Dangerous critters in Gulf?

[alslush]

Hi--I'm new to the area--just bought a condo in Seagrove. I was wondering--are there any critters in the water that I need to worry about (sea snakes, jellyfish, sharks, etc.)? I'm from Australia, and we have some really BAD critters in our waters.

[DD]

:welcome:alslush! And I would say the answer to your question is yes and no.

[beachmouse]

The Gulf is far, far less lethal than the waters around Australia are.

Definitely jellyfish out there, but they're of the non-lethal variety. Most of them will irritate your skin for an hour tops, and that's it. Man-o-Wars are a little nastier but very rare.

Sharks are out there too, but they aren't the types that normally like to interact with humans, and I can think of a total of two shark attacks along the whole FL Panhandle and its millions and millions of beach visits over the past ten years.

The biggest salt water hazards are rip currents and idiots on jet skis/waverunners.

In freshwater areas, alligators are common but are far less agressive than crocodiles and attacks on humans are very rare. (Though they will frequently go after dogs that wander into shallow water)

[Smiling JOe]

worry? No, nothing to worry about, but you should use common sense and learn things to avoid, like going into the water with open cuts or when menstruating. You'll quickly learn to avoid being stung by the jellyfish.

If you want to worry about something, worry about getting ran over by people who don't know how to drive, or drivers who are distracted by girls wearing bikinis.

[NotDeadYet]

:welcome:

No box jellies or eighteen-different-kinds-of-neurotoxins-cone-snails here. None of those deadly sea snakes, either.
I loved Australia when I visted there a few years ago, but I was shocked at the number of lethal critters you have over there. :yikes:
Learn how to get yourself out of a rip tide, or better yet, don't get caught in one to begin with, shuffle your feet to alert any stingrays that might be snoozing in the shallow water, keep an eye out for jellies, and you should be fine.
We do have a few poisonous snakes in the woods around here - rattlesnakes and cotton mouths mostly, so watch where you put your feet. Also a couple of poisonous spiders but they are pretty rare. Visit one of the state parks around here, Grayton or Topsail, and talk to the rangers. They will be happy to fill you in and help you identify any critters you see. They also have info on the non-lethal animals like sea turtles and shorebirds, and advice on protecting their habitat.

[alslush]

Thanks for the info! You've eased my mind considerably.:D

[florida girl]

Salt water is excellant for minor cuts and skin irritations, heals them up fast!