The flowing and graceful glide of the sting ray is a sight to behold. I always watch animals with wonder at how they each give something special to our planet. The Sting Ray has been gracing our planet earth for around 100 million years and I’m sure that I am not alone in my hope that they stay around for a few million more. They can have a wing span of up to six feet across! Wow!
The rays will search for food by smell, touch and the sense of the electrical field around their prey. They can be very deadly if they use the lethal venomous barb in their spine. It can be driven into the wood hull of a boat with its force! They are the most dangerous when they are resting on the floor bottom covered with sand. You don’t want to step on one of these guys and have the tail with that lethal spine whip up and get you. One woman was killed in their boat when a spotted ray came flying out of the water into the boat, striking her. This ray weighed approximately 500 lbs. This woman was not found to have any barb markings on her. They believe she was killed by the impact. The spotted ray is known to jump out of the water. The more well-known freak and fatal accident, is of course the tragic Steve Irwin incident where he was swimming with wild rays and he stepped out in front of one and was struck in the heart and died.
On the North side of the Spectacular Cayman Island there lies a protective barrier reef with warm waters that has become home to many Sting rays that have become used to the company of humans. They take food from us and interact in an amazing and non aggressive manner. The sting ray is naturally non aggressive in nature but here they have become used to our presence. This has produced a somewhat win, win situation. We get to be up close with them, while they get free food.
I loved this video because it showed how tender the interaction was between the two species. The music was nice as well. Some people wonder why touch or want to touch wild creatures such as these? If they are happy with it as they must be or they would not be hanging around there, why not share this life experience with one another if we have the chance to in a loving way. Why share a hug? Because it feels good to one another.
I am sure that if Steve Irwin were looking down he would want for others to enjoy the beauty of this amazing creature. He would not want his sad passing to stop anyone from loving any animal on this planet we all share and call home.
Drop me a line and share how you feel, would you swim with rays?
I love animals & working to protect them. The way I do this is mainly by supporting environmental bills that will help ensure their safety. I have two tri color Collies of my own, named Kindr N Stix that I adore & love to write about as well. I enjoy to throw a splash of humor and music videos when the mood strikes me as well. Welcome and hope you enjoy your visit.
Oh yes, I would swim with the Rays in a heartbeat!! It can be safe to swim with any creature if done with respect and care….they have no conscience thought of purposely killing just to kill. They kill to feed themselves and their young, or when they feel the need to protect themselves….at least that is what I believe. Naive??? Maybe….but I’d rather believe in the good instead of the opposite!
Thank you for sharing this. I enjoyed it immensely. 🙂
Dear Mary, I knew you would share in the enjoyment with me. I saw a little spot on TV and had to have more of it. It is an experience so magical. : )
Hugs to you.
Pawzy4's Blog 
Fascinating creature, thanks for sharing!
Hi Amila, they are very incredible. : )
Oh yes, I would swim with the Rays in a heartbeat!! It can be safe to swim with any creature if done with respect and care….they have no conscience thought of purposely killing just to kill. They kill to feed themselves and their young, or when they feel the need to protect themselves….at least that is what I believe. Naive??? Maybe….but I’d rather believe in the good instead of the opposite!
Thank you for sharing this. I enjoyed it immensely. 🙂
Dear Mary, I knew you would share in the enjoyment with me. I saw a little spot on TV and had to have more of it. It is an experience so magical. : )
Hugs to you.