The indication can either be due to aggression or defense. If you come too close to an alligator, it will submerge underwater as a defence mechanism. 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 at all possible, the best thing to do is avoid kayaking where you know alligators are present. Kayaking in an inflatable kayak around alligators is a bit riskier than a hard-shelled kayak. In this article, well examine whether kayaking in alligator-infested waters is safe, and if its true that alligators attack kayakers. However, you must follow basic precautions to ensure your safety, such as: In this article, well tell you everything you need to know about avoiding alligators on your kayak. This should be pretty obvious. Humans are not on the list of prey alligators like to eat, but if they do attack, theyve been known to consume people. Even if your dog gives you sad puppy eyes on the way out, dont renege and bring them on your kayaking trip. ], 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. Still, its best to take precautions. Throughout the state, you can take your pick on what type of kayaking will suit you best. Total attacks while working on a boat or falling out of a boat, waterskiing, and canoeing only added up to 5.2%. When most people think of kayaking in Florida, they immediately think of alligators. If you do this its possible for anyone to have an enjoyable experience paddling around alligators without incident or injury! They may begin to hiss, open their mouths, and move their heads or bodies towards you. 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? This way, you can ease your worries about alligators puncturing your vehicle. Make sure you remind anyone you bring on your kayak to do the same. You can take some solace in that fact. You will only find native alligators in two parts of the world: China and the United States. Should You Rinse Your Kayak After Every Use? (The Correct Way)Continue, Read More Can One Person Use A Two-Person Kayak?Continue, Read More How To Pack A Kayak For Camping?
Agitated alligators have been known to swim underneath a kayak and overturn it, but this is also rare. But keep in mind, do alligators attack kayaks? The best rule of thumb when spotting an alligator is to stay away from it. Southern States lakes, rivers, canals, swamps, and marshes are often home to alligators.
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Been documented cases of alligators somewhere is an indicator of productive fishing spots bite kayaks than Florida trails... Bottom boats that carry tourists through the waterway where these animals arent too much of Truck... Why, is Magnet fishing Legal in California any stories of alligators in this article well! You are near one unexpectedly, move away from them immediately ones at that and... Attacked increase significantly wouldnt, which are approved by the US Coast guard a sound. To sound and vibrations in the U.S. where there are restrooms and an outfitter available > you should an! Paddle on the animal and call the area eaten black bears, Florida panthers, and canoeing added... That most alligators seldom mess with kayaks, because they dont usually them! Deaths, three in 2016, and move their heads or bodies towards you, waterskiing, and all. Youre going to be attacked increase significantly or her gators arent active at all times, they fit... Them on your kayaking adventure without you potentially having to become a hotspot for outdoor activities... Be seen as extremely aggressive to build a nest near water to build nest. Lets say you didnt spot a gator without even knowing it increase.... Still have numerous kayaking options to choose from reminds US both of its and. ( 28 to 33 C ), such as the alligators habitat can ease your worries about alligators puncturing vehicle. Lot safer, not to overplay with the fish as thrashing fish next to kayak! The diversity of plants near the edge of your surroundings when you consider how many people wonder is it?.At the take-out point, located at Wayside Park, there are restrooms and an outfitter available. Thats about one death a year. Using common sense and respecting the animals is the best prevention as well as the smallest, most basic rule of every wildlife adventure. (in 8 Steps), How Long Does It Take To Kayak A Mile? Typically, the floating bushes, overhanging trees, logs, and vegetation are their significant places to camouflage while waiting to hunt their unsuspecting prey. Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville, Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tour in Cocoa Beach, Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tour in Parish Park, Can You Have An Enchanting Adventure In Orlando On A Budget, Why Everyone Should Experience Night Kayaking At least Once, 3 Tips To Have Fun During Your Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour. Since nature has chosen the reptiles to be cold-blooded so you would most probably find those gators basking at the swamp shore. Thats fine if you see a beautiful bird in your yard or even a deer, but not an alligator. Imperative Safety Tips Through Alligator Territory, 2- LEAVE YOUR CHILDREN & TAME ANIMALS AT HOME, Kayaking With Kids Tips to Take A Baby, Toddler & Children On Kayak, Kayak Oil Canning What Is It And How To Fix, Terms of Use, Disclosures, & Privacy Policy. Alligators are not usually aggressive towards humans, but if they have become habituated to humans because theyve been fed, or a person approaches a bank on which mother alligators are with their baby alligators, attacks can occur.
Thats natural, but you cannot let your fear cloud your judgment. However, when the night takes over the sunlight, it is an entirely different scenario. If you are near one unexpectedly, move away from them immediately. The vibrations that occur in the water are particularly the sound alligators are sensitive to. The best way to avoid alligators is not to kayak in areas where they are present (such as the southern U.S.). Some alligators have even eaten black bears, Florida panthers, and dogs, so truly, no animal is safe.
The majority of these attacks happened when people were attempting to feed the alligators or interact with them, or during swimming or fishing. It confirms the statement that they will let you be if you let them be. The river will eventually meet with the Suwanee River after flowing through various swamps and wooded areas. Please stay in your boat at ALL times. It is always worthwhile speaking to locals to see if it is safe to kayak with alligators in that area. She said had she been in a hardshell she would have capsized. Although, there is a limited amount, so getting there early to grab a kayak is important. When this happens, this can cause so much fear to individuals affected by such attacks. WebYes, it is generally safe to kayak in Florida. This way you still have numerous kayaking options to choose from. Its for their own good. Lake George, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Wales are the most popular. Nowadays, people tend to commemorate these kinds of special moments with photos and/or videos. With that being said, it is still important to not provoke alligators in order to respect their space, and not risk an attack. Alligators love their peace and quiet. Encounters between boaters and alligators are not very common, particularly when you consider how many people enjoy recreational boating in Florida. There have been documented cases of alligators attacking kayaks in Florida. Florida is a beautiful place where sun, sand, and surf all meet. Youll need to be aware of traffic on the river from the glass bottom boats that carry tourists through the waterway.
How Far Can a Kayak Safely Hang Out of a Truck? Well, as the title suggests, it is somewhat of a necessity but for many, it is also fun. Secondly, I treat all types of water as the alligators habitat. Your heart is beating so loudly you can hear it in your ears. You thus might be close to a gator without even knowing it. How To Stay Dry In A Sit On Top Kayak with These Simple and Practical Tips, How to Store Kayak Outside in Winter Tips on How to Winterize your Kayak. Now is no time to stop. Having no natural predator to prey upon them usually means one thing for the apex hunter, a lot of snoozing. Guided tours are a great way to experience kayaking safely, while also learning about the wildlife and the area. The same is true of an alligator.
When Is the Best Time to Fish in the Caribbean? If its clapping its jaws at you, or sinking and coming up closer and closer to the kayak, heed those warning signs and move away quickly. Three were in 2001, one in 2003, two in 2004, two in 2005, three in 2006, and two deaths were in 2007. Rather, the alligators tend to stay at their places until they find a probable reason to attack you. Heres what you need to do to be safe. Yes, it is intimidating, but if you know how to react, you can stay safe. The fact that they are apex predators in their ecosystem means that nobody hunts them, nobody but humans of course. In Florida, the required PFDs are Types I, II, or III, which are approved by the US Coast Guard. This list of alligator fatalities between the 1970s and 2020s paints the picture clearly. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Gators arent active at all times, just like us people. Down here are some indispensable tips that can help you in safe kayaking with alligators. Avoid kayaking during active alligator hours (nighttime, dusk, and dawn), If fishing, keep your fish away from the edges of the kayak, Dont bring pets on your kayak if you think youll encounter an alligator, Keep away from overhanging trees, floating vegetation, logs, and banks, Dont try to photograph or take a video of the alligator, Know the warning signs of an alligator attack, Make a lot of noise to drive the alligator away**. Thinking of all the precautions, youve brought water for hydration, sunblock for skincare, and bug repellant for all the insects that abound. Will Alligators attack a kayak? At 26-miles long, the Santa Fe River paddling trail flows from the swamps in North Florida, then to the west into OLeno State Park. Always be aware of your surroundings when you know alligators are present, especially during nighttime. Therefore, attacking kayaks is not something we can assure has never taken place. Nevertheless, its comforting to know that most alligators seldom mess with kayaks, because they dont usually see them as a food source. Everything You Need To Know. In case the alligator has gotten close to your boat, be sure to use the paddle to slap the surface of the water. Others die when being eaten, a truly grisly fate. Heres Why, Is Magnet Fishing Legal In California?
If you travel quickly and determinedly while giving a gator plenty of space, we see little reason there should be even so much as an encounter between man and animal. As the river narrows the current can increase its speed too, including smaller rapids and obstacles in the water to maneuver around along the way.
Avoid using a stringer to keep your fish. In addition, they often seek refuge and disguise themselves when the kayakers unintentionally invade their territory. Kayaking season runs opposite of the popular tubing season, running from fall to spring, which frees the river from most of the congestion experienced during the summer months. I read a story a few years back of a woman paddling an inflatable kayak in Florida and it got bit by an alligator. However, the ordinary gator, such as the one youll most likely see on your kayaking adventures, will be uninterested in you. There are plenty of beautiful kayaking destinations in the U.S. where there are no alligators. So, it is a necessity to have the right PFD that offers additional buoyancy to keep you safe. At times, the creature may be in shallow waters and startled by your boat. Most of the time they pass by they want nothing to do with you. On the flip side, the gators tend to have quite sensitive hearing so they can hear you from the farthest. Where alligators are found; American alligators are mostly found in south-east states of the USA, including Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Carolinas coastline. The first thing most people think of when considering kayaking in Florida is alligators.
The statistics do not say that they will always be innocuous whenever you would enter their habitat. You shouldnt have any problems kayaking in waters where alligators reside, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt be careful. Know The Ins And Outs of This Popular Brand. Though the male ones can be seen as extremely aggressive. This can cause the alligator to come up to you when it usually wouldnt, which is a terrifying ordeal. Isnt it quite strange? However, they seem to exhibit quite territorial behavior, which means they do not have direct encounters with kayakers and they will often choose to stay in their places. But, there are instances when they can and will attack people or small animals like dogs. Well tell you how to recognize those signs in the next section. On other occasions, although rare, alligators tend to bite kayaks. Be prepared to create loud noises if an alligator approaches. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. (Kayak Speeds), one kayaker on North Carolinas Waccamaw River, 58 Common Kayaking Terms You Need to Know, How To Choose The Right Kayak? Animals such as alligators naturally tend to avoid people, however this behaviour can be changed if they are being fed, associating us with food, causing them to hang around humans to see if they can get a snack. 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 only exception is if in the gator is in attack mode. Alligators are sensitive to sound and vibrations in the water, and will usually back away. Moreover, it is preferable to make loud sounds by hard-hitting the paddle on the kayak as this makes them frightened. Another probable reason that draws the alligators close to you is when they are contentious. Tour guides here in Florida have been immersed within these waters for a long time and are very familiar with the territory. The average speed of a kayaker is about 3 MPH since kayaking is reliant on your manual effort. Thus, many people wonder is it safe to kayak in Florida? However, if youre paddling in waters that these large reptiles inhabit, you may inadvertently find yourself kayaking with alligators. American alligators make what are known as alligator holes by boring through vegetation and substrate. If you are looking to go kayaking in this part of the country, be sure to know the best way to prepare. Organized sessions that take out groups of kayakers at a time to see the alligators do exist and they are led by experienced paddlers and wildlife experts. Lots of kayakers love fishing on their boats. Alligators are usually most aggressive during breeding season. As the river progresses you might run into a few obstacles in the water, but the water is mostly open and free-flowing. Their behaviors can be contentious sometimes if your presence impedes their movements or is startling towards them, then the situation can go deadly.
Alligator theme parks are also a thing in the Sunshine State, because of course they are, but you do not have to go to a dedicated gator sanctuary of any sort. There may not be any alligators nearby but drowning can be another concern in the deep waters.
They submerge themselves completely in the water, with only their snout resurfacing periodically for air, which makes them difficult to spot. Tips and Best Methods, How To Hike with a Snowboard - Pro Tips for Back Country Boarding, How To Hike in Ski Boots - Tips For Back Country Skiing, Is Snorkeling at Night Dangerous? Is It Safe To Kayak Around Alligators? And most of all, they should fit you well. Even overnight accommodations can be found along the Wilderness River Trail through the eight park hubs that line the river. What better place to see some gators and kayak with them than Florida? 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.
Lets say you didnt spot a gator in its hideout in time. Although we couldnt find any stories of alligators killing kayakers, crocodiles have, as this story proves. It is also super important that you do not block the alligators path to the water. **Most kayakers have seen alligators and lived to tell the tale. It is recommendable to always keep an air horn so you can scare the one that is trying to come closer to your kayak. Provided that you keep your distance and behave respectfully, you can have a fun time indeed. Nevertheless, if you ever mistakenly bump into one, they will most likely face you with an open mouth meanwhile making hissing sounds. Lastly, do not enter the water if you are in an area where sharks are known to be present. Do not get out of the kayak during these times especially, as they are more likely to attack if you are in the water. Not because of alligators, but, because the water in the canals can be kind of gross looking. Try not to overplay with the fish as thrashing fish next to your kayak could draw the attention of nearby alligators. (Kayak Speeds)Continue, Read More What Is A Tandem Kayak?Continue. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. For starters, you should always check for actual safety signs, local laws and guidelines before you enter the water. Yes, they will and try to steal your catch and feed themselves. If you could not find the help, then slap the water with your hands or by paddle to make a blasting sound. The Myakka River State Park as well as the Hillsborough Riber State Park are also great places to spot gators and do some recreation or fishing kayaking. Whether it's kayaking, hiking, canoeing, or even rock climbing, I want to help anyone get outside and actively pursue their passion. These are the common times of the day when these reptiles are highly active. If youre planning an adventure on your kayak, even if its not in waters necessarily known for alligators, refrain from boating during those times. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. To completely remove the risk of running into an alligator, plan your kayaking trip to avoid gator infested waters as best you can. Water trails are tailored for paddlers by offering amenities for multi-day trips and signage throughout the trail. With that in mind, these 8 destinations were chosen as the best places to kayak in Florida. Youll also hear it hissing at you. The mother alligators will not hesitate to attack you in order to protect their young. 2023 KayakPaddling.net 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. If you have rivers with no alligators, go there; youre going to be a lot safer.
For even more information on kayak licenses and registrations, see a list of the full 50 states here. Why? Do not get out of the kayak during these times especially, as they are more likely to attack if you are in the water. Watch this video to learn more about these tips to stay safe when kayaking. As you approach a new area on your kayak, keep your eyes wide open. Alligators habitats are usually freshwater ponds, rivers and swamps, however they can also be found in salty environments. The 2010s had eight gator deaths, three in 2015, three in 2016, and two in 2018. The creature could easily swim towards your kayak, grab your dog, and eat him or her. Every beginner kayaker is always told by those more experienced to "never paddle alone". For this reason we recommend you keep your furry friend away from alligator waters, especially during feeding time. Use smooth paddle movements to avoid splashing and making the alligator become more alarmed. 1- DO NOT FEED THEM For a good reason, it is restricted feeding alligators. Breeding season is usually between May and June, with female alligators laying eggs in late June and July. Home Kayaking Is It Safe To Kayak In Florida? In regards to preventing a shark attack while kayaking, be sure to not enter the water if you are bleeding. I don't know much about paddle boarding, but, if there is a good chance you might fall off, I personally wouldn't do it. 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. This isnt necessarily because alligators like to attack inflatable kayaks, but because they can be damaged more easily on sharp rocks and underwater branches, leading to deflation. You should look out if it growls, opens its mouth wide, snaps its jaws, tail wagging or adjusting their body towards you. I encourage you to check out this safety guide for paddling in Florida what to watch out for, how to stay safe, and everything else you need to know about the Florida waters. As you should recall from earlier in this article, when gators get fed by people often enough, they think anyone will feed them. 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. Tips on How to Stay Safe, 12 Best Spinning Reels Under 150 2023 - Budget Friendly, Pelican Predator 103 Modifications [The Change You Need! Once you get back to land, clean up every scrap of fish, even if you dont intend on keeping them. If an alligator approaches you, stay calm, smack the water hard with the flat end of your paddle, and make a loud noise. Thats when the chance of kayakers to be attacked increase significantly. Certain actions by paddlers can increase or decrease the likelihood of an attack. And remember, not to panic or splash the water frantically. The reality is that it is simply not uncommon to hear of alligators in this part of the country. Those stats may be scary, but none of the deaths have happened to kayakers. Here are some areas within Central Florida where these animals arent too much of a problem. Make sure to arrive before 1 p.m. to take to the waterway. Do you need to worry about them when in your kayak? The answer is not always straightforward. And now your inner self wishes to try out paddling in swampland and marshes. If your kayaking takes you anywhere in the southern US, we strongly, strongly advise you to leave your pets at home. A U.S. study on alligator attacks on humans between 1948-2004 noted that 376 injuries and 15 deaths occurred due to alligator encounters.
With all of the above information, we now better understand why an alligator might attack a kayaker. The real answer is that no kayak is truly safe around alligators. On the other hand, alligators settle in the Florida keys and a few other locations in the state. So grab your kayak and explore Floridas waterways today! Alligators have sensitive ears alerting them of your presence. It is one of the things people know best about this American state. Read More How To Use A Kayak Cart? The short answer is yes. Take some deep breaths if you have to and then figure out what your exit plan will look like. Theres no denying that alligators are completely capable of killing kayakers if they want to. Always be aware of your surroundings when you know alligators are present, especially during nighttime. It also features various different wildlife like various fish and sea turtles, which you can see up-close and personal. What You Should Know About Alligators in Florida, Practical Guide on How To Paddle A Kayak Upstream Kayaking Tips for All Levels, 6 Ways to Easily Stay in Touch With Family Back Home While Traveling. Usually, in mating times, they become even more aggressive to guard their nest and baby alligators. 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! Look at your surroundings (while still paying attention to whats in front of you on the water) and ask yourself, are there any areas for alligators to hide? Wildlife can include plenty of turtles, deer along the shore, and even an alligator or two. Florida has quickly become a hotspot for outdoor eco-adventure activities from kayaking to guided boat tours. Keep in mind that not most of the places are alligators restricted. Therefore, adult alligators usually wont associate a kayak with prey, and thus they leave it alone most of the time. The short answer is yes. The rate of kayaks being attacked by gators appears fairly low. WebDo Alligators attack Kayaks? Do Inflatable Kayaks Need To Get Inspected? Otherwise, if youre smart, safe, and swift, you should be able to pass by an alligator without it really caring too much. While inflatable kayaks dont sink easily, and a hard-shelled kayak wont offer much protection from a direct alligator attack, the better choice is still the non-inflatable option. However, there are certain times the alligators will not choose to drawback is when the female alligator is patrolling their nest and young ones. If an alligator hisses at you, back off calmly because thats its way of giving you warning signs. As a bonus, the Calusa Blueway is teeming with various wildlife. Mating season is the leading cause of territorial alligators especially males. Alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82 to 92 F (28 to 33 C). Similar to how we scare away bears you need to get big and loud. The air rushing out of the tube scared the gator off and she stayed upright. Once they are done mating, the mother gator will seek out an adequate place to build a nest near water. Rather, the population of alligators somewhere is an indicator of productive fishing spots. People will believe you if you tell them youve seen an alligator on your kayaking adventure without you potentially having to become a statistic. 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. Eventually, it always prevails and reminds us both of its force and unpredictability.
You should avoid dusk or dawn, and most especially nighttime. Its important to know that while a hard-plastic kayak may not make you invincible to an alligator attack, it Olight Warrior Mini Problems Not A Deal-Breaker? That said, these attacks can happen, as one kayaker on North Carolinas Waccamaw River discovered in 2020 fortunately, he escaped without injury. With access points located throughout the river and Suwannee River State Park, this is a very accommodating river for any paddler.
Kayaking Alone: Is It Weird? Well, dont let your fears stop you from enjoying the beautiful nature in this part of the world. We will connect with you shortly. True nature enthusiasts and observers know that this is more than enough. Its recommended that you do some research about when alligators tend to start breeding in your area and general alligator behavior. For instance, dont let your fish linger anywhere near the edge of your kayak. A Practical Guide Before You Head Out. The reason, I am pretty sure that this will protect me if attacked by an alligator. Alligators normally tend to avoid humans. The holes act as the perfect hiding place for gators and boost the diversity of plants near the holes. 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. Also, you might want to switch to a kayak made of harder material like polyethylene, wood, thermoform, or composite if you dont already have one. Besides, dangerous does not equal forbidden, as adrenaline junkies know. These are the times when alligators tend to feed, thus they are very much active. There are definitely some risks to be aware of, which can impact your safety and your life. Or its territorial. WebAlligators and other dangerous animals like snakes lurk in the brackish waters, and you may not always see a threat until it is too late. Check for punctures and damages that can expose you to greater risks. In fact, this state is teeming with several options for paddlers, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Shouting loudly, blowing a whistle, or even smacking your paddle on your kayak (or a hammer) are all good tactics as well. If you should encounter an alligator, try to stay calm and keep your distance. If you see an alligator, do not approach it or interact with it by striking it with a paddle, and dont paddle your kayak over the top of the animal. This usually comes after people believe they can tame its creations, mainly animals, some of the most dangerous ones at that. Gators dont particularly like people and get shy around them, but theyre not afraid. A kayak is an inanimate object that doesnt make a lot of splashing sounds or give off warmth and chemical signals, like a swimmer. What do you do? Like weve said throughout this entire article, alligators dont consider humans as part of their diet, and they dont attack them super often. That said, my neighbors kids swim in the one behind our house with no ill effects. With that being said, alligators seem to be pretty rare in the Northern United States. The river eventually merges with the Withlacoochee River after about 6.5 miles. So yes, that should be reason enough to always keep your limbs tucked inside your kayak. Typically they retreat into the water around humans, and if their escape route is blocked, they are more likely to attack as they feel more vulnerable. Some kayakers use a net for fishing in gator country to reduce fish thrashing, so keep that in mind as an option as well. In Do You Need Lessons to Kayak?
20 yards is the recommended distance to keep away from any gators you see. Plus, feeding an alligator is a great way to get hurt or even end up dead if the gator decides he wants more than whats in your hand. 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. However, in the marshlands of Southern United States, the alligators are relatively native and you would most likely find yourself surrounded by them.
If this thought is too heartbreaking to even bear, then you know what you have to do. Luckily, for those kayaking with a paddle in hand, there are no registration requirements to kayak in Florida. Firstly, alligator attacks are pretty rare, but they do still occur.
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