In the 1930s, there was a gate house built over the waters near the fork in county road and it was attended by Oscar Baynard, an accomplished naturalist and taxidermist. Often, he would be working on his taxidermy in the gatehouse and would throw animal remnants into the canal. He soon noticed a 7 foot long gator who would wait for the animal remains. Over the course of several months, he taught the gator to associate his whistle with the food. He eventually named this gator Mississippi and would demonstrate her behavior to visitors. On one occasion he didn't watch his fingers and Mississippi clamped down on top of his right hand. Oscar never blamed Mississippi, but from that point on he was always more careful around feeding time. No one knows what happened to Mississippi. Oscar assumed that someone called her and captured her. However, she left several of her offspring behind, so descendants of Mississippi probably still roam the park today.
This geocache is placed in Highlands Hammock State Park with the permission of park management. All locations must be approved by the Volunteer Geocache Coordinator Sarah Straub (DTISarah@gmail.com) and adhere to the guidelines set by the park for geocache placement.
Vehicles are not permitted to park on any roadway within the park boundary. All vehicles must park within designated parking areas. The park is open from 8:00AM until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fees are as follows: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Camping is available in the park as well.
Highlands Hammock State Park's Website
For more information about accessing cache locations please visit the ranger station to view a copy of Essential Eligibility Criteria for Geocaching at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Please remember to cache responsibly and stay on designated trails.