Be sure to follow the advice of local authorities, laws and guidelines for specific kayaking areas. And now your inner self wishes to try out paddling in swampland and marshes. Alligators typically prefer blackwater rivers. Kayaking the Spring will take about three hours through twists and turns. There are two possible reasons for which the alligator approach the kayakers. Alligators who appear to be sluggish and docile before dusk, get more active than ever between dusk till dawn. So yes, that should be reason enough to always keep your limbs tucked inside your kayak. Nowadays, people tend to commemorate these kinds of special moments with photos and/or videos. It is also important that you are able to understand and recognize signs of aggression from these large reptiles.

Lastly, do not enter the water if you are in an area where sharks are known to be present. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare, keep your distance. The gator is telling you he feels threatened and will act very shortly. Floridians obtaining serious injury by a random, unprovoked alligator is really only about a one in 2.4 million chance. Avoid being outside of the kayak as much as possible, but especially during twilight hours when sharks are most active. (The Correct Way), How To Pack A Kayak For Camping? For this reason we recommend you keep your furry friend away from alligator waters, especially during feeding time. Of course, wildlife is very abundant throughout the state, but there are some other surprises, like the #8 Rainbow River on this list with its crystal clear water, or one of the many paddling trails that wind their way through the state.

Here are some areas within Central Florida where these animals arent too much of a problem.

In this circumstance, paddle away. Yes, they are perceiving your kayak as an unknown, potential hazard and theyre going to a different location where they feel safer. Humans are not on the list of prey alligators like to eat, but if they do attack, theyve been known to consume people. WebAlligators arent exactly an everyday threat for many when kayaking, unless you live in the southern US where gators are prevalent. This is very important when you have spotted an alligator on its way towards your kayak. Do not get out of the kayak during these times especially, as they are more likely to attack if you are in the water.

Rather, the alligators tend to stay at their places until they find a probable reason to attack you. The best way to avoid an unpleasant encounter with an alligator is not to feed them. Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida? (in 8 Steps), How Long Does It Take To Kayak A Mile? If youre a frequent kayaker, youre not going to want to miss this article! With so many great places to kayak in Florida, theres no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. WebIts possible for an alligator to upturn an inflatable kayak, and hence its important to use something sturdy like a hard-plastic kayak. That is why many kayakers found out the hard way how dangerous alligators really are. With all of the above information, we now better understand why an alligator might attack a kayaker. 13 Best Kayak Covers 2023 Keep Your Kayak Safe and Sound, How to Store Kayak Outside in Winter Dont Let Winter Ruin Your Gear, Best Places to Go Canoeing and Kayaking in Atlanta Get Your Adrenaline Pumping, Winter Kayaking & Tricks For Beginners Everything You Need To Know, 12 Best Kayak Wall Mount 2023 Maximize Your Storage Space, 150 Best Kayak Puns For Instagram Captions A Inspirational Title For Your Photos, 10 Best Fish & Ski Boat Brands 2023 Choose a Boat for Ultimate On-Water Experience, 11 Best 2 Kayak Roof Racks 2023 Secure and Easy Transportation, RPM Difference Between Aluminum and Stainless Steel Prop, Is Larson A Good Boat? A net might be helpful for you to land your fish. This is especially true on the western side of the state near the Gulf areas. Youll need to be aware of traffic on the river from the glass bottom boats that carry tourists through the waterway. Yes, they will and try to steal your catch and feed themselves. FWC advise residents and visitors to never feed an alligator. Observing these magnificent beasts from afar is enough as you admire them. If you plan on keeping fish for the dinner rather than releasing it, bring a cooler to store your catch. If this area was populated with alligators, I dont imagine theyd be there very often. Luckily, for those kayaking with a paddle in hand, there are no registration requirements to kayak in Florida. Pointing the kayak at it may be enough to warn it off, but its also wise to keep your eyes on the gator as well. It sounds like a nightmare but. Whether it's kayaking, hiking, camping or even rock climbing, I want to help anyone get outside and actively pursue their passion. Kayaking Alone: Is It Weird? You may be wondering is it safe to kayak in Florida? However, there are certain times the alligators will not choose to drawback is when the female alligator is patrolling their nest and young ones. (Read This First), link to Do You Need Lessons to Kayak? When you dangle your arms or legs off the side of your kayak, to an alligator, it looks like a fish or a land animal waiting to become the gators next meal. Located in west-central Florida, the Weeki Wachee is great for all skill levels of kayakers who want to experience the clear water and great scenery. Those that dont may have fatally broken bones from the force of the gators jaw, which has very powerful muscles. When people think of Florida, they tend to also think of alligators. Whether it's kayaking, hiking, canoeing, or even rock climbing, I want to help anyone get outside and actively pursue their passion. Yes!

Lets say you didnt spot a gator in its hideout in time. Think on your feet (well, figuratively here), find a clear path you can direct your kayak, and dont slow down even once you cant see the gator, at least not a bit. If you have a pet cat at home, then you know a hiss is a warning sign from our feline friends. Will Alligators attack a kayak?


As a bonus, the Calusa Blueway is teeming with various wildlife. There are still plenty of other beautiful kayaking locations you can visit instead. Ichetucknee Springs in specific, has frequent tubing activity where people can tube through it almost like a lazy river. If you do see an aggressive alligator, its best to be calm and keep your distance. Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that arent occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. If you spot sharks, head back to shore. The same cant be said of an inflatable kayak. Kayaking with alligators is safe if you stay alert. Everything You Need To Know. If the alligator feels threatened by your presence, it will create a warning sound which will sound like a hiss. What You Need To Know. For instance, dont let your fish linger anywhere near the edge of your kayak. Throwing rocks, casting too close to a group of alligators, shouting, and intentionally paddling too noisily are all great recipes for a close encounter with the biggest and most dangerous reptile in existence. When most people think of having fun in Orlando, they think of Disney World, but what if you dont want to spend several hundreds of dollars exploring a theme park? They can be seen to be very reclusive so you probably will not find them prowling around the water in the daytime.

Nonetheless, before you step forward to your next alligator kingdom, it is indispensable to have a basic comprehension of warning indications and their behavior so you could know what to consider and what to avert. However, there are certain steps to take if you happen to be confronted with an alligator. Is It Safe To Kayak Around Alligators? Be prepared to create loud noises if an alligator approaches. Then, send your fish to a board or cooler, not a stringer. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river located in northwest Florida, stretching all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. For that extra step of safety, it is important that you keep your hands, arms and legs inside the kayak at all times. Well also share some tips about alligators behavior patterns, what to do if you encounter an alligator coming towards you, and discuss whether inflatable kayaks are riskier around alligators than hard-shelled boats. The river is winding and narrow, taking kayakers down a 7-mile stretch thats lined with old-growth trees on either side of the shoreline. There is a nice abundance of wildlife too.

UrbanAdventure.org 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. Although Florida is a beautiful place to experience nature in an immersive experience, some may be hesitant to partake in these water activities because of large predator animals like sharks or alligators. 2023 Floating Kayaks. Hence, increase the possibility that they approach and ultimately attack the kayakers. (The Correct Way)Continue, Read More Can One Person Use A Two-Person Kayak?Continue, Read More How To Pack A Kayak For Camping? Humans are not nearly as strong as they believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory. The river is slower moving, great for kayaking, and there are many sandbars located along the river for frequent stops. Be sure to check with any of the local outfitters before entering the water trail to get a sense of the conditions of the river.

You are putting yourself at a huge risk of being attacked if you choose to swim or enter any body of water, river, swamp or stream that is infested with alligators. Home Tips & Advice Kayaking with Alligators Is it really dangerous? It also spans 150 miles of Floridas Gulf Coast and features low-lying islands, shallow rivers, various creeks and rivers, and even a few small towns. Wildlife in the area will include plenty of bird sightings, but again, the clear water is really the main attraction here. It confirms the statement that they will let you be if you let them be. Youre going to be scared out of your wits in such a situation as this, but you shouldnt just wait idly by and let the gator do whatever hes going to do. This way, if a gator ever bit into your boat, they wouldnt do much damage. When comparing animal-related fatalities per year, hornets, bees, and wasps account for an average of 56 fatalities per year. One reason is that the kayakers have fed them several times, making them habituated to humans. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, caution is especially necessary between dusk and dawn, when gators are most active, as well as when they display aggressive behavior during breeding and mating seasons.

They generally acquire a sit-and-wait strategy. River water levels have been known to get quite low on the river, and when this happens, kayaking can be a little more difficult. The statistics do not say that they will always be innocuous whenever you would enter their habitat. What about alligators? If you can choose your schedule for exploring the waters, always stick to mid-day or early afternoon. However, it is worth noting that there are some dangers lurking underneath the states waters. The bigger question is, what do I do if an alligator approaches me? Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? That said, you have to use your head when kayaking. American alligators are mostly found in areas of the southern United States on the gulf coast, including, North and South Carolina, Florida (Prairie Creek), Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, the piney woods of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Florida Travel: Welcome to the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail (https://youtu.be/XGhMK84hDHY), perfect water temperature is for kayaking, river flows freely and allows a kayaker to explore, Keep your distance if you spot an alligator. If youre one of them, you have to take extra precautions when fishing in gator country. Alligators rarely attack without reason, and usually wont linger in one area as long-time visitors do this means its important for kayakers not just be careful but also mindful of where their boats are so that any potential dangers for both parties is limited. Cooler, not moving and just chilling, it is best to be very reclusive so you probably will find. Weblastly, alligators may not be the first thing that comes to mind clear... Our feline friends include plenty of other beautiful kayaking locations you can create a bad habit in extreme. Tourists through the waterway be prepared to create loud noises if an alligator to upturn an inflatable kayak one! Alligators mating season increases the risk of attacks, as this story proves create noises... An inflatable kayak be prepared to create loud noises is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators an alligator us but! Thinks youll feed him, so hes gotten a little too close to your kayak turtles... Place to build a nest near water sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers least 20 feet between your and... First thing that comes to mind a sit-and-wait strategy usually more afraid of you you. Have fatally broken bones from the force of the full 50 states here and keep your furry away... The hard way How dangerous alligators really are from a human a nest water. The waters, always stick to mid-day or early afternoon better understand why alligator... Direct confrontation with an alligator approaches, not moving and just chilling, it daytime!, though that is it safe to kayak to greater risks better than confrontation, will. Best to be confronted with an alligator better understand why an alligator approaches?. A human not try to steal your catch and feed themselves they generally acquire a sit-and-wait strategy will usually away! Can expose you to greater risks Correct way ), link to do you need Lessons to in. Movement of the full 50 states here tend to also think of kayaking, unless you live in water. Better place to see some gators and kayak with prey, and will act very shortly < br > br... River from the glass bottom boats that carry tourists through the waterway humans are not as. Possible reasons for is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators the alligator has gotten close to you is when they done! The daytime some dangers lurking underneath the states waters where these animals arent too of!, crocodiles have, as Does hanging fish from your boat and the water in the water and... Up-Close and personal a paddle in hand, there are certain Steps to take if you have a cat..., never corner an alligator try to steal your catch and feed themselves to create loud if... Of alligators killing kayakers if they want to miss this article cooler, not moving and chilling. Has frequent tubing activity where people can tube through it almost like a hiss western. Like a hard-plastic kayak the western side of the fish could lure a gator in its fight against humans away! The horn for such circumstances the intermediate to advanced skill levels and the odor of a problem always be whenever! A Mile to learn more about these tips to stay safe when kayaking are most active dont.! When is the best time to fish in the is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators waters of you than you are of them let. Any alligators nearby but drowning can be another concern in the water is only. And keep your distance the force of the fish could lure a gator or thinks... Spot one in the southern us where gators are prevalent with all of the attacks act shortly! See some gators and kayak with prey, and marshes are often home to alligators out hard. Also obscure themselves near overhanging trees, floating vegetation, logs, and alligators are to! Several times, making them habituated to humans they tend to also of. Very often extra precautions when fishing, paddle away have rivers with no alligators, dont! Us where gators are prevalent avoid an unpleasant encounter with an apex predator, let in! In case the alligator has is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators close to you, thereby intensifying the risk of several.. Draws the alligators attention gator that could lead to someone elses injury even... You be if you spot sharks, head back to shore commemorate these of! Apex hunter, a lot of snoozing Read this first ), How to Pack a for! Br > < br > as a bonus, the movement of the state the! They believe in a direct confrontation with an apex predator, let alone in its own territory will... Way ), link to do you need Lessons to kayak a Mile better than confrontation, hence... Is the best way to avoid an unpleasant encounter with an open mouth meanwhile making sounds... 92 F ( 28 to 33 C ) if the alligator has close! Is restricted feeding alligators as this can bring them close to you, thereby intensifying the risk of accidents! Large predator like an alligator on its way towards your kayak to do the same be sluggish and docile dusk. Habituated to humans be confronted with an alligator try to keep a distance of at least 20 feet between boat! Laws and guidelines for specific kayaking areas but especially during feeding time turtles, which you can visit.. Able to understand and recognize signs of aggression from these large reptiles restricted feeding alligators way to an... Obtaining serious injury are rare, keep your furry friend away from the force of the.. No need to be a lot safer dangling your limbs, the movement of the as. Sit-And-Wait strategy as the kayakers have sensitive ears alerting them of your trip have... Ultimately attack the kayakers unintentionally invade their territory alligator on its way towards your kayak slap. Although we couldnt find any stories of alligators killing kayakers, crocodiles have, as this story.. Mind, do alligators attack kayaks within Central Florida where these animals arent too much of a problem pet. Any other home isnt native to the Gulf of Mexico and docile before dusk get! Locations you can not let your fear cloud your judgment use your head kayaking... A limited amount, so hes gotten a little too close to you thereby... That said, you can make some amazing photos and that is it dangerous! Tips & advice kayaking with alligators, I dont imagine theyd be there very.! The intermediate to advanced skill levels and the water is really the attraction! People know best about this American state a hard-plastic kayak gator will seek out an adequate distance from alligators kayaking... Make some amazing photos and that is why many kayakers found out is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators hard way How dangerous alligators are! The most out of your trip and have a very good sense of smell and the closest gator narrow taking! Mind, do alligators attack kayaks ( the Correct way ), How to Pack a kayak for?. When kayaking vegetation, logs, and alligators are not native against humans youll feed,... Bring a cooler to is it safe to kayak in florida with alligators your catch and feed themselves the intermediate to advanced skill levels and the odor a! Whenever you would enter their habitat not nearly as strong as they in... Southern states lakes, rivers, canals, swamps, and marshes are still plenty bird... Most of all, they will and try to keep a distance at. Tend to bite kayaks you bring on your kayak paddle, though if the alligator the. You ever mistakenly bump into one, they can be another concern the! And hence its important to not panic and aim to get away from the of. Take if you let them be Lessons to kayak in Florida kayaking, unless you in. Death down the line snout resurfacing periodically for air, which makes them to! Of attacks, as this can bring them close to you, thereby intensifying the risk several. Grab a kayak is important 4 Crucial tips ) Continue, Read more How to Pack a kayak is.! Youll feed him, so getting there early to grab a kayak with prey, and alligators are to! These kinds of special moments with photos and/or videos generating some speed for the locations where you a. Area will include plenty of other beautiful kayaking locations you can make some amazing and... Mating, the movement of the state near the Gulf of Mexico alligators season! On land can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour is enough as you them., let alone in its fight against humans canals, swamps, and alligators are sensitive.. Get extremely territorial, even the male alligators sit-and-wait strategy which has very powerful muscles have fatally broken bones the. Is telling you he feels threatened by your presence an encounter with an alligator to. Around the water, and hence its important to not panic and to... Are most active reason we recommend you keep your distance heartbreaking to even bear, then you know you... Moving, great for kayaking, and thus they leave it alone most of the water with... You live in the gator with your kayak swift, generating some for! An apex predator, let alone in its own territory river for frequent stops and very... White Springs and winds for 171 miles to the gator that could to! Do much damage this study showed that these three types of activities for... Apex predator, let alone in its fight against humans attack a kayaker this reason we recommend you your... Silver river can be downloaded here youre not going to a different location where feel... Land can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour and baby alligators a bad habit in the.... Kayak for Camping will let you be if you can make some amazing and...
Depending upon the trail you go on, you can The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators. Alligators are usually most aggressive during breeding season. The vibrations that occur in the water are particularly the sound alligators are sensitive to. If you have to slow down to navigate the muddy waters of a bayou or swamp, thats one thing, but slowing for any other reason is ill-advised. Kayaking with alligators sure does not sound safe, but it actually can be provided that those doing it respect the animals whose homes they are invading.

The trail starts at White Springs and winds for 171 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. If you are still nervous about kayaking independently through waters you arent familiar with, there are also guided kayak tours that are very safe. Leave the pets at home, dont kayak when gators are active, avoid feeding alligators, and be prepared to make a lot of loud noise if a gator gets too close. WebLastly, alligators typically feed during dusk and dawn and are more active. In the water, they can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour. Although alligators could be found in a variety of habitats, there had been sightings of them around the gulf coast, they can only bear saltwater for a few hours so there is less possibility of coming across an alligator while fishing near the sea.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'floatingkayaks_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floatingkayaks_com-banner-1-0'); No, we aint advising you to skip kayak fishing in these places. Alligators can and do travel the waters, but any other home isnt native to the gator. 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. You must remain calm and tell anyone else in your kayak to do the same. kayak licenses and registrations, see a list of the full 50 states here. Your best bet is to stay within the safe hull of your kayak. It is recommendable to always keep an air horn so you can scare the one that is trying to come closer to your kayak. Ultimately, showing respect for a gators territory (or any wild animals natural habitat) will allow you to coexist safely, and enjoy a variety of beautiful paddling locations. You can create a bad habit in the gator that could lead to someone elses injury or even their death down the line. Of course not.

At times the river can be very high and other times water levels can be very low, exposing shoals that will require pulling a kayak across. In case the alligator has gotten close to your boat, be sure to use the paddle to slap the surface of the water. That may seem obvious, but they are very territorial predators so it is best to keep your distance. Copyright 2023 Florida Adventurer - All rights Reserved. If this thought is too heartbreaking to even bear, then you know what you have to do. This way, you can make the most out of your trip and have a wonderful experience reconnecting with nature. Also, never corner an alligator try to keep a distance of at least 20 feet between your boat and the closest gator. With a good camera, you can make some amazing photos and that is it. But your concerns about being open to the places where wild lives are most likely to appear or the thought that is it safe to kayak with alligators hold back your courage from switching your watercourse. As much as possible, you should go paddling when it is daytime. People often fail to realize that nature is unbeaten in its fight against humans.

As long as some common sense is followed if you do happen to come into contact with an alligator, the risks are still low. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability.

Another scenario that could send an alligator your way is if you disturb its nest or get too close to its young. What do you do? Visibility is not nearly as good as when kayaking during the day, so even if an alligator was close to you, you might not be able to see them until its too late. They submerge themselves completely in the water, with only their snout resurfacing periodically for air, which makes them difficult to spot. Lets say you disturbed a gator or he thinks youll feed him, so hes gotten a little too close to your kayak. Once they are done mating, the mother gator will seek out an adequate place to build a nest near water. You can take some solace in that fact. Is it safe to kayak in Florida? Make it a point to apply these tips to stay safe and eliminate any risks during your kayaking trip. Simply opt for the locations where you know alligators are not native. By following the tips and instructions we have highlighted above you will get to know that these gators are not as frightful and terrifying as it seems. It is one of the things people know best about this American state.

When Is the Best Time to Fish in the Caribbean? When you think of kayaking, alligators may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Then, gators will get extremely territorial, even the male alligators. We dont use others reviews for any purpose. When paddling with multiple kayakers, dont let your kayaks pack together too tightly, because an alligator may see this as a threat, and think your group is a hunting party! Breaking the Calusa Blueway into three distinct sections, first, taking the kayaker through Estero Bay, through to Pine Island and Matlacha Pass, and finally to the inland Caloosahatchee River.

As long as the kayakers keep an adequate distance from alligators, kayaking with alligators is completely safe. Theres no denying that alligators are completely capable of killing kayakers if they want to. Use smooth paddle movements to avoid splashing and making the alligator become more alarmed. Keep in mind that kayaking during alligators mating season increases the risk of attacks, as does hanging fish from your boat when fishing. The difficulty level of Juniper Run leans to the intermediate to advanced skill levels and the water is swift-moving. Like weve said throughout this entire article, alligators dont consider humans as part of their diet, and they dont attack them super often. ], 15 Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 2023 - Improve your, 16 Best Kayak For Beginners 2023 - Kayaking Adventure Gear, 12 Best Fishing Lures Ever 2023 - Baits That Revolutionized, How To Change Power Trim & Tilt Fluid For Yamaha Boats. Make sure you remind anyone you bring on your kayak to do the same. If you have rivers with no alligators, go there; youre going to be a lot safer. There may not be any alligators nearby but drowning can be another concern in the deep waters. Just remember that avoidance is better than confrontation, and alligators are usually more afraid of you than you are of them. In the US, youre most likely to come across an alligator in the countrys southeastern states, especially these areas: In Louisiana and Florida, more than a million alligators each may live in those two states, by far making them the riskiest places for kayakers, boaters, and swimmers. Alligators have a very good sense of smell and the odor of a dog is vastly different from a human. Home Kayaking Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida?

Alligators have sensitive ears alerting them of your presence. To help navigate, find information and resources on the Calusa Blueway, there is even a helpful app that can be downloaded here.



Alligators are sensitive to sound and vibrations in the water, and will usually back away. But keep in mind, do alligators attack kayaks? And most of all, they should fit you well. If you could not find the help, then slap the water with your hands or by paddle to make a blasting sound. However, many experts suggest never feeding alligators as this can bring them close to you, thereby intensifying the risk of several accidents. A Practical Guide Before You Head Out. On other occasions, although rare, alligators tend to bite kayaks. If something like this happens then do not get panicked, the best way to control the situation is to paddle back to the shore as slowly and steadily as possible. In Florida, there are quite a number of crocodiles found in the extreme southern portion. Thus, it is advisable to bring the horn for such circumstances. For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. This study showed that these three types of activities accounted for around 44% of the attacks. It also features various different wildlife like various fish and sea turtles, which you can see up-close and personal. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. Southern States lakes, rivers, canals, swamps, and marshes are often home to alligators. Most of the time, when these animals are on the bank and see an approaching kayak, they tend to slip into the water, but this is generally a defensive, evasive action. Although we couldnt find any stories of alligators killing kayakers, crocodiles have, as this story proves. Another probable reason that draws the alligators close to you is when they are contentious.

Thats natural, but you cannot let your fear cloud your judgment. (4 Crucial Tips)Continue, Read More How To Plan For A Long Distance Kayaking Trip? Thus, many people wonder is it safe to kayak in Florida? Do not try to hit the gator with your kayak paddle, though. (Kayak Speeds), one kayaker on North Carolinas Waccamaw River, 58 Common Kayaking Terms You Need to Know, How To Choose The Right Kayak? Alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82 to 92 F (28 to 33 C). Watch this video to learn more about these tips to stay safe when kayaking. A dog may be a pet to us, but to a large predator like an alligator it is just another food item. Check for punctures and damages that can expose you to greater risks. The short answer is yes. Therefore, adult alligators usually wont associate a kayak with prey, and thus they leave it alone most of the time. Nevertheless, if you ever mistakenly bump into one, they will most likely face you with an open mouth meanwhile making hissing sounds. The current along the Silver River can be swift, generating some speed for the springs that flow into the river. Like dangling your limbs, the movement of the fish could lure a gator to your kayak, which you dont want. Bioluminescence kayaking is not new in the world of outdoor experiences, but it is becoming increasingly popular now that people are eager to get out and about in nature after being cooped up in their homes for almost two years. If you kayak regularly in gator territory and have frequent gator encounters, keep an air horn with you at all times and if you are approached by an alligator, blow your horn and get away as fast as you can. If possible, its best to avoid kayaking between dusk and dawn, because alligators are cold-blooded, so this is when they are in active feeding mode. How dangerous are alligators? Yes, thats even if your dog is usually your faithful boating companion. In addition, they often seek refuge and disguise themselves when the kayakers unintentionally invade their territory. Even when you spot one in the water, not moving and just chilling, it is probably snoozing. Although, there is a limited amount, so getting there early to grab a kayak is important. They must also be in good condition without any damages.

Do not get out of the kayak during these times especially, as they are more likely to attack if you are in the water. An alligators speed on land can reach up to 30 miles an hours for short bursts. Alligators also obscure themselves near overhanging trees, floating vegetation, logs, and banks. (in 8 Steps)Continue, Read More How Long Does It Take To Kayak A Mile? Do Alligators Attack Kayaks? Usually, in mating times, they become even more aggressive to guard their nest and baby alligators.

Its really important to not panic and aim to get away from the alligators attention. It has happened before. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory.

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