Must Do Naples Marco Island Winter/Spring 2018 visitor guide

SHUTTERSTOCK
Florida’s
Unique Wildlife (continued)
Southwest Florida Marine Life
The Gulf waters around Southwest Florida are teaming with amazing marine life.
Two of the most popular residents are bottlenose dolphins and the West Indian
manatee. A cruise or kayak trip is a great way to view dolphins or manatees.
Dolphins love to leap and play in the bow waves or chase the wake of boats.
You can often see manatees grazing on sea grasses in shallow waters of the
areas mangrove-laden estuaries. Sometimes when manatees see kayaks on the
surface, they will come in close to get a good look. Local guides will give you the
best chance of catching a glimpse of a manatee in the wild.
Stingrays frequently can be found in the warm shallow waters of the Gulf of
Mexico during the months of May through October. They come close to shore
in search of food and bury themselves in the sand. You don’t want to step on
a stingray – the result could be a painful sting. In order to prevent this, it is
important to do the “Stingray Shuffle” when entering the water of Southwest
Florida’s beaches. By shuffling your feet across the sandy bottom you can alert
the stingray of your presence, they will uncover themselves and swim away. Stingrays don’t want to be stepped on
anymore than you want to be stung! What should you do if you happen to step on a stingray and get stung? Head to
the lifeguard stand when possible. If there isn’t one available try a nearby home, hotel, or restaurant. First aid for stingray
stings involves flushing the wound with fresh water if possible and soaking the affected area in hot water (as hot as can
be tolerated without causing burns). Most lifeguard stands have buckets and hot water on hand for stingray accidents.
If the victim shows any signs of an allergic reaction – DIAL 911.
NITA ETTINGER
During the summer months, mother
sea turtles emerge from the Gulf of
Mexico during the late night hours.
They slowly plow their way through
the sand, hollow out a nest and lay
around 100 ping-pong ball sized
eggs. She will cover the eggs to
protect and hide them from harm,
and then crawl back out to sea. Each
turtle nest will remain quiet for about
two months as the baby turtles grow
and mature. Instinct drives baby
turtles to dig out of the sand that has
been protecting them and follow the
moonlight reflected on the water
that will lead them to the sea. This
event will happen over and over into October until all of the viable eggs have hatched. Visitors staying in properties
on the beachfront should turn outside lights off at night as the light confuses baby turtles. When your day at the beach
is over, remember to fill in any holes dug on the beach before you leave, this will ensure that the hatchlings have a clear
path through the sand and help them make it safely to the Gulf waters. Watching sea turtles can be an incredible
experience for the whole family. Following the guidelines above will ensure that many families will enjoy the experience
for years to come.
Take advantage of the many knowledgeable guides and eco-tour options the area has to offer to experience Florida’s
wild side.
1/31/19.
MARY CAROL FITZGERALD
36 WINTER | SPRING 2018 MustDo.com