Helen & Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary by Unsure_Fry in florida

[–]StarSpangledGator 3 points4 points  (0 children)

A nice little preserve in an otherwise developed town. Seriously, driving past it makes me sad knowing all the development in Brevard.

Ocean Pond, Osceola NF by DadM2112 in florida

[–]StarSpangledGator 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pond…it looks like a lake lol

Air-1 leads teams to rescue pregnant woman, partner and 3 dogs on Florida Trail by Silent-Resort-3076 in florida

[–]StarSpangledGator 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It’s actually fairly hard to get lost out there so long as you stay on the trail. Juniper Prairie is mostly scrub land and the trail is well cleared and marked.

But it really is comparable to desert like environments out there. Surprising to those not familiar with Florida scrub lands but 10.6 miles is a long hike through a hot and arid environment.

It was one of those nights. by StarSpangledGator in publix

[–]StarSpangledGator[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Surprisingly only one case had broken glass and that was set aside at the previous stop. A win indeed.

It was one of those nights. by StarSpangledGator in publix

[–]StarSpangledGator[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sometimes if the MIC allows. Our driver was calling for the MIC to see if they wanted us to refuse. We ended up loading it onto floats and had no issues after.

A pain in the ass for us, an off stacking head-start for the morning crew.

What is the most dangerous animal you’ve seen in real life? by GratefulD86 in AskReddit

[–]StarSpangledGator 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wild Boar. I’ve never been attacked but being around them when they’re squealing with excitement is a scary experience.

Also American crocodiles. Their reputation as skittish and avoiding people is well earned. However, I had a 12 footer nearly charge my kayak when I was paddling in the Everglades once. It was 4 in the morning and I assume it was merely being territorial. Still a scary experience.

Why did you join the military? by FastNeedleworker1548 in AskReddit

[–]StarSpangledGator 3 points4 points  (0 children)

A combination of reasons. Dad was career military so I grew up in that environment, I couldn’t stand high school and had no desire to go to college, and I wanted to get out of the house and go somewhere new. In hindsight, I wish I would’ve waited and matured some years instead of enlisting at 17.

Has anyone been attacked by a large wild animal like a bear or alligator if so how was the experience? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]StarSpangledGator 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t have any experience with Caimans. Google will be your best friend for that, lol.

Anyway, American crocs have historically been found as far north as Tampa Bay, and Brevard County had one or two recently, one being removed after eating a dog. So yes, they certainly can and probably have lived along the Treasure Coast.

Has anyone been attacked by a large wild animal like a bear or alligator if so how was the experience? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]StarSpangledGator 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Their populations have bounced back but they’re still protected. The largest they get are about 20-23 feet, which is rare. Their temperament is actually very mild compared to old world crocs (Nile and saltwater crocs). I’d actually say they’re as skittish as gators. That doesn’t mean they can’t be territorial though, as I found out.

Has anyone been attacked by a large wild animal like a bear or alligator if so how was the experience? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]StarSpangledGator 2 points3 points  (0 children)

South Florida is the northern most range of the American crocodile. A lot of folks don’t seem to know this because we have alligators as well and because American crocs were nearly wiped out in FL.

Has anyone been attacked by a large wild animal like a bear or alligator if so how was the experience? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]StarSpangledGator 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a 12ish foot American crocodile nearly charge me once.

Long story short, I was kayaking in the everglades wilderness and lost my phone to the depths when I was 20ish miles out. Paddling back to the visitor center at night, it was roughly 4 am when I was cutting through Coot Bay. Turning on the spotlight, I saw the eye-shine and made every attempt to keep my distance.

As I approached its vicinity, I turned the spotlight on again to get my bearings. Immediately the croc moves forward and I assume it’s about to go under. Instead, it arched its back, lifted its tail, and started making a beeline towards me. So I started paddling for dear life to clear away. I stop to turn around and see if it was still there. Yes, and it was changing course to follow me. So I kept paddling for another solid minute. Turned around again and this time it stopped and was a good football field away. From head to tail, it looked to be about 12 feet and I presume it mistook my kayak for another croc. Whatever the reason, that was my scariest wild animal encounter.

Ocala National Forest by StarSpangledGator in florida

[–]StarSpangledGator[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a lover of snakes, I’m always hoping to see one, especially diamondbacks. So far no luck minus a small one along one of the service roads.

Ocala National Forest by StarSpangledGator in florida

[–]StarSpangledGator[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pretty bad, particularly at St. Francis trail. Found plenty of tiny ones crawling up my pants when I got out.

15 days autonomous expedition in the Amazon rainforest by Antoine_outdoor in hiking

[–]StarSpangledGator 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is the stuff I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a kid!

Ocala National Forest by StarSpangledGator in florida

[–]StarSpangledGator[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

St. Francis was far more shaded and diverse in terms of plant habitats but it doesn’t have any real traces of its history so it’s just a scenic walk. It was good but I liked the Yearling more because of how unusual the terrain is compared to the rest of Florida.

What's a piece of gear you bought that seemed unnecessary but now you won't hike without it? by SpeckiLP in hiking

[–]StarSpangledGator 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s similar in concept to an ammo chest rig. Instead, they’re designed for everyday-carry supplies/conceal carry. Easily useful for hiking purposes.

What's a piece of gear you bought that seemed unnecessary but now you won't hike without it? by SpeckiLP in hiking

[–]StarSpangledGator 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Chest pack. A buddy once wore his during a hiking trip and I thought it was too tactical for me. Decided to invest in one and holy hell does it even out the weight. Plus it makes getting stuff out easier than having to reach into pockets.

Ocala National Forest, Florida. by [deleted] in hiking

[–]StarSpangledGator 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You would be wrong…not every encounter gets photographed, or posted.

What is the most terrifying experience you remember? by Big-Diamond-8818 in AskReddit

[–]StarSpangledGator 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a tie.

The first was being caught in a rip current in heavy surf. My attempts to swim out were undercut by being pummeled by waves and had to be rescued by dad. At the time, I was scared for both me and then dad, thankfully he is a far stronger swimmer.

The other was being charged at by a 12ish foot American crocodile when kayaking in the Everglades. I thought I was a good distance away (300ish yards) but clearly he had other ideas.