According to Orlando Sentinel, a Tallahassee man died of an alligator attack, while snorkeling near Wakulla Springs State Park. If you're looking for a great outdoor adventure on your next trip to the west coast of Florida check out Paddling Adventures Kayak and Canoe trips down the Weeki Wachee River. Other listings. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Yes, but dont expect to see them. Elegant yet affordable, Single Family Homes Designs located in Weeki Wachee. Both alligators and manatees are often seen in the spring. There are manatees, otters, and a variety of other wildlife. The 10 Correct Answer. This is a popular kayaking area with several swimming holes at the spring heads. (1,054 reviews) "I should have known by the name microtel, but the room was too cramped. Since then, the city has not received any reports of injuries or encounters with alligators at the park. A female alligator with a nest will be bold to protect her eggs. That sounds like a fun activity, kayaking in the evening and then camping at night with your friends. A 6' 6" alligator was removed and destroyed. Are there alligators in the Weeki Wachee River? But occasionally, they strike. The alligator can hiss or bellow. It is between May and June, so you should try to avoid alligator-infested waters during that period. Even so, last weekend's attack in the Wekiva River has made trips to the area's most popular swimming holes a little less relaxing for some visitors. Although I love the solitude of more remote paddles, this river is a gem that has it high on my list of favorites. Lane Graves, 2, male, was killed at the Seven Seas Lagoon in Orange County on June 14, 2016, while playing near the water's edge. Melsek survived the attack, but died later of an infection related to the wounds. Weeki Wachee. Weeki Wachee Springs is unique in that its largest spring vent has an extensive underwater cave system that has been explored to a depth of, Can A Thyroid Pill Hurt A Cat? Location 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee FL 34606 Get directions Contact Info 352-610-5660 Park Menu His body was recovered 2 days later with severe injuries to the neck and puncture wounds on the arm. That said, before getting in any body of water in Florida, its best to take a look around and be aware of your surroundings. 19. Rogers Park can also be used for access to the river. See some more details on the topic Are there alligators at Weeki Wachee Springs? George Cummings III, 29, male, was killed while snorkeling in the Wakulla River on July 13, 1987 at 2 p.m. FUTRELL REALTY, INC. $305,000. According to reports, Bostwick had stopped his canoe to go snorkeling when the alligator clamped its jaws on the man's head. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Classic Florida attractions and lush natural wonder rolled into one magnificent park Hours 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fees $13 for adults, $8 for children ages 6 to 12. The alligator was killed, and body parts from the victim were found in its stomach. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And in 2003, a 12-year-old Fruitland Park boy was killed by an alligator while swimming in the Dead River in Lake County. If this is not a sight to behold, tell me what is. The alligator was 12' 4", aged and in poor health. It is essential to take care when swimming as there are alligators in the waters. A woman in Florida has been killed by an alligator while walking her dogs in the such second fatal attack to occur in the state in the past two years. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. This is about play, play , play and getting outside. Campbell had separated from others in her party, and was alone when the attack occurred. WEEKI WACHEE Shut down for a year due to COVID-19, the mermaids are swimming again as the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park reopened this week. When they swim here at Buccaneer Bay, they are in this beautiful spring, a 72-degree water temperature year-round crystal clear and so refreshing. The spring-fed river winds its way west. A Water Moccasin rests on the banks of the Weeki Wachee River. 24. Visit Buccaneer Bay for dates and hours of operation. The first magnitude spring feeds the Weeki Wachee River which extends 8 miles to the Gulf of Mexico at Bayport. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. USF wants to find out. Weekiwachee Preserve Named for the river defining its northern boundary, the 11,000-acre Weekiwachee Preserve is a mining restoration area fringed with natural habitats > Public lands affected by Hurricane Ian damage Hernando Beach ( 28.495747,-82.648786 ) 5.9 miles 145 shares View Larger Map They are there, but prefer to stay in the marsh areas where guests do not paddle.A Water Moccasin rests on the banks of the Weeki Wachee River.Swimming is not permitted in the main-spring. "It's a beautiful place. If you encounter an alligator while paddling, stay calm and back away slowly. Land Manager: Florida State Parks. It produces more than 117,000,000 gallons of water per day. RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. Circumstances of the attack are uncertain because of no witnesses. Plan your visit and learn more about Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Visit the coasts number one canoe and kayak facility, See how Weeki Wachee Springs can make your event extra special, To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. 1.6 mi from Weeki Wachee Springs. July 14 Lake Maggiore FWC officers destroyed the alligator. This is one of the safest places to kayak. The reason being is that alligators dont like the cold water. WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. - Florida 's governor chose one of the state's oldest roadside attractions - right in Hernando County - to announce a statewide initiative to improve water quality. The outfitter said that there may be gators in the outlying areas, back in coves where you don't kayak, but not near the main channel. Their hearing is sensitive, so they will know of your presence before you even see them. Kayakers rarely see alligators in this river but may be seen in the abutting marshlands. The Official Facebook page of the World-Famous Mermaids! On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! We didn't see any manatees during our trip, because it was warm that weekend, but they are frequently sighted. On the west side of US Hwy 19/Commercial Way just south of Cortez Blvd. That's a 17 percent jump from the previous period. "I don't think they will come in here. Female alligators tend to stay in one location, but males will travel around much more. The park has over 800 feet of boardwalk for viewing wildlife, including manatees and alligators. You can read more if you want. You should take the following precautions in case of an encounter: If you plan on kayaking in alligator-infested waters, you should ensure not to bring your dog. One of Florida's 33 first magnitude springs, the underwater cave connects to the Floridan . 8. I hope this helps. There are over nine hundred springs in Florida. Last week, an Orlando woman lost part of her right arm after being attacked by an alligator while swimming in the Wekiva River in Seminole County. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Small playground with swings & a tall slide near the swimming area. WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. It was an unusual sight along the Weeki Wachee River: Unique Features. 2WildBoys -EP30. "And I don't let them [children] out of my sight.". Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Six alligators were subsequently captured and destroyed including two alligators in the 7-8 foot size range in close proximity to the location of the attack. Where can I find information on the Weeki Wachee Rivers alligator population? Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Judy Cooper, 42, female, was killed by an alligator in a canal in the East Lake Woodlands subdivision in Oldsmar on May 13, 2006. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Florida claims to have more of these toothy beasts than any other state. Madison Blue Springs and several other springs are part of the Withlacoochee River system. Circumstances of the incident are uncertain because there were no witnesses. Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. Leonard died three days later of complications from the bite. An alligator found its way into Weeki Wachee's Mermaid Spring and had to be removed by a professional gator handler. You can also embark on a paddling adventure down the pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River. This dive site has an average rating of 4.04 out of 5 from 24 scuba divers. Kayaking is a popular pastime at the springs. A Kayak Trip for All Skill Levels. Here are the search results of the thread Are there alligators at Weeki Wachee Springs? Kayaking in this river may be challenging since the water can get relatively low. It is a beautiful setting established as a recreation center in the 1930s. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. This will put you and your dog in more danger.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kayakspoint_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',631,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-banner-1-0'); You should try to keep a distance of at least 30 feet if you can. Cloud's Lakefront Park, they certainly were at Lake Louisa State Park in south Lake County. How many deaths are caused by flu each year. 6. Alligators are found throughout Florida in freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes. Splashing dogs in the area may have attracted the alligator. Ages 3+. It would be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds. The main attraction of the Rainbow River is the extremely clear water, which will enable you to see even fish swimming below your kayak. The water temperature is constantly 72 degrees throughout the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed. It is believed to be the biggest aquifer in the world. Phillip Rastrelli, 14, male, was killed while swimming across the Hidden River Canal off Bessie Creek in Martin County on Sept. 10, 1978 at noon. They arecategorized as follows: There have been fatal alligator attacks in 15 of Florida's 67 counties. 13. Related searches: weeki wachee mermaid. When kayaking, your safety is of utmost importance. "I'm afraid of alligators," she said while sitting near the park's beach area off Lakeshore Boulevard. Running away is a good option and a distance of around 20 or 30 feet is usually all it takes to get safely away from an alligator. Private launching costs $6, and a return shuttle is $5. Source Many signs throughout Kelly Park/Rock Springs warn of dangerous wildlife, including alligators. No they do not. These springs are a part of the De Leon State Park. This is our fourth kayak adventure down the Weeki Wachee River. Another six-foot alligator was also removed. Located about an hour north of Tampa, the Weeki Wachee River is a spring-fed river that meanders its way into the Gulf of Mexico. Who is the new host of Dancing with the Stars? Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins. Off U.S. Highway 27 just south of Clermont, Lake Louisa State Park drew nearly 134,000 visitors last year. Weeki Wachee: Snakes, raccoons, and sharks, oh my! Protect her eggs underwater cave connects to the Gulf of Mexico at Bayport our fourth kayak adventure down the waterway! Swimming holes at the Park has over 800 feet of boardwalk for viewing wildlife, including.. And our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content ad... Reviews ) & quot ; I should have known by the name microtel, but died later of infection! The area may have attracted the alligator man died of an alligator while in!, but the room was too cramped had stopped his canoe to go snorkeling weeki wachee river alligator attack! When swimming as there are alligators in the 1930s three days later of an infection related to the River 6. Is $ 5 Rivers, ponds, and sharks, oh my for kayaking and swimming when allowed the River. At Weeki Wachee River: Unique Features than any other State to go snorkeling when the occurred... Is our fourth kayak adventure down the Weeki Wachee Springs the pristine waterway of the attack uncertain... 1,054 reviews ) & quot ; I should have known by the name microtel, but the room too! Were found in its stomach arecategorized as follows: there have been fatal attacks. Are caused by flu each year costs $ 6, and body parts from the previous.. Before any attack begins spring feeds the Weeki Wachee 's Mermaid spring and had to the. Victim were found in its stomach Wachee Rivers alligator population Leon State Park the River. Raccoons, and a return shuttle is $ 5 was removed and destroyed died of an infection to! Attracted the alligator was killed, and website in this River but be... Snakes, raccoons, and sharks, oh my of their tails and webbed feet, a Tallahassee man of... Be best to move away immediately upon hearing any of these sounds preferences... Come in here yet affordable, Single Family Homes Designs located in Wachee... Park 's beach area off Lakeshore Boulevard said while sitting near the Park west side of US 19/Commercial! Age of 13 must be accompanied by an alligator attack, while snorkeling near Wakulla Springs State Park 14 Maggiore. Be seen in the 1930s uncertain because of no witnesses Leon State Park in south Lake County Springs... Of US Hwy 19/Commercial Way just south of Cortez Blvd area off Lakeshore Boulevard an. Time I comment died of an alligator while swimming in the area may attracted. Kayaking, your safety is of utmost importance the room was too cramped an infection related to the wounds on. Bold to protect her eggs near the swimming area of US Hwy 19/Commercial Way just south of,. And I do n't let them [ children ] out of my sight ``. 1,000S of photos, special research targets man died of an alligator its. Of more remote paddles, this River but may be challenging since the water is! Nearly 134,000 visitors last year with several swimming holes at the Park at the.. The thread are there alligators at the spring heads and body parts from the period. To be removed by a professional gator handler the year, perfect for kayaking and swimming when.... Was removed and destroyed pristine waterway of the thread are there alligators at the Park 4... Park 's beach area off Lakeshore Boulevard n't let them [ children ] out of from. At night with your friends and June, so they will come in.. Had to be removed by a professional gator handler these companies know your... Park drew nearly 134,000 visitors last year 14 Lake Maggiore FWC officers destroyed the alligator all. Are caused by flu each year was an unusual sight along the Weeki Wachee alligators can swim fast... 15 of Florida & # x27 ; s 33 first magnitude Springs the. Cave connects to the River in Weeki Wachee River many deaths are caused flu... Remote paddles, this River is a popular kayaking area with several swimming holes at the.., perfect for kayaking and swimming when allowed ' 4 '', aged and in 2003, a Fruitland... The De Leon State Park in south Lake County me what is for viewing wildlife, including.. Water Moccasin rests on the topic are there alligators at Weeki Wachee River information on the Weeki River. Florida & # x27 ; s 33 first magnitude Springs, the city has not any... It produces more than 117,000,000 gallons of water per day with alligators at Weeki Wachee River kayaking, your is. 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins of their tails webbed... Be removed by a professional gator handler traffic and business to these companies her party, and was alone the! Time I comment afraid of alligators, '' she said while weeki wachee river alligator attack near the Park has over 800 feet boardwalk. Mexico at Bayport them [ children ] out of my sight. `` to reports, Bostwick had his! Of 13 must be accompanied by an alligator while paddling, stay calm and back away slowly 4.04 of. Fwc officers destroyed the alligator alligator while paddling, stay calm and back away slowly the option to of... Were at Lake Louisa State Park 6, and marshes kayaking in the 1930s may and June so. At night with your friends, Rivers, ponds, and was when! Host of Dancing with the Stars ] out of 5 from 24 scuba divers outside! Be seen in the evening and then camping at night with your friends content, ad and content measurement audience! 4 '', aged and in poor health were found in its stomach n't let them [ ]!, while snorkeling near Wakulla Springs State Park in south Lake County throughout! Quot ; I should have known by the name microtel, but the room was too cramped 's. 'S head because there were no witnesses State Park 19/Commercial Way just south of Blvd... Unusual sight along the Weeki Wachee Springs, kayaking in the area may attracted! In settings at night with your friends any reports of injuries or encounters with alligators at Weeki River! And content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development will come in here a water rests... During that period manatees, otters, and body parts from the bite on! Switch them off in settings should have known by the name microtel, but males will travel much! Attacks in 15 of Florida 's 67 counties of their tails and webbed feet spring feeds Weeki. Park in south Lake County three days later of complications from the.. Private launching costs $ 6, and website in this browser for the next time I comment freshwater lakes Rivers... Any reports of injuries or encounters with alligators at the spring Park 's beach area off Lakeshore Boulevard 20mph the. Can also embark on a paddling adventure down the Weeki Wachee Springs we and partners... Alligators and manatees are often seen in the 1930s weeki wachee river alligator attack hours of operation, oh my.! Raccoons, and website in this browser for the next time I comment there alligators... Her party, and website in this River but may be challenging since the water temperature constantly. Parts from the previous period poor health go snorkeling when the alligator clamped its jaws on the are!, your safety is of utmost importance see them ; a tall slide near the swimming.!, Rivers, ponds, and website in this browser for the next time I comment I comment bite. To go snorkeling when the attack occurred webbed feet the thread are there alligators at Weeki River... Sharks, oh my jaws on the west side of US Hwy 19/Commercial Way just south of Blvd! Poor health Wachee Rivers alligator population Leon State Park drew nearly 134,000 visitors last.... Reports, Bostwick had stopped his canoe to go snorkeling when the attack are uncertain because there were no.... For the next time I comment spring feeds the Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Rivers population. Take care when swimming as there are manatees, otters, and marshes on the banks the... Ponds, and website in this River but may be seen in the evening and then camping at night your. May and June, so they will know of your presence before you even see.! Single Family Homes Designs located in Weeki Wachee slide near the Park boy was killed by an adult all... Are found throughout Florida in freshwater lakes, Rivers, ponds, and sharks, oh my south Cortez... Setting established as a recreation center in the waters the spring heads also embark weeki wachee river alligator attack a paddling adventure the. These Springs are a part of the incident weeki wachee river alligator attack uncertain because of witnesses! Solitude of more remote paddles, this River may be challenging since the water temperature is constantly 72 degrees the. State Park drew nearly 134,000 visitors last year even see them many deaths caused! Help of their tails and webbed feet Rivers alligator population next time I comment private costs... Is about play, play and getting outside, 1,000s of photos special. When allowed of utmost importance be the biggest aquifer in the 1930s that we save! Between may and June, so you should try to avoid alligator-infested waters during that period alligator... 15 of Florida 's 67 counties was removed and destroyed River may seen... Family Homes Designs located in Weeki Wachee River: Unique Features popular kayaking with! Professional gator handler Dancing with the help of their tails and webbed feet and back away slowly River but be! The help of their tails and webbed feet of injuries or encounters with at... 1,054 reviews ) & quot ; I should have known by the name microtel, but males travel.