Alligators are a security problem while canoeing / kayaking on the Mississippi River?

I am planning a kayaking trip through Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico – in any case return to the question … Is it a major safety issue? Presented as a threat if I'm camping along the river? What should you do if I find one?

Okay, I have no statistics on that area, but here in Florida, in the last 50 years, crocodiles have been responsible for about 26 human deaths … Compare that with the dogs, which kill more people each year, and actually, alligators are not too much of a threat to all … What time of year we think's going? Just to be on the safe side, I avoid late March to May, due to courtship and territorial issues … Most "attacks" in canoes and kayaks are misunderstandings … Gator is hung on the bench, paddler comes in a close corner, afraid of alligators, Gator pauses to deeper waters and hits the bottom of the boat it is true, however ~ ~ during this time of year, a whole alligator mind is the fact that there is something more, always (or more) than "swim" through its territory, when the real attacks on kayaks or other small craft are produced, are usually for that time period. (early this year a 11 footer attacked a kayak in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge … Luckily, the water was shallow and the alligator was more concerned with the kayak to anything else) Fed alligators pose a special problem … they do not recognize the specific people that feed of them, just recognize the basic shape … I know several boat ramps here in Florida who have had problems due to feeding alligators (or "bad the elimination of cleaning fish "), where each small boat was launched would be beaten by large alligators … again, I do not know the statistics that way, but I'm sure it's similar … 95% of attacks by alligators in Florida link back to feed the alligator. My suggestion? Avoid being in the water at dawn and evening … alligators are crepuscular, most hunting takes place in these times. as inviting as it is, they decide to go swimming if you are in an area designated swimming … You're in their territory, very few "provocation" deadly attacks here in Florida have been in people who swim in remote areas and the attacks were by large alligators. Back cover the costs … only because the majority of "attacks" on kayaks are bump and runs, does not mean Some alligator surly not ruin your 'Yak any time of year … if there's a lot of coverage, assume there is an alligator, and give him plenty of room so you know you're not a threat … Try not to make them feel trapped (remember, alligators are more comfortable and safer in the water than above water.) Do not feed them … This includes "incidental power" If you catch fish for shore lunch, do not throw your cleaning back in the water … catch a fish in the trash? They treat him like a fish and game is going to regain strength after a fight and swimming in their own instead of just tossing it back … tired of fish have been injured caught and released are an easy meal for the alligators, and that ~ ~ do know what a person with a fishing rod means. Pick a bank as open as you can find when you go into the camp … cattails and other vegetation groups are ambush points for alligators … want to be able to see most of the coast as possible, not I think a crocodile has been uploaded to their camp and bust in his tent to go, but set up camp as far back from the water as possible … While alligators deserve respect can scrap them, they are not out to get anyone … However, if you are in a position bad luck, just remember that people who you fight no loose (not the promise that everyone who advocates do not slip, but if you try, you have no chance) … Gator blows his' yak? Bump back to the shovel if not a hit and run … Heck, drop your anchor in the head if given a chance and you have … not many soft spots in these animals, but if you're in the position where you need to use them, you need to know … where are fleshy noses, eyes, and if you're unlucky enough to be able to take advantage of the glottis (the flap on the back of the mouth that keeps the water if they open their mouths underwater) … to find the hand in a gator's mouth, grasp for anything that may come if you have any more movement in his hand. Another thing I remember from when I was working on the tour boat … Louisiana had a family and says that alligators much bolder here in Florida are what are that way … Louisiana has a game much larger audience that Florida has, and alligators that way We know that people are bad news … people here in Florida are more likely to feed them to shoot, so ours are more …. "friendly" (note the quotes … they are not really friendly at all …) main thing is just to give them room, if possible. fun, and bring a PFD.

Bull Red from Kayak in Louisiana