Are there alligators on Sanibel Island?

Sanibel contains over 2,200 acres of freshwater wetlands that provide habitat for a sizable population of alligators. Since many of the residential neighborhoods on the Island contain lakes or interface with conservation lands containing wetlands, interaction between humans and alligators is likely.

Where can you see alligators on Sanibel Island?

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, 472- 1100, fws.or/dingdarling. The best place to spot juvenile and adult gators at the refuge is on Indigo Trail where it junctures with the Wildlife Education Boardwalk.

Are there crocodiles on Sanibel?

Holly Milbrandt, a biologist for the City of Sanibel, and others know of two female crocodiles that live on Sanibel. Both are tagged, and one was relocated to J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel in 2010 after the death of another female that lived on the island for decades.

Can you swim in the water on Sanibel Island?

Sanibel Beaches:

On both sides of the causeway, you'll find beaches suitable for swimming, fishing, and on especially windy days, windsurfing!

How many crocodiles are in Sanibel Island?

2021 Update: Since this article was written in 2010, Sanibel has two American Crocodiles that call the Dunes Golf Course home.

Wow! Monster alligator spotted walking around Sanibel Island parking lot

Are there sharks around Sanibel Island?

Shark are one of the most common catches in the waters surrounding Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Saint James City, Pine Island and Cape Coral.

Are there snakes on Sanibel Island?

Sanibel has two ratsnake species, the eastern ratsnake aka yellow ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) and the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatas). They are extremely beneficial near homes and businesses as they seek out rodents, such as the exotic black rat aka palm rat (Rattus rattus) to eat.

Are there dolphins in Sanibel Island?

Seeing dolphins on Sanibel Island is a treat, but a fairly common one. They are not shy and are often seen swimming not far from the beach. Because they are so comfortable with people, they even come close into the shore line, frolicking and chasing each other about.

Are Sanibel beaches safe?

Are the Beaches on Sanibel Island Safe to Swim? As with most beaches, it's always better to be safe and take precautions when going in the water. Florida's Gulf Coast beaches, especially those around Sanibel, tend to be good swimming beaches with gentle tides and soft sandy bottoms.

Is Sanibel safe?

The City of Sanibel has again been designated as one of the safest cities in Florida. Sanibel has been designated as the seventh safest City based upon a report, “Safest Cities in Florida,” released by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. There are 410 municipalities in Florida.

Are there big cats on Sanibel Island?

Quite common in Florida, bobcats can be found primarily in vast wildernesses like the Big Cypress National Preserve or Everglades National Park. But they're no strangers to developed areas and coastal islands, especially ones as large and natural as Sanibel.

Are there Bobcats on Sanibel?

Although not large in land area, the nearly 70% of Sanibel that remains in preserved lands provides excellent habitat for the bobcat. When building a den, the bobcat prefers large hollow logs, tree hollows and caves. The natural, undisturbed wooded lands of the island certainly provide ample habitat for them.

Are there iguanas on Sanibel Island?

Green iguanas (Iguana iguana… yes, that really is the scientific name), are seen in many parts of southern Florida, including on Sanibel and Captiva.

Do alligators go to the beach?

There are many things you may encounter when swimming in the ocean. Alligators probably aren't one of them. While alligators can tolerate salt water for a few hours or even days, they are primarily freshwater animals, living in swampy areas, rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.

How do you spot an alligator in water?

Scour the Shore

Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. Some of these markings might include large indentations or gouges in the ground and sliding marks where they reentered the water.

What lake in FL has the most alligators?

You can rest assured that each one is home to gators. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George near the St. Johns River in northwest Florida has the most, with more than 2,300.

Are there jellyfish in Sanibel Island?

Moon jellies are the most common species found around Sanibel. Like all jellies, this species isn't an excellent swimmer but is able to pulse its sac-like body called the bell, through the water. Moon jellies have short tentacles along the outer margins of the bell that are packed with nematocycts, or stinging cells.

Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva?

Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is.

Can you swim with dolphins on Sanibel Island?

Sanibel is a barrier island off Florida's southwest coast near Fort Myers. Aside from dolphin tours, other tourist activities include manatee sightseeing, swimming, shelling and fishing. Participate in dolphin encounters on Sanibel Island and its surrounding area to snorkel, swim and play with dolphins.

Are there whales near Sanibel Island?

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel are home to the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, a type of small, toothed whale that inhabits warm, salt and brackish waters. Dolphins belong to the order Cetacea, a grouping that includes the large baleen whales as well as their smaller cousins, the porpoises.

Are there manatees near Sanibel Island Florida?

Along the shores of Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and nearby Fort Myers, manatees can be seen fairly frequently especially during the winter months when they seek refuge in the area's warm waters.

Does it cost money to go to Sanibel Island?

Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel Island, Fla. The basic toll for most passenger vehicles on the Sanibel Causeway is still $6. But as of Oct. 1, 2021, vehicles crossing the causeway without an eligible transponder will be charged an additional $3 administrative fee.

Are there rattlesnakes on Sanibel?

No verified sightings of venomous snakes have been documented on Sanibel and Captiva Islands in recent years.

Are there black mambas in Florida?

First off, black mambas are not black. They are more gray or dark brown, and secondly, black mambas do not live in Florida. Black mambas get their name from the black inside of their mouths, and they live in sub-Saharan Africa.

Does Captiva island have alligators?

Appreciating Florida Alligators

Florida is one of their favorite habitats, of course! It's the sunshine state! They are often spotted on Sanibel (though rarely on Captiva) which is a wonderful habitat for them as much as it is a great vacation spot for us!