Alligator Free Kayaking? In search of...

Seriously, there are plenty of kayaking opportunities in SoWal that will be alligator free. There doesn't seem to be many of them left in our coastal dune lakes. The smaller lakes, like Alligator Lake, are more likely to have them (I've seen a few). But most people don't boat on the smaller lakes. I bet that if we had a contest one morning, to see who could spot a gator from a kayak, no one would find one.

Does anyone recall an incident of an alligator problem with a kayaker in SoWal?

Happy paddling...

Never heard of an incident with gators around here. Heck, I rarely see them. I think I have seen maybe one a year while living here -- mostly smaller gators less than 6ft in length, except for a big one up Black Creek. I consider myself lucky when I see one. I grew up swimming and waterskiing in a lake with plenty of gators, so I guess I am not bothered. They have never messed with me, and I try not to mess with them, if you know what I mean.;-) Back last summer on that same lake, my Dad saw a trapper across the creek from his house, catch a gator measuring 12ft with part of its tail missing. Someone from the local marina had called and complained that the gator had been hanging around their boats and they were concerned. I am much more cautious about where I let my dogs swim on that Lake, but around here, I haven't seen one big enough to take on my dogs.

The only Alligator incident I know of was in Pandora's Parking lot. True story but my lips are sealed!:cool:

I've heard the one about the general's wife's dog getting eaten when she was out walking him by the Hurlburt Field golf course. And there was a picture in the Bay Beacon a while back of a three footer that decided to plunk down in the parking lot of the North Bay Fire Department station while the fire commission was meeting.

But for the most part, the gators don't want to bug the humans.

Seriously, there are plenty of kayaking opportunities in SoWal that will be alligator free. There doesn't seem to be many of them left in our coastal dune lakes. The smaller lakes, like Alligator Lake, are more likely to have them (I've seen a few). But most people don't boat on the smaller lakes. I bet that if we had a contest one morning, to see who could spot a gator from a kayak, no one would find one.

Does anyone recall an incident of an alligator problem with a kayaker in SoWal?

Happy paddling...

With all this gator talk - why doesn't anyone post some pics :idontno: I've seen a few photos that Kurt has taken, but no one else seems to ever have a camera handy when they see these critters :confused:
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With all this gator talk - why doesn't anyone post some pics :idontno: I've seen a few photos that Kurt has taken, but no one else seems to ever have a camera handy when they see these critters :confused:
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Maybe it was before you came along, but I have posted photos on SoWal of one gator I saw on Alligator Lake and one on Western Lake.

Does anyone recall an incident of an alligator problem with a kayaker in SoWal?

Happy paddling...

The only Alligator incident I know of was in Pandora's Parking lot. True story but my lips are sealed!:cool:

I've been on this beach for 23 years and there have been multiple occurances and sightings. Two come to mind right off the bat.

The Pandora's Parking Lot Alligator incident made national news and not in a good way. The news bit was making fun of the situation, and about the young man who offered his assistance and nearly lost his head and shoulders wrasslin' the gator. They didn't realize how serious it was; or how it could have ended tragically.:shock:

There was also the night I was following K from Indigo's Wine bar in BMB, on our way to the Red Bar, when he ran over an alligator right there at the intersection before turning right, caddycorner from Pandora's. When he got out of the car to see what he ran over, he realized he didn't kill it, he just pizzed it off. I think a deputy had to come shoot it.:(

And Alligator Lake didn't get its name by being full of Swans. Otherwise it would have been called Swan Lake.:floor: 😀

Now if anyone wants to go on a photo shoot/kayaking trip, I'm game.
But not bait.:funn: :funn: :funn: :nono1:


dka:drink:

The only Alligator incident I know of was in Pandora's Parking lot. True story but my lips are sealed!:cool:

:floor: I know that one and I don't put blame on the gator!!:floor: :floor:

Got any pics? :idontno:
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View attachment 3850
Here's the first thing I saw when I pulled up to the boat ramp at the dune lake at Tyndall AFB. (Click to enlarge to read sign.)
So I thought, here's a good place to put my Kayak in!

DKA and I want to know when mating season is? :twisted:

I was told that it was anytime when The Curse was not in cycle for Southern grrrls.

There was also the night I was following K from Indigo's Wine bar in BMB, on our way to the Red Bar, when he ran over an alligator right there at the intersection before turning right, caddycorner from Pandora's Bar. dka:drink:

Uh-huh, ok, yeah.
<noting case of alcohol induced hysteria>

View attachment 3850
Here's the first thing I saw when I pulled up to the boat ramp at the dune lake at Tyndall AFB. (Click to enlarge to read sign.)
So I thought, here's a good place to put my Kayak in!

That sign is much more friendly than the ones at the boat ramp near Crooked Island, warning against snakes, alligators, sharks, and bombs.😱

😱 :funn: :funn: :funn: :funn: