Paddling Around Alligators: Is It Safe?
Paddling through the serene waters of the Okefenokee Swamp or the rivers of South Georgia and North Florida is such a wonderful experience. However, sooner or later, paddlers in these places will find themselves sharing the water with the American Alligator, the largest reptile in the US. While I am comfortable paddling around them, I am fully aware that there are many people who aren’t! The question I often get from people interested in taking a tour with Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions is: is it safe to paddle around alligators?
Two of my wonderful guests drift past an alligator on a prairie paddling trail in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in early 2024. As you can see, we didn’t have much room! It sat still and waited for us to leave, showing no aggression. It is positioned towards the water not in a desire to attack the kayakers, but in a desire to be able to slip into the water and hide away if it chose to.
Understanding Alligator Behavior
Alligators are generally reclusive and shy creatures. They prefer to avoid human interaction and will typically retreat if given the opportunity. However, like any wild animal, they can be unpredictable, especially during mating season (April to June) and when they feel threatened or provoked. In all my years of paddling around gators in the rivers of southeast Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp, 99.9% of my interactions have been peaceful moments of passing them by. I have had a few that have hissed at me, but it typically means, “go away, please!”. I obey their request and require my guests to move along promptly if we do hear one hiss.
Safety Tips for Paddling Around Alligators
Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings. Look for signs of alligators, such as eyes or snouts protruding from the water, or rustling in nearby vegetation. If paddling in a place with a tight channel, like some trails in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, watch ahead for any sign of a tail or snout sticking out of the vegetation in or over the trail. If you give them time to slip away and hide, they won’t come up to grab you. Save your neck, you don’t have to keep looking over your shoulder. This isn’t JAWS, they won’t be tracking you down as you go!
Keep Your Distance: Maintain a safe distance from alligators. Experts recommend staying at least 30 feet away. NEVER attempt to feed or interact with them. A fed gator is a dead gator… meaning that if one is repeatedly fed by people, it is possible that it may become a nuisance gator and might have to be relocated or killed.
Avoid Nesting Areas: Female alligators can be particularly aggressive if they are protecting their nests. Steer clear of areas with tall grasses and reeds, especially during the nesting season of summertime.
Paddle in Groups: There is safety in numbers. Paddling with others can help deter an alligator from approaching and provides support in case of an emergency. I welcome groups on my private and public guided tours of the Okefenokee Swamp, Satilla River, St. Marys River, and Suwannee River!
Stay in your Canoe or Kayak: Do not dangle limbs over the sides of your vessel. Alligators can mistake hands or feet for prey, especially in murky waters. And if you do choose to go for a swim (not allowed in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge!), you do so at your own risk and understanding that being in the water with them greatly increases the chance of an attack. In the event of a capsize (aka an accidental swim!), get out of the water as soon as possible. Spend time before you go paddling to study and practice self rescue techniques, or even better, take a class!
What to Do if an Alligator Approaches
If an alligator begins to approach, remain calm. Do not make sudden movements or loud noises, which could provoke the animal. Back away slowly, and if possible, paddle to the shore or a more populated area. If an alligator displays aggressive behavior, such as hissing or lunging, it’s crucial to leave the area immediately.
Conclusion
While paddling in gator territory does carry some risk, following these safety tips can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Respecting alligators as wild animals and understanding their behavior is key to coexisting peacefully with these incredible ancient reptiles. By staying vigilant and prepared, you can continue to explore the natural beauty of alligator habitats with confidence. And, if you would prefer to go with a seasoned local guide to feel more comfortable and confident on your southern paddle trip, choose to go with Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions! I have taken countless people out on trips now who have told me that they felt so much more comfortable going with a local guide who grew up paddling around gators and knew how to read their behavior and give guidance on the water around them. If you’d like to go on a trip with me to appreciate gators in their natural habitat, safely, get in touch! Email okeexpeditions@gmail.com to set up your Okefenokee Swamp or southern river kayak or canoe tour.
- Jenny
