Stingrays

[luvstjohn]

Hey everyone out there. We have only seen one stingray when we were there in 09 but now it seems like you see them everywhere. I have a question. Are these the types that will whip you with their stingy thing on the end of their tail? Like will we have a Steve Irwin moment (RIP)? Are they dangerous, I plan on keeping a comfortable distance but are they ever aggressive or anyting like that? I have no intention of ticking them off if ya know what I mean. Thanks all

Bre

[EagleRayLover]

I absolutely love rays and have done quite a bit of research on them, so hopefully i can give you some info. the barb is not on the end of their tail, but at the base of the tail where it connects to the body. It sticks out about 4-5 inches. The type of ray you typically see all over STJ is the southern stingray. You may actually see one without the barb because if they use it as protection- they lose it for about 6 months. Most injuries typically occur when people are entering the water since rays like to hang out in the sand, so shuffle your feet when you enter and that scares them enough to make them move out of your way. they can however get startled if something is hovering over them (ie Irwin) and it is possible, but not likely to get the barb near you unless you are very very close to them.
The spotted eagles rays are amazing!!!! and you are so lucky if you see one!! ( Many of my STJ friends know how long it took me and how excited i was!!)
I could go on and on, but if you have any specific questions, i am happy to help spread the word. They get a bad rap and like any animal need to be respected but are beautiful, graceful creatures.
Hope this helps!! Now I want to jump in the water and find a bunch of rays!!

[Jost Kidding]

I've always enjoyed the music of the Southern Stingray, Stingy Ray Vaughn