This American Alligator is just one animal that you can see in the Everglades National Park.
A 1.5 million acre wetland ecosystem, Florida’s Everglades National Park is one of the most interesting places to see wildlife on the planet. No, you won’t see lions and tigers and bears (oh my) here, but you will have the chance to see an incredible diversity of other creatures — both on land, in the air and in the water. When you visit the Everglades, here are some of the animals that should be on your must-see list.
The Everglades, which is also known as the River of Grass for the movement of the water through the sawgrass, is internationally known for its extraordinary wildlife. It’s the most biologically diverse area of Florida; the wet sawgrass prairies, dry tropical hardwood hammocks and pinelands, mangrove swamps and estuaries play host to all sorts of species including Florida panthers, American crocodiles, manatees and a huge host of birds, fish and insects.
Birds, Butterflies and Beasts
More than 350 bird species can be found in Everglades National Park alone. Perhaps most noticeable are the wading birds that create a striking picture in their natural poses. White and glossy ibises, roseate spoonbills, egrets, herons and wood storks call this area home, as do other smaller species and migratory birds — some of which are now endangered.
More than 90 types of butterflies have been found in the Florida Everglades, making spotting these beautiful winged insects a goal for some visitors. The River of Grass has changed over the past few decades though and, as a result, the inhabitants have changed as well. Several types of butterflies have been placed on the endangered species list; the Everglades National Park may be one of the last places that you can find the Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak butterflies. However, there is good news as well: the atalta butterfly, which was believed to have disappeared from Florida, is flying here again as its host plant, the coontie, is being planted and revived.
Perhaps the Everglades’ most endangered animal is the elusive Florida panther — only about 80 now survive. For other large Everglades residents, look to the water — the West Indian manatee, which is also endangered, and the bottlenose dolphin both call this area home. But perhaps the most famous creatures in the Everglades are the reptiles. In addition to the 27 different kinds of snakes who slither through the swamp, both alligators and crocodiles also live here — which is highly unusual. You’ll find the gators in the sloughs and wet prairies; the crocodiles prefer the coastal mangroves and the bay.
Best Places to View Wildlife
Here’s where you can see the natives of the Everglades up close: Shark Valley, the Anhinga Trail (at Royal Palm), and Eco Pond (one mile past the Flamingo Visitor Center) are good for viewing alligators, wading birds and other freshwater wildlife. Hop in a canoe and paddle into Snake Bight (near Flamingo) and Chokoloskee Bay (Gulf Coast) before low tide to see large numbers of water birds feeding in the shallows and on mud flats.
To cover the most area possible, consider a three or four day kayaking and camping tour of the Everglades with experienced naturalist guide. Only interested in a day trip? There are a wide variety of nature and wildlife tours, from swimming with manatees to searching alligators on an airboat tour.
–Katie Coakley
The Wildlife of Everglades National Park from Miami Things to Do