(Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images)
Something truly incredible happened as an enormous whale shark was seen in Panama City Beach.
Witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event, divers were amazed as they encountered a massive whale shark in its natural habitat. Whale sharks are on average about 45 feet and weighing over 40,000 pounds, so to lay eyes on this aquatic giant would definitely make for an unforgettable experience.
Diver’s Den manager and dive master Niko Pinero tells WFLA that it's not an experience he'll be forgetting any time soon, saying "It’s breathtaking. It really is. It was just a really, really cool experience.” This whale shark seen in Panama City Beach was about 30 feet long and divers said it was just checking out the boat and other divers nearby.
Should I be scared of the whale shark in Panama City?
No, you don't have to be scared. First of all, these sharks are not often see in the Gulf. They tend to stay in tropical waters in countries like Mexico, Ecuador, Mozambique, Tanzania, Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. But while they are large in size, they're not known as being aggressive. Unlike other sharks, they lack sharp teeth and aggressive hunting tendencies, posing virtually no threat to humans. But even so, better to keep your distance from these gentle giants.
Researchers and scientists are continuously studying these sharks. Through tagging and tracking, they're learning more and more about their migration patterns and behaviors. By understanding their movements and feeding habits, conservationists can develop better strategies to protect these gentle giants and their ecosystems effectively.
If you see a shark, you can report sightings here
These Are The 9 Most Dangerous Animals Lurking In The Florida Everglades
I know what you're thinking. Why on earth would anyone need to know what dangerous animals are in the Florida Everglades? Surely, no one is looking to go swimming in a swamp. Wrong!
People are actually searching "Is it safe to swim in the Florida Everglades?" I actually laughed when I saw the Google response, ABSOLUTELY NOT! 🤣 Now you see why I thought there might be a need to let people know what creatures might be lurking around them. That is should they choose to refuse the advice from Google and take a plunge anyway.
We all know about the typical swamp creatures, like alligators and snakes. We see them every single time we drive across Alligator Alley to the east coast. This is Florida after all, so those come at no surprise. But what other types of vicious creatures are underneath all of that brown water and muck? Or perhaps taking a stroll on the waters edge?
If you've been on one of those super fun airboat tours out in the Everglades, some of these animal names might have been mentioned. Heck! You may have even seen some of these dangerous critters on your tour.
Let's take a look at 9 of the most dangerous animals in the Florida Everglades. Some of these animals are also included on this list, Florida Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 39 Species.
If these don't scare you, you might be interested in hunting them. Read here about how much python hunters get paid.
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.
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.
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.
Brown Recluse Spider
A brown recluse spider is most common in warmer climates. It is one of the most poisonous spiders in the Everglades.
American Crocodile
Yes, crocodile. American crocodiles are found in Florida. It's not an alligator.
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 Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth can be confused with other water snakes. Take extreme caution. These snakes are venomous with a mortality rate of 17%.
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.
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.
