Gatorland Entrance
You can see alligators, crocodiles, snakes and birds up close and personal when you visit Gatorland, the Alligator Capital of the World. Kids will be enthralled when they walk through the giant gator mouth to enter this 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve.
Florida has many animals that can't be found anywhere else in the wild in the United States, because of it's wide variety of different habitats. When visiting Florida and the wildlife that resides there, there are a few things you should know and watch out for:
Alligators
Alligators have lived in Florida's rivers, swamps, marshes and lakes for centuries, but due to an ever expanding human population, these creatures are becoming ever more present in day to day life. Although many Floridian's have become used to their present, visitors may not be so accustomed to this.
· Be aware of the possibility of an alligator attack. (As of May 2005, more than 340 attacks on humans have been documented since 1948.)
· Closely supervise small children when in or around water.
· Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas.
· Only swim during daylight hours, alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
· If you see an alligator, leave it alone. It is against state law to kill, harass, or possess an alligator.
· Do not feed, or attempt to feed, an alligator. It is against state law and extremely dangerous.
· Dispose of fish scraps near boat ramps, in garbage cans, or fish camps. Do not throw them in the water.
· Do not allow pets to swim or drink in waters that may contain alligators.
· Observe and photograph alligators from a safe distance. If you want a close up, use a zoom lense.
· If bitten by an alligator, even if a small bite, seek medical attention immediately. Alligator bites often result in serious infection.
Although these animals can be dangerous, they are an important part of Florida's heritage and play an important part in their ecosystem. However, if you come across an alligator over four feet in length, that poses a threat to humans or their property, call 1-800-FWC-GATOR (392-4286). If you would like to see these reptiles up close and in a safe enviroment, stop by Gatorland. To get a close look at other exotic animals, swing by Parrot Jungle Island, in Miami, and just show them your Go Orlando Card.
Florida Panthers
The Florida panther is an endangered species. Less than 70 of these panthers still exist. Since 1972, 44 panthers have been killed by collisions with vehicles. Although the chances may be slim that it may happen now, always keep an eye out for these elusive creatures when heading down the road. There have been wildlife crossings and right of way fencings installed along more than 40 miles of Florida roadway. No panthers have been killed where these structures have been placed. This animals natural habitats are hardwood hammocks, pinelands, cypress swamps, hardwood swamps, praries, and freshwater marshes. If you happen to see a Florida panther, you may look from a safe distance, but these animals are an endangered species, so please don't harm them.
Black Bears
Black bears are a large, powerful, and beautiful animals. The males in Florida typically weigh between 250 and 450 pounds. The record weight for a female bear is 383 pounds, but that doesn't make them any less fierce. If you are spotted anywhere near her cubs, you could be in some very real danger. Seeing a bear in Florida is a rare sight, and when they are seen, it's usually their back end as they run away. If you do see a bear, leave it alone, and let it pass. Usually, the bears will sense, and they'll sneak away before you even see them.
· Do not feed the bears. Although they may appear gentle, and although they may be cute, they will lose their natural fear of humans if provided with food. It is illegal to intentionally feed bears in Florida.
· Do not leave pet food where a bear could get to it.
· Do not leave trash where it is accessible to bears.
Once bears find food, they will continue to return. If you see a bear in your community or near your property, remain calm and stay away.
If you have a close encounter:
· Remain standing upright
· Avoid direct eye contact.
· Back up slowly, and speak in a calm, assertive, assuring voice.
· Make sure the bear is not cornered, and has an escape route.
· Do not run from the bear.
Sharks
Sharks create problems in Florida and all over the world. Although, humans are more of a threat to sharks than vice versa, but before diving into that salty sea water, you should know the risks and a bit about prevention.
· Sharks are more likely to attack individual swimmers, stay in a group whenever possible.
· Do not wander too far from shore, not only does it usually isolate the swimmer, it puts them farther away from help.
· Sharks are most active during darkness or twilight hours. It's safest to swim during the daylight hours.
· Do not enter the water when bleeding from an open wound, or menstruating.
· Do not wear shiny jewelry, the light reflecting off it can resemble fish scales.
· Use extra caution when water is murky.
· Bright colored clothing may draw a shark's attention.
· Refrain from excess splashing.
· Be careful when swimming in the areas between sandbars or near steep drop-off's. These areas are known to be favorite hang-outs for sharks.
So, when visiting Florida, keep those things in mind. The chances of needing much of that information is slim, you never can tell, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
