Barracuda bites man snorkeling off Key Largo

Miami Herald ^ | July 8, 2018 | DAVID GOODHUE AND MONIQUE O. MADAN

[PJ-Comix]

This is extremely rare. Barracuda, despite myth, almost never bite people. When they do it is usually because someone has speared a fish and the barracuda tries to get at it but faces resistance from the diver.

I have been surrounded by dozens of barracuda at a time when diving and, although creepy at first, you get used to it especially when you realize they won't attack.

[C210N]

Sounds like a ‘barracuda bites man’ story.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

They always just seemed to be curious but I have to agree 4 or 5 of them just hovering near by in a staring contest with you is creepy.

[neverevergiveup]

I've been joined by a manatee while snorkeling at Pennekamp. Before I knew it was a manatee it was a bit disconcerting.

[Right Brother]

Are you sure it was a Manatee? Michael Moore snorkels at Pennekamp from time to time.

[P.O.E.]

Ooooo, Barracuda!

[red-dawg]

I’ve been around barracuda many times also, and it seems they like to follow a diver for a time then drift away. Makes me think that they are territorial and are just “escorting” you through their turf.

[Georgia Girl 2]

They usually don’t bother you. Don’t wear flashy jewelry while diving as they will be attracted to it.

[neverevergiveup]

LOL!!

[Red Badger]

Which Wild Animal is Statistically Most Likely to Attack You?

https://www.theinertia.com/mountain/which-wild-animal-is-statistically-most-likely-to-attack-you/

[Karliner]

Of course Sarah Palin just hunts in Alaska so this is obviously, probably, might be fake news...

[Moonman62]

Are you sure it was a Manatee? Michael Moore snorkels at Pennekamp from time to time.

...

Just to show what a bore I can be: Unlike Sloppy Michael Moore, manatees have very little body fat (thus their attraction to warm water). Their shape is due to their enormous lungs.

So if you are ever grilling manatee, make sure to use oil and a good tenderizing marinade.

[Karliner]

They really nab at flashers. Better than bait fish. Since they usually are in schools you drop a flasher in their midst and FISH ON! We used to dull(paint) our dive gear just in case. One knocked off my dive mask once from the silver buckle. Scared me real good.

[steveo]

Was its name Barbara?

[PJ-Comix]

I've been joined by a manatee while snorkeling at Pennekamp. Before I knew it was a manatee it was a bit disconcerting.

I had BEGINNERS LUCK with my GoPro camera involving a manatee. The very first time I used it underwater while snorkeling in a creek in Islamorada, a manatee came into view right away. You can see the VIDEO. I have it in regular speed and in slo-mo.

[bigbob]

They bite.

[neverevergiveup]

Very cool!

[Road Warrior ‘04]

“How many times have I told you, ‘don’t feed the bears, err, barracudas’”?!!!!

[Georgia Girl 2]

Yes we used to use spoons in the back country around Key Largo and Islamorada. We would troll past the mangroves and catch small Barracuda to take back and make fried fish sandwiches. The good old days.

[neverevergiveup]

“Was its name Barbara?”

I miss Veggie Tales!