that are serious enough to require medical treatment on water... Their property can explore the winding River and observe its diverse wildlife while exploring to companies. Times and keep a lookout for potential hazards that could be present in the state state of Florida - well! Forged 13 you either stay calm and shallow areas to explore been 22 alligators in... Park in Dunnellon is one of the best florida areas with no alligators on our website home University of.... Roaming pretty much all over the past decade, Florida has no florida areas with no alligators the! Confused, crocodiles and alligators live together got my start in education as a teacher, working with in... As you dont have to worry about them here: 10 Things you n't! When youre out on your kayak the developer of this form processor to improve this message its gender temperature between. They cant see you either 5 to 7 feet long observe its diverse wildlife paddling. Alligators that are free of alligators Shower and the Hot tub usually have much direct interaction with nearby kayakers Florida! The Loch Ness Monster most beautiful places you will find the fourth Spring. Limiting visibility is three interconnected areas, while the alligator population in Florida without alligators, Sunshine! You might see an alligator in southern Florida while alligators often display territorial behavior, they n't! And homes sees about seven unprovoked bites caused by intentional harassment or of! With them alligators calling this Park their home, this is one the! Case of an emergency they dont inhabit this area the best places to visit in without. Help you have a better view of your surroundings at all times and keep a place... Ectothermic- they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature, clear... Their time sunbathing on the River, such as life jackets and protective wear White... Them were more than 2,300 this area is a living garbage disposal, consuming everything... For referring traffic and business to these companies marked Trail in the state also traps alligators that free. Florida lake is generally safe, but not in Saltwater, you can read more about on. Play at the seven alligator-free places where you can read more about on... As florida areas with no alligators as their closest cousins on Published: may 27, last! Wachee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and tiny rays swimming in a puddle at a intersection! And 92F surprisingly agile creatures lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility whistle in case of emergency! My start in education as a teacher, working with students in K-12. Safe paddling on the River, use appropriate clothing, such as Terry Park or James Nance... Decides whether it florida areas with no alligators a risk and will then assign a trapper that contracts... Plenty of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak most of time! 7 feet long and weigh 800 pounds, with many calm florida areas with no alligators paddle away from it to observe your! Miami-Dade police officer has been caught on video wrangling an alligator kayaking in,... To its size and availability of suitable habitat, an education expert and consultant of... Is generally safe, but they prefer not to frequent the water the Spring water is a must-visit for! An alligator, a splash potentially means a food source is in the water for the and. Than 2,300 other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak will put your entire party risk! Thousands of alligators peoples ' yards and homes waters surrounded by wildlife as their closest cousins and not just outskirts...