[maineguy8888]

Originally Posted by Travelassie

We live on a canal with mangroves on the other side of the canal, just off the Peace River. It's a natural habitat for alligators and other wildlife, so it's not uncommon for us to see alligators. We've lived here 5 yrs full time, another 4 yrs about half time between here and Miami. We have never seen an alligator climb out of the water onto our property, occasionally we will see one sunning himself at low tide on the bank of the mangrove across the canal. They mind their own business here.

That said, if I had young children or small pets roaming in our yard, I'd have it fenced in along the water just to be on the safe side. And I would never swim in the canal or river.

That's kind of sad. In most places (including Maine), people go in the rivers and streams all the time. That includes fishing by foot.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by maineguy8888

That's kind of sad. In most places (including Maine), people go in the rivers and streams all the time. That includes fishing by foot.

There are a lot of natural springs in Florida that are great for swimming, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling and even diving, but yes your typical canal or lake, not recommended for swimming, but still it's nice to live on for the views and many are great for fishing. When I lived in Alaska, I'd be cautious of my surroundings when I fished from the shore because of bears and moose, likewise, you should be cautious of your surroundings in Florida too for snakes and gators, but once again... with simply being aware, your chances of getting attacked are very low... you're chance of getting attacked by a criminal or ran over in a parking lot is so much higher.

[maineguy8888]

Here's one that seems to have been near a spring:
Medical examiner says alligator attack caused death of Blue Spring State Park swimmer - Orlando Sentinel

What's really disturbing about this one is that people warned the rangers about the presence of a big gator. Rather than tell visitors (and reduce tourism), they kept quiet about it. So the guy went swimming the next day and was killed.

[maineguy8888]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

There are a lot of natural springs in Florida that are great for swimming, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling and even diving, but yes your typical canal or lake, not recommended for swimming, but still it's nice to live on for the views and many are great for fishing. When I lived in Alaska, I'd be cautious of my surroundings when I fished from the shore because of bears and moose, likewise, you should be cautious of your surroundings in Florida too for snakes and gators, but once again... with simply being aware, your chances of getting attacked are very low... you're chance of getting attacked by a criminal or ran over in a parking lot is so much higher.

Moose in Maine are no threat to any one. I've been VERY close to several. You just have to either turn around or wait for them to move on.

[Arcenal813]

Woman loses arm in alligator attack in Wekiva River - Orlando Sentinel

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by maineguy8888

Moose in Maine are no threat to any one. I've been VERY close to several. You just have to either turn around or wait for them to move on.

Moose injure more people in Alaska than bears.

[maineguy8888]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

Moose injure more people in Alaska than bears.

That's funny. I believe you, it just seems funny.
I guess Maine moose are nicer than Alaska moose...........

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by maineguy8888

That's funny. I believe you, it just seems funny.
I guess Maine moose are nicer than Alaska moose...........

Lots of moose hunters so thr word gets out humans are evil lol.

It’s usually because a cow (female moose) that has a baby, so she is extra protective or it’s a hormonal bull (male moose). Bear attacks do happen as well, but it’s more similar to how I view gators... odds are low of getting attacked if you use basic caution of your surroundings etc.

[sinatras]

Born and raised Floridian, I grew up swimming among gators in every one of Florida's rivers and never lost an arm or anything else.

[maineguy8888]

Originally Posted by sinatras

Born and raised Floridian, I grew up swimming among gators in every one of Florida's rivers and never lost an arm or anything else.

But would you let your young kids get near the water?