William FowlerKayaking is the perfect activity for adrenaline-hungry adventurers out there, but what if you find yourself kayaking amid alligators? Should you worry and start running, or in this case, paddling for your life? Do alligators attack kayaks in the first place?
While seeing some gators around your kayaking can be more than a cause of panic, you might want to stop first and keep calm.
Read on below to know more about alligators and kayaks and whether or not these two should even be near each other at all costs.
Can Alligators Attack Kayaks?
Yes, alligators can attack kayaks. There is no way to say for sure that alligators attacking kayaks isn’t something that has never happened before.
But if it is any consolation, an alligator attacking a kayaker is very low. However, there will always be an increased risk if you paddle in areas where gators are native.
Seriously though, most alligators are often contented with keeping to themselves and minding their own business, except if they see a good enough reason to get near you.
Fun Outdoor Quiz
To set things clear, you have to know first the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Crocodiles are more aggressive and are known to have more frequent attacks upon kayakers compared to alligators. Crocodiles are more common in South and Central America, Africa, and Asia.
When Do Alligators Attack Kayaks?Â
While there is an extremely low chance for gators to attack kayaks, it still doesn’t mean that they will not attack at all.
Just like anything else, gators will definitely attack if they feel threatened in any way. To stay safe when kayaking around alligators, it is recommended that you keep a maximum distance of 30 feet away.
Getting too near or irritating them will just end up provoking them. You should never assume that gators are passive animals. Although it is rare for alligators to chase after humans, once they do, they can easily outrun your efforts to paddle.
To better stay away from potential gator attacks, it is important to learn and understand some of their key behaviors that will help you identify warning signs so you can stay safe during your kayaking adventures.
How Do Alligators Behave?
Out of the different predators out there, alligators are considered the reserved type. These creatures will stay submerged under the water surface for hours and their snout only resurface for air now and then as they wait for prey to come near them. Alligators even tend to be somewhat reclusive to the point that other people often consider them docile or lazy.
As far as their diet is concerned, adult gators often feed on fish, turtles, snacks, birds, and small mammals. These are cold-blooded animals, and this is the reason why they are most active between twilight and dawn. But during the day, gators don’t really move that much. They often prefer spending their day lounging close to the shore, enjoying the sun over them.
If you are kayaking on a bigger river, don’t be surprised if you see the shore with several alligators hanging out. As for narrower streams, it is more likely for gators to simply slip back under the water and go out of sight once they see an approaching kayak.
Are Alligators Aggressive?
During springtime when there are high temperatures and warmer weather, it is more likely for gators to behave a bit more aggressively than usual. This is when the chances of a gator attacking a kayak tend to increase dramatically.
There are two primary reasons why alligators exhibit a change in behavior during this time of the year:
Mother Alligators
The female alligators make their nest in sheltered spots close to the water and guard this during the period of incubation and for up to two years after the eggs are hatched. These mother gators will show aggressiveness once they see someone who tries to hold or approach their babies or eggs. They wouldn’t think twice about attacking you once they sense their young being in danger.
Mating Season
During the mating season, male alligators can become highly territorial, more active, and also more aggressive.
What to Do if You See an Alligator While Kayaking
Once again, it is generally a very safe activity to kayak with alligators. Many of these animals that you will encounter don’t really want to have anything to do with you and keeping a respectful distance between the two of you will reduce any chances of an unwanted encounter.
- Aside from using common sense, below are other important precautions you need to take if you want to go kayak fishing in an area with gators.
- Alligators are typically calm and will only attack if they feel threatened. If you do see an alligator, just keep your composure and slowly paddle away. If you do tip over, make sure to stay calm and wait for help.
- Stay away from logs, banks, overhanging trees, floating vegetation, and other spots where a gator may be camouflaged. An attack may be triggered if you surprise an alligator waiting for its prey.
- Be ready to create a loud noise if ever a gator goes near you. Shout, blow a loud whistle, or hit the paddle against the side of the kayak. You might also want to have an air horn handy.
- Never feed the gators. Doing so will only bring them extremely close to the kayak and will just attract the attention of the rest of the gators in the place, significantly increasing the chances of a gator attack. The moment a human starts to feed an alligator, it will start seeing humans as a source of food that can lead to long-term problems for other people visiting the area.
- Avoid using a stringer for keeping your fish. If you plan to keep fish for dinner, stow your catch in a cooler on board. You will only troll for alligators if your kayak has a stringer of fishing trailing behind it.
- Make sure the gators have as much space as possible. Territorial males and nesting females require some space, and you might get a warning if they get too near your kayak.
- Keep your legs, arms, and hands in the kayak all the time. An alligator may see your dangling arm or leg in the water as an easy instant meal.
Do alligators attack kayaks? Yes, they might, so it wouldn’t hurt to take the necessary safety precautions the moment you hit the water.
