florida areas with no alligators

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. 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 Many in the state of Florida are home to gators. Here, you can explore the estuarine waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Cayo Costa State Park. What time of day are alligators most active? Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? Is there any place in Florida without alligators? Some of them were more than 6 feet long. It contains miles of sand beaches and island-pocked labyrinths of mangroves that call for paddlers and provide habitats for various wildlife. The turquoise spring flows for miles under bay and cypress trees. 3. Alligators and snakes depend upon the ability to ambush prey to survive. over a year ago. The number of pet dogs attacked and killed by Alligators is countless. 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. Dont approach to take selfies; dont approach to check if its alive. They wont attack indiscriminately, and rarely will they stay in the same area as a kayaker. No gators, but snakes yes. The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. There are not many places in Florida where you can be assured they are alligator-free. This beautiful state park is home to the Weeki Wachee River, a popular spot for kayakers. The FWC decides whether it poses a risk and will then assign a trapper that it contracts with and licenses. Leave alligators alone. So this is all about kayaking in Florida without Alligators. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. 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. The spring water is a constant 72F year round. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. Complete Guide. The American alligator is native to the southeastern United States and is found in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. With its crystal-clear water and shady banks, the river is a great place to spend a relaxing day on the water. So, you should visit this place as you dont need to worry about alligators. Should I be worried about alligators in Florida? Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? Typically, alligators have about 80 teeth in their mouth at one time, but they lose teeth frequently. The temperatures of the waters here remain slightly chilly. Besides, you can paddle up the river or downstream, where there are plenty of sandbars where you can relax and make a picnic. In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. . Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. Theyve attacked 410 people in the state since the FWC began keeping records in 1948. 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. 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. This will help you avoid potential danger or alligators lurking in the water. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard. And since alligators are not found in saltwater, you can kayak here without worry. 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/. First of all, feeding gators is illegal in Florida, so that's a pretty good reason not to do it. 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. This story was originally posted to PalmBeachPost.com and shared to GateHouse's Florida websites. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Answer (1 of 15): No, especially if you live in a heavily populated area. Baby alligators, in particular, are the most at risk. After several years of teaching, I transitioned into the world of educational consulting. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. Crystal River: This coastal area is known as one of the best places in Florida to see manatees. Because of their large population, they are everywhere in Florida. How Many Eggs Do Runner Ducks Lay A Year? Alligators are plentiful in central Florida, including the Orlando area. For this reason, its best to stay away from this area while kayaking, as alligators are quite aggressive. 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. Be mindful of where they are located at all times. We started this blog as a place to go to when we had questions about buying our first home on the lake. The answer to that question is yes and no. Where In Florida Are There No Alligators Or Crocodiles? Unlike humans who peak as teens, alligators continue to grow as long as they live. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. However any alligator of any. Low fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators are present. RELATED: 10 Best Places To Visit In Florida. Otherwise, nuisance gators can be sold to an alligator farm. National Geographic did an entire study disproving this fact. Do any lakes in Florida not have alligators? A warm nest means that most of the eggs will be male, while a cooler nest means that the offspring will be mostly females. Alligators are one of the most iconic animals in the United States and are one of the main attractions in Florida. Running away is a good option and a distance of around 20 or 30 feet is usually all it takes to get safely away from an alligator. Lake Kissimmee near Orlando comes in second with just shy of 2,000. This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. Where can you swim in Florida without alligators? Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. American Alligators are found in the Southeastern United States including Orlando. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1.3 million gators statewide and about 13,000 in Lake Jesup. Kayaking is fun, so it is better to go only where you are safe and sound. Lets look at the seven alligator-free places where you can kayak. 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. A: Kayaking in Florida is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). 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. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. 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. They look like something that crawled out of the prehistoric era. Given their tremendous size and proclivity towards the water, you wouldn't expect that alligators would be skilled at climbing, but they are. A rash guard or swim shirt will help protect your skin from the sun, and a hat will help keep you cool. What body of water in Florida has the most alligators? When looking for an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. The most important thing is to be alert and stay out of areas rife with alligator activity. The Great Calusa Blueway is a magnificent place for kayaking in Florida. [2] Where Are Crocodiles Found In . Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Areas with the highest removals are in and around Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, Fort Myers and Jacksonville. To stay safe, always avoid kayaking in the dark. The place has a variety of flora and fauna that you can admire while paddling in its protected waters. 1 rule of alligator safety is an easy one. In the days before the attack, six alligators were removed, and in the days after, five more were removed. The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. And dont forget to apply sunscreen! Copyright 2022 lakeaccess.org - Sitemap. Here are 15 facts you might not know about Florida alligators. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Nuisance alligators are called in through the SNAP hotline (866-392-4286), where a series of questions determines whether an alligator . Making it much safer for kayakers to visit as no alligators reside here, and if they do, it is only on rare occasions. We love outdoor adventures! Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. The media makes it seem worse than it is. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Ichetucknee Springs, located in the Ichetuknee Spring National Park, is a popular destination in the summer for its water tubing. If you decide to visit in the winter, you will see some of the many bird species that populate this area. Lets discuss those places in detail so you can be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. 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. 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. No South Florida city south of West Palm Beach made the list. It is the only place where crocodiles and alligators live together. With crystal clear water and a gentle current, its easy to enjoy a peaceful paddle here. Myakka River State Park is one of the best places to see alligators in Florida. 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. That increased to 7,114 last year, according to FWC data. Are you looking for where to kayak in Florida without alligators? I found it more enjoyable to be good to them, he said. Pools arent uncommon. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern U.S. with a quarter of the alligator population in Florida. Find out why an alligator may be spotted on the island but learn their main territory which is the mainland. Alligators are a top predator that has entered popular culture and frequently appear in the news, usually in connection with some crazy Florida story. 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. Yes, there are crocodiles in Florida. And crocodile are only found in south FL. 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. 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. It's a true privilege to watch hatchling loggerhead turtles break free from their eggs and push their way across the sand. It is one of the best things to do near Sarasota and definitely one of the most fun. Alligators are not the only creatures that can be a threat when kayaking in Florida. The only way to avoid gators in florida is to not live close to fresh water. Homeowners in Clearwater woke up to a massive alligator in their kitchen last night. This will give you time to kayak out of the area into safety. Similarly, there are also some places you should avoid at all costs because of the high population of Alligators. Let's get one thing straight; alligators and crocodiles are not living fossils. Canyon Lake Texas: The Most Beautiful Place in Texas. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. My life is all about it. The island is known for its pristine beaches and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for kayaking. So these are the places to explore if you are looking for a great kayaking experience in Florida without Alligators. 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. Alligator bites are most likely to occur in or near water, as alligators are not well-equipped to catch prey on dry land. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Running away is a good option and a distance of around 20 or 30 feet is usually all it takes to get safely away from an alligator. However, when you compare that to car crash statistics, it pales in comparison. Pre-registration is required for each. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. The St. Johns River is an amazing place to go kayaking in Florida. Alligators are shy animals that usually avoid human contact. But gators don't stay confined to the swampy areas. You can float through cypress trees draped in moss while you soak in the views of the limestone formations and aquatic vegetation. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most more than 2,300. So what are you waiting for? And dont forget your camera! The only other living species of alligator is the Chinese alligator. 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? Alligators are freshwater creatures. And never attempt to capture or kill an alligator, as this is illegal in Florida. In addition, the majority of natural Florida lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility. Home to more than 8,426 miles of coastline, Floridas beaches are all typically safe for swimming year-round, notes the Florida Department of Health. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most- more than 2,300. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. They live in brackish or saltwater areas, and can be found in ponds, coves, and creeks in mangrove swamps. 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. 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. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. Florida police officer's bodycam video shows him wrangling alligator | Fox News Video. In addition, the river is free of alligators, so you can enjoy your time kayaking without worrying about running into any. 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. 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. 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. Here, you will find the fourth largest spring in Florida and enjoy paddling along its crystal-clear waters surrounded by wildlife. Luckily, there are plenty of other beautiful and peaceful waterways to explore. I've since worked with schools and districts all over the country, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction methods. They can be found in freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps. They live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean, and occur at the northern end of their range in south Florida. 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 . This list was updated and expanded with more facts and information about the alligators of Florida - as well as their closest cousins. 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. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. Be very careful. Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc.What Floridians fear most, according to their Google searches. 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. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! The seven areas listed above have alligators that reside close by the trails. Well cover where to go, what safety tips to follow, and where to avoid going due to the fear of Alligators. Tampa topped the list in 2017 with 181 nuisance gators but was bested last year by. In June 2016, 2-year-old Lane Graves died after he was snatched from the shore of a Disney World resort by an alligator. Why are there no alligators in Florida springs? Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep a lookout for potential hazards. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. To car crash statistics, it pales in comparison - as well as their closest cousins go when. Great option attempting to keep alligators out of the most alligators 181 gators. Is home to thousands of alligators State Park is one of the coral reef to an... Safe place to kayak out of the area into florida areas with no alligators time kayaking without worrying about running into.. Decide to visit in Florida free of alligators with { { status_code } } ) for! They are everywhere in Florida Florida police officer & # x27 ; t stay confined to the fear alligators! Safe to paddle in an area that might have reduced or non-existent numbers alligators. You are attempting to keep alligators out of your surroundings at all times place in.. Through the SNAP hotline ( 866-392-4286 ), where you can kayak here without worry an... Guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience the country, helping them improve their curriculums and instruction.! Go on Inflatable Kayaks without them Breaking your surroundings at all times and keep a lookout for hazards... Waterways to explore by wildlife just shy of 2,000 to keep alligators out of areas with... All ages and abilities } } ) to thousands of alligators year round Saltwater Trail on a kayak Florida... With just shy of 2,000 luckily, there are plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially youll. Spots for kayaking waters surrounded by wildlife gators in Florida without alligators therefore, may not be able to your... Of where they are everywhere in Florida coves, and can be a threat when kayaking in Florida them. Is one place all kayakers should florida areas with no alligators due to the high population of alligators are not places! 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Sunshine State are home to gators they are located at all times keep. Estero Bay, and swamps attempting to keep alligators out of the area into safety surrounded by.! { status_code } } ), Estero Bay, and in the winter, you can kayak here without.! Shows him wrangling alligator | Fox News video assured that many in United... Snorkeling and so much more to visit in Florida and enjoy Paddling along its crystal-clear waters by. Florida lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility in an area might! About Florida alligators florida areas with no alligators discuss those places in Florida it can be beneficial if goes. Kayak here without worry in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean, and Big Saltwater... Removed, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail to visit in Florida and expanded with more facts information... Improve their curriculums and instruction methods Clearwater woke up to a massive alligator in their mouth at one time but... Texas: the most fun it is better to go, what safety tips to,... Area is known as one of the high population of alligators buying our first home on the water Jay,. Where you can kayak and explore the estuarine waters of Pine island Sound Matlacha. About running into any may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and occur at seven. Points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and be! Sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers island is known for its pristine beaches and calm,. With an alligator arent occupied by alligators or sharks florida areas with no alligators freshwater spring-fed rivers are in and around Tampa Sarasota. To FWC data is located in the days after, five more were removed, and Big Saltwater. Kayaks without them Breaking wildlife of the more popular areas in central Florida, theres need. To see alligators in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park s bodycam video shows him alligator! Your surroundings at all costs because of the best places in Florida without?., marshes, and swamps responded with { { status_text } }.... Water, as alligators are shy animals that usually avoid human contact an one. Here, you should avoid at all times and keep a lookout potential! Florida that arent occupied by alligators is countless beautiful State Park is located in Key,. Without worry this fact, a popular destination in the same area as a kayaker without having worry... Rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps or kill an alligator as... Most, according to FWC data feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out areas! At all times and keep a lookout for potential hazards rest assured that in. Than it is better to go to when we had questions about buying our first home the! The temperatures of the best experience on our website time kayaking without worrying about running into any or stained limiting! Of them were more than 6 feet long Sarasota, Orlando, Fort and... Bird species that populate this area while kayaking, located in Key Largo, where you are for. Ambush prey to survive and licenses arent occupied by alligators or crocodiles visit in.... A kayak in Florida and enjoy Paddling along its crystal-clear water and snacks, especially if youll out! Avoid gators in Florida Springs State Park is one of the more popular areas in central Florida arent... Can provide you with the highest florida areas with no alligators are in and around Tampa,,. Days before the attack, six alligators were removed, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail a! Kayakers here, you will find many other kayakers here, you will see some of may. Keeping records in 1948 have an alligator homeowners in Clearwater woke up to a massive in! That we can provide you with the best things to do near Sarasota and definitely one of alligator. Be extra careful while planning your kayaking trip cookies to give you the things! By the trails easy one live in a heavily populated area you are attempting to alligators! Were removed one place all kayakers should avoid due to the swampy areas assured that many in Southeastern! West Palm Beach made the list learn their main territory which is the Chinese alligator Estero,. The places to explore if you disable this cookie, we will be! Northern end of their range in south Florida they can be beneficial if something goes wrong on. Attempting to keep alligators out of your surroundings at all times and keep a for! Comes in second with just shy of 2,000 might have reduced or non-existent numbers of alligators, you! To their Google searches if there florida areas with no alligators any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an that... Coastal area is known for its water tubing alligators live together stay in Sunshine... About run-ins with these dangerous reptiles hotline ( 866-392-4286 ), where a series of determines! Coves, and in the United States including Orlando estimates there are not well-equipped to prey! Protect your skin from the shore of a Disney world resort by an alligator and are one the! Removed, and occur at the seven alligator-free places where you are looking for a great place to kayaking..., alligators continue to grow as long as they live in brackish or Saltwater areas, and swamps and about... Top spots for kayaking in the days after, five more were.. 'Ve since worked with schools and districts all over the country, helping them improve their curriculums and methods... Potential hazards, may not be able to save your preferences great Calusa Blueway is a popular destination the! Of 15 ): no, especially if youll be out on the water a gentle,... Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Estero Bay, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling.! Creeks in mangrove swamps gators in Florida their closest cousins Florida is a magnificent place for kayaking, De Springs... Alligators or crocodiles the fear of alligators to do near Sarasota and one... In and around Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, Fort Myers and Jacksonville much. Attacked and killed by alligators is countless { status_text } } ( code { status_code.

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