Paddling with Gators

I get asked almost every time I go out paddling about gators. Doing most of my paddling on Florida waters, I've come upon many gators of all sizes. At first I was terrified about doing any kind of water sport in Florida. But I did research on the behaviors of gators and found that most attacks on man are by crocodiles not alligators. But that really didn’t help me on confronting my fear. I wanted to learn kayaking for incorporation into my wildlife photography. So one day I went to a local State Park that had 3 lakes on it to rent a kayak and give it a try. The young lady handling the rentals was very helpful and explained state policy on gators and what to look out for. She assured me that I would be fine. I did about a 2-hour paddle and didn’t see any gators but was told there were many in the lake.

Excited about my new adventure I wanted to do it again. I had talked with my sister and told her about my new thing. I asked if she would like to go kayaking? I found a different place called Shingle Creek that rented kayaks, excited we headed out the next morning. Knowing nothing about kayaks I saw that this kayak was one that you sit in not sit on top. Hey I didn’t know the differences. Anyway, we headed out and it was beautiful. This creek has several narrow passages, twists and turns. My eyes were glued on the water and banks as I knew there were hundreds of gators all around me. Well that’s what my head said. I was starting to relax more as I got a little out of shape amongst some cypress trees. I pushed off a cypress with my paddle that tilted the kayak which immediately took on water and tossed me out.  I was terrified and panicked. I just knew I was gator bait as I shot out of the water like a V-2 rocket. Standing on a submerged cypress root I attempted to empty out the kayak. Uncontrolled laughter is coming from my loving sister as she’s chasing down my paddle down stream. With a lot of the water out I got back in but there was still too much water in the kayak making it very unstable. I saw a small sandbar about 50ft away and thought I could dock there and empty out the kayak there so I made a small right turn and I was tossed out again. Panic really set in now I didn’t know what to do when 2 paddlers offered to help. The kayak was almost totally submerged as these 2 good Samaritans emptied out the kayak and waited for me to comfortable and pushed me off. I’m really leery about the balance of the paddle. But we finished without incident. I learned a lot that day. Types of kayaks and the waters are not jam-packed with gators. That incident is always in my mind. Since, with over 100 paddle adventures I have seen many gators where I paddle and the I've had many more close calls driving than I've had paddling around gators.

Typical Alligator Behavior Around Paddlers

The typical behavior of gators I've seen many times; I will see their head and part of their body on the surface of the water and as approached they will submerge or if on the bank they will slip into the water when paddlers approach. That makes sense, because they probably feel more protected from us underwater. So slipping into the water is typically not aggression, but just the opposite; a defensive action they take because they probably view a paddler as a potential threat to them.

During their mating season (May or June) is when they can get somewhat aggressive. If you are close to their nest they will let you know. Incubation requires approximately 63-68 days, and hatching occurs from mid-August through early September. So if you see a gator nest use common sense and give it a wide berth. The female is very protective of her young and if you’re too close she may get aggressive.

Gators in more remote areas less visited by man seem to enter the water faster than those that see people and paddlers more frequently. Stay away from heavy moss covered areas, reeds or heavy lily pad areas as this area is where they hide and hunt. I have learned where the gators stay on my regularly paddled lakes and rivers I travel as they stake their turf.

Be aware of your surroundings. Look for bubble trails or vibrating water ripples as that’s a male mating call. Again paddle clear of that. I always tell my friends who go paddling with me to be attentive of your surroundings.  Understanding their behaviors will make your paddle experience better. Over time, I've grown to enjoy seeing alligators while kayaking as I've become familiar with their typical behaviors. Here is the bottom line; remember that song by Aretha Franklin? RESPECT – that’s the best advice I can leave you with.

Things to Remember

Gators can certainly be deadly to paddlers if they wanted to be, but they typically try to avoid paddlers.

Some advice on paddling near gators:

Never feed alligators

Don't get too close or harass alligators

Don't corner alligators

Stay away from potential alligator areas during mating season in spring when they

become more territorial

Don't take small children or small creatures like pets near areas with alligators

Finally, beware that alligators behave very differently than crocodiles. Crocodiles are extremely dangerous to paddlers and have attacked and killed paddlers without warning or provocation. Crocodiles are common in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America and there are crocodiles in south Florida and the Everglades, though they are not nearly as common as alligators. Avoid paddling in areas with crocodiles. Do your research on the area you wish to paddle. On some Florida websites they have lists of lakes with the gator population posted. I know which ones to paddle and which ones I stay clear of. Do your homework and happy paddling.