Snakes and gators are for eating, though we don't mess with black bears in NC. I have had run ins with coyotes, scorpions, black widows and diamond backs in AZ.

The most evil, vicious and ungodly creature by far I ever had a run in with is the "Jumping Cactus". No BS ask anyone that knows. STAY AWAY!!



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1233950455.jpg

Running from a snake is one thing, and I completely understand. Other things don't paint quite the formidible picture.

Back in the summer of 1987 (I am dating myself here) I was attending Penn State's summer session. I was sitting out on what is known as the Hub Lawn...lots of outdoor studying and hot babes sunning themselves...it was great. One day out of nowhere a girl comes tearing across the Lawn screaming her head off....I shiat you not when I say that it was a squirrel that was chasing her. I thought I was going to need to be recusitated I was laughing so hard.

See, at PSU the squirrels beg for food, esp peanuts. They would actually sit on your knee or shoulder and eat peanuts. Apparently this squirrel wanted more and was jumping at her leg when she ran out of peanuts. It is perhaps the funniest thing I have ever seen in my life...the sight of a squirrel chasing a (very pretty too) girl and her screaming her head off....forever etched into my mind.

Squirrels....they be dangerous.

How old are your kids? It's probably not a good idea to let them go into wooded areas unsupervised, but anyone can get bitten walking anywhere outside if they're not looking where they're going. If they're old enough to teach them a little about that, do so.

You could contact the Chamber of Commerce and ask them about it.
http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/

Also, here's a forum where you can ask fellow travelers... I wouldn't rely only on what you are told here:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g34616-i231-Sanibel_Island_Florida.html

4,6,8 so I can let them in on what to watch out for