I'm sure they could topple a canoe, and I wouldn't go swimming with them on purpose. But they really do tend to shy away from human confrontation. I've heard

I'm sure they could topple a canoe, and I wouldn't go swimming with them on purpose. But they really do tend to shy away from human confrontation. I've heard there hasn't been a single fatal attack in the Wildlife Refuge. For the most part, they seem to leave you alone if you leave them alone. I wouldn't say I ever got comfortable with them on my trip, but I stopped being terrified. Heh. That said, they're intimidating nonetheless, and worthy of a healthy respect. And their growling is unsettling.