Florida is the Shark Bite Capital of the World, the sharks aren’t the only dangerous animals lurking off the coast.  19 million tourists come to the Sunshine State every year to dip their toes in the warm water. Do you want to see what’s waiting beneath the surface?

Bull Sharks

Florida averages about 22 shark bites per year, half of which occur in Volusia County. New Smyrna Beach is one of the top areas for shark bites in the United States. The majority of these attacks are attributed to Bull Sharks. Bull Sharks are aggressive, solitary predators that hunt in coastal waters and estuaries where humans like to play.

Lionfish

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – “Lionfish, which are native to the Indo-Pacific, were first detected along Florida coasts in the mid-1980s. Their populations have swelled dramatically in the past 15 years.” Not only are they an invasive species destroying natural habitats, they are also a danger to humans. Divers Alert Network (DAN) reports “Puncture wounds by lionfish can cause pain lasting for several hours, rapid edema (swelling) and subcutaneous bleeding. Swelling typically clears in two to three days, while the tissue discolorations can last up to five days”

Stargazer

Ichthyologist Dr. William Leo Smith called the stargazer “the meanest things in creation.” They’re ambush predators that are almost perfectly camouflaged. When they strike, they can deliver both venom and electric shocks. Talk about a double whammy.

Fire Coral

Fire corals get their name because of the fiery sensation experienced after coming into contact with them. They are colonial marine cnidarians that can cause burning skin reactions. DAN says that “Fire-coral-related incidents are common among divers, especially those with poor buoyancy control.” These beautiful but dangerous creatures live in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including Florida.

Bearded Fireworms

The beautiful markings of the bearded fireworm warns predators to stay away. Divers should heed this advice because they inflict a painful and burning sting that can last for several hours. In extreme cases, they can cause nausea and dizziness, which can be deadly underwater.

Alligators

Alligators are typically found in freshwater, but they can tolerate saltwater for a couple of hours. These 65 million year old predators have outlived the dinosaurs, and are still very much a part of Florida life. Be especially wary of alligators if you’re in brackish areas where the freshwater meets the saltwater.

Crocodiles

Crocodiles are only found in Southern Florida and they live in brackish waters, like their alligator cousins.There’s also only about 2,000 in the state, so you will not see them often. But when you do – look out. They’re nearly double the size of an alligator and substantially more aggressive. Crocodiles have the 2nd strongest bite force out of any animal in the world and attack humans 100X more than sharks worldwide.

Goliath Groupers

Goliath Groupers, like they name implies, grow to enormous sizes. They can grow to more than 8 feet and weigh more than 800 pounds. They’re usually docile, but can bite or snap their tails at humans if provoked. Florida is famous for the spawning aggregations of up to 100-150 Goliath groupers that occur at specific times and locations.

Portuguese Man O’ War

Portuguese Man O’ War are beautiful, but they are also deadly. It floats on the surface with long tentacles which deliver a painful sting powerful enough to kill fish, and occasionally humans. What makes them so dangerous is that they are difficult to spot because they blend in with the water and can sting repeatedly without dying.

Jellyfish

An estimated 150 million people are stung by jellyfish globally each year. Most jellyfish stings are minor, the Florida Health Department warns – “Contact with tentacles (even those that have broken off) can cause red, raised streaky welts that can last from 1-2 weeks and cause severe pain, tingling, itching, and even nausea and headache. Do not touch jellyfish that have washed up on the beach; even dead jellies can sting!”

Sea Urchin

Sea Urchins have venomous spines that are very hard to get out and may require antibiotics. The stings can be very painful and cause numbness and swelling that extend far from the wound. Venomous Florida species include the Long Spined Urchin and the Black Sea Urchin.

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish are masters at camouflage. Their blotchy red and brown skin blends perfectly with the coral and rocks they hide amongst. You might never see them until they sting you and their thick spines contain more toxins than those of the lionfish. Worse still is their spines are so sharp that they cut through wetsuit material like butter.

Stingrays

Stingrays love to hang out half-buried in the warm water along the shores of Florida beaches. They aren’t aggressive, but they will strike with their barbed tail if stepped on, causing a jagged and painful wound.  The tail is lined with sharp barbs that contain venom glands. In extreme cases, stings can cause serious harm or death with symptoms including  sweating, difficulty breathing, vomiting and chest pain.

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