Florida Lake Makes List Of Most Leech Infested In America
Before you head into fresh water there’s a few things to be aware of and one Florida lake makes a list of the most leech infested in America.
One of the first things I was told when I moved to Fort Myers was that where there is fresh water there are gators. To never assume that by not seeing them, that they’re not there. But there’s another fresh water hazard: leeches.
If there are two things I really don’t like, they’re snakes and leeches. I never really had much experience with the blood sucking parasites until I moved to North Dakota. A group of friends and I were tubing on a river in Minnesota, as we did many weekends in the summer. Little did I know that when I got out of the water I had a leech stuck on my lower back. I must’ve sat on it because when I got up off my chair at a restaurant, the back of my dress and the chair was covered in blood. I was FREAKING out and a friend had to pull it off of me. Seriously, the grossest thing EVER. Needless to say, it was my last river tubing experience there.
Florida Lake Makes List Of Most Leech Infested In America
Before you head into a lake (or in my case, a river), it would be nice to know if there’s lots of leeches. And AnimalsAroundTheGlobe put together a list of 7 to have on your radar. I had no idea that there are over 480 different types of freshwater leeches. 1 is too many in my book. Lake George is located between Orlando and Jacksonville. Also known as Lake Welaka, it came in at #5 on the list of the most leech infested in America. Leeches there can be found hiding under rocks or at the bottom of the lake. There have been reports of leech bites, which as I personally know, are not pleasant. It’s not to say you can’t go in for a dip, but it’s something to be aware of. The lake also is home to snakes and gators too.
For the full list of the most leech infested lakes, click here.
These Are The 9 Most Dangerous Animals Lurking In The Florida Everglades
American Alligator
The American alligator can be seen in massive numbers. You’ll see at least 5-10 sunbathing on any given day, as you drive across Alligator Alley.
American Alligator in Everglades National Park
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
This snake is the one most venomous snakes in the state, and actually in the world. It is also known as the largest rattlesnake.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake from Big Cypress National Preserve (adjacent to Everglades National Park), Florida
Florida Panther
The Florida Panther is a beautiful creature and is on the endangered species list. As you’ll see below, they stalk. These creatures are not seen too often.
Stalking behavior of Florida Panther in Florida. Lurking in bushes.
Brown Recluse Spider
A brown recluse spider is most common in warmer climates. It is one of the most poisonous spiders in the Everglades.
A macro shot of a Brown recluse spider
American Crocodile
Yes, crocodile. American crocodiles are found in Florida. It’s not an alligator.
American Crocodile swimming in water in South Florida, near Everglades National Park
Florida Black Bear
We see these furry guys walking around neighborhoods in Estero quite often. With new construction, they’re forced out of their habitats. But, they are not safe to approach. They will defend themselves.
Florida Black Bear in suburban neighborhood
Florida Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth can be confused with other water snakes. Take extreme caution. These snakes are venomous with a mortality rate of 17%.
Florida Cottonmouth or water moccasin snake, close up in the Everglades
Burmese Python
These snakes are commonly seen being hunted. Reason is, they’re becoming an extremely invasive species across the state. They are constrictors and are non venomous.
Burmese python or Python bivittatus snake swims in the water in a marsh in the Florida Everglades.
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Let’s just say this one looks the scariest to me! I never thought I would be scared of a turtle. They are much more aggressive on land than they are in the water.
Alligator snapping turtle.
