What do I need to know about alligators? (Ocala: home, living)

[doom1001]

Originally Posted by Rabflmom

There are also some water parks in Orlando that are a lot of fun. They all have kids areas.

That's what I would do,no gators at Aquatica or Typhoon Lagoon.The springs in Florida are also not gator free,you have to be wary of them in any body of water.Remember what Momma said,"gators are so angry cause they got all them teeth and no toothbrush".

[bmw335xi]

Swim in clear spring fed water... It doesn't guarantee there won't be any, but it limits the odds and you'll at least be able to see them.

[tinytrump]

not much into lakes--- we have bacterias that might make her sick- take her to wet in wild - kids see water normally want to get in- we are full of "live" things in FL- and is it a real lake or our ponds?

[melovescookies]

I'm terrified of gators but I'll swim in some springs as long as there are a lot of people around. I've always felt pretty safe swimming in them. From my understanding the spring water is too cold for the gators anyway. At least that's what I tell myself.

Maybe I'm a bit paranoid but I would never let a child play near the edge of a river or lake in Florida. May people do but to me it's not worth the risk.

I'd say your pretty safe in a boat or on a dock. Just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by doom1001

That's what I would do,no gators at Aquatica or Typhoon Lagoon.The springs in Florida are also not gator free,you have to be wary of them in any body of water.Remember what Momma said,"gators are so angry cause they got all them teeth and no toothbrush".

I would think Rock Springs is too cold and crowded for reptiles? I may be wrong, but it would seem odd to see one in there.

[EditorJul]

I used to go lake swimming at summer camp up in Ocala, and while we saw gators in the lake at night, they tended to avoid contact with humans unless people in the area have been feeding them. Now snakes and spiders…nasty little buggers.

[Canada Traveller]

Well NOW I seethe warnings about the Rock Springs possibly having gators too! We went swimming there a few days ago lol. There were loads of people though, you can see the water, and it hardly seems deep enough for gators to even be. We may check out Wekiwa Springs State Park which also has swimming apparently. Thanks again for your replies!

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by Canada Traveller

Well NOW I seethe warnings about the Rock Springs possibly having gators too! We went swimming there a few days ago lol. There were loads of people though, you can see the water, and it hardly seems deep enough for gators to even be. We may check out Wekiwa Springs State Park which also has swimming apparently. Thanks again for your replies!

Wekiva Springs State Park will have more living things in it than Rock Springs.

[beachmouse]

There are also pygmy rattlesnakes that like to hang out in landscaping but they generally don't want to mess with something as big as a human (snakes in general save for the giant species usually don't) If you're in an area with a lot of plants and shrubbery, don't let the small human grab a flower or palm frond without eyeballing the area yourself first, and stomping as you walk through a garden area lets the snakes know you're nearby so they can slither away safely for everyone.

[ajnucch]

Originally Posted by Canada Traveller

I was hoping there was gator/snake free lakes or rivers around but I guess we will just take a day trip to the beaches instead! Flea market sounds fun, thanks for the tip

Watch out for the sharks......Hehe....