Story:
The Silver River is one of my favorite rivers to kayak with crystal clear water, little boat traffic and lots of wildlife. The trip began with our Meetup group at Ray's Wayside Park around 9:00am. As the group headed upstream toward the head-springs, it wasn't long before I realized that catching up probably meant seeing them on the way back. This place is a photographer's paradise..
There are all manner of birds - from smallest warbler to the majestic Great Blue Heron and everything in between. There are Wild Boar, Turkeys, Monkeys and playful Otters. And of course there are long beautiful Gar fish, turtles, alligators, and lots of snakes.... more snakes than I'd ever seen on any kayak trip. And if that wasn't enough, it's that time of year... with lots of tiny turtles, nesting Anhingas, very young monkeys and dozens of baby alligators. Birds with beautiful mating plumage, courtship displays and territorial scuffles makes for an interesting trip. Cute baby alligators means a very protective mother is nearby. She'll remain protective of her young for almost a year after they're born. I was paddling in the middle of the river with my camera stowed safely in a 'dry-bag' in my cockpit when an alligator lunged into the water and swam in my direction. The behavior appeared aggressive. Perhaps a protective female? A territorial male? or looking to me for a hand-out. The alligator stopped short of my boat's starboard side and waited. I've not experienced this type of 'aggressive' behavior before, but I instinctively knew what to do.. I paddled faster.
At our usual break spot (the canoe launch) at the Silver River State Park & campgrounds I noticed one of the new members of our kayak group standing in approximately waist deep water near the canoe ramp. I'm sure she is not aware of the enormous snapping turtle named, "Murdock" living under the ramp... He has a head the size of my fist, and has been fed by humans on many occasions. As I approached my thoughts turned from telling her about the snapping turtle to an immediate issue - an alligator that was bearing down on her position. Assuming she didn't see the alligator swimming in her direction, I yelled to get out of the water. She immediately plowed her way through the water to safety while the alligator quickly closed the gap. He showed no fear of humans - even after a fellow kayaker and I pounded on the sides of our boats to get him to retreat - he stayed focused on the kayaker as she scrambled up the canoe ramp. She escaped unscathed, and he hung around the ramp waiting for another opportunity. Paddlers, visitors and campers came and went as he watched nearby. There's no doubt someone had been feeding him. By the time we passed the canoe ramp on the way back the alligator had positioned himself across the bottom expanse of the ramp - anyone walking from the campgrounds to the river will certainly be startled.
Sadly, one day he'll be labeled "a nuisance and a threat to humans" and probably killed - all because of his association with humans as a food source. So, PLEASE for the safety of those who enjoy Florida waters, DO NO FEED THE WILDLIFE.
The Silver River is one of my favorite rivers to kayak with crystal clear water, little boat traffic and lots of wildlife. The trip began with our Meetup group at Ray's Wayside Park around 9:00am. As the group headed upstream toward the head-springs, it wasn't long before I realized that catching up probably meant seeing them on the way back. This place is a photographer's paradise..
There are all manner of birds - from smallest warbler to the majestic Great Blue Heron and everything in between. There are Wild Boar, Turkeys, Monkeys and playful Otters. And of course there are long beautiful Gar fish, turtles, alligators, and lots of snakes.... more snakes than I'd ever seen on any kayak trip. And if that wasn't enough, it's that time of year... with lots of tiny turtles, nesting Anhingas, very young monkeys and dozens of baby alligators. Birds with beautiful mating plumage, courtship displays and territorial scuffles makes for an interesting trip. Cute baby alligators means a very protective mother is nearby. She'll remain protective of her young for almost a year after they're born. I was paddling in the middle of the river with my camera stowed safely in a 'dry-bag' in my cockpit when an alligator lunged into the water and swam in my direction. The behavior appeared aggressive. Perhaps a protective female? A territorial male? or looking to me for a hand-out. The alligator stopped short of my boat's starboard side and waited. I've not experienced this type of 'aggressive' behavior before, but I instinctively knew what to do.. I paddled faster.
At our usual break spot (the canoe launch) at the Silver River State Park & campgrounds I noticed one of the new members of our kayak group standing in approximately waist deep water near the canoe ramp. I'm sure she is not aware of the enormous snapping turtle named, "Murdock" living under the ramp... He has a head the size of my fist, and has been fed by humans on many occasions. As I approached my thoughts turned from telling her about the snapping turtle to an immediate issue - an alligator that was bearing down on her position. Assuming she didn't see the alligator swimming in her direction, I yelled to get out of the water. She immediately plowed her way through the water to safety while the alligator quickly closed the gap. He showed no fear of humans - even after a fellow kayaker and I pounded on the sides of our boats to get him to retreat - he stayed focused on the kayaker as she scrambled up the canoe ramp. She escaped unscathed, and he hung around the ramp waiting for another opportunity. Paddlers, visitors and campers came and went as he watched nearby. There's no doubt someone had been feeding him. By the time we passed the canoe ramp on the way back the alligator had positioned himself across the bottom expanse of the ramp - anyone walking from the campgrounds to the river will certainly be startled.
Sadly, one day he'll be labeled "a nuisance and a threat to humans" and probably killed - all because of his association with humans as a food source. So, PLEASE for the safety of those who enjoy Florida waters, DO NO FEED THE WILDLIFE.
Tips:
Bring lots of water and keep all food stuff away from wildlife. Monkeys have been known to jump on boats in an attempt to grab food that was once offered freely. They can get aggressive and inflict nasty bites. Oh, and in case you didn't know... they can swim. For your own safety and that of others, please keep your distance.
Bring lots of water and keep all food stuff away from wildlife. Monkeys have been known to jump on boats in an attempt to grab food that was once offered freely. They can get aggressive and inflict nasty bites. Oh, and in case you didn't know... they can swim. For your own safety and that of others, please keep your distance.
Tags:
Kayaking
Kayaking
Comments (6)
Beautiful wildlife photos. Thanks for sharing. Your detailed trip description will be extremely helpful to me when I visit Florida. Thank you so much.
by dor2427 on May 26, 2012
The ortho surgeon would be please to know your new knees worked perfectly when called into action - hastily retreating from Florida Alligators. Thank goodness titanium is not on their list of preferred foods. Keep the dry-side up... see you on the water
by Pocket-Rider on Mar 11, 2012
I really had a great time. My new titanium knees worked perfectly scrambling out of the water with a hungry gator approaching! I do not think he would like titanium!
by CapemayB on Mar 11, 2012
Extraordinary set of photos and fascinating trip report! Thanks for all the helpful information :>)
by crisrich on Mar 11, 2012
another wonderful chronicle that is educational, descriptive and a joy to read!!!!!!!
by arnemax on Mar 10, 2012
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