The Sunshine State is a beautiful place, and it’s also home to some pretty amazing wildlife! There are many native animals that you may see while visiting Florida.
Florida is a place where you can see unique and rare animals, that’s why we listed down the 15 Coolest Native Animals in Florida You May See once you traverse the locality.
A trip to Florida is not complete without a visit from its wildlife. In this article, we will walk you through the animals in and around our state – including native creatures like alligators or manatees as well as aquatic ones such as sea turtles that live both on land and underwater!
15 Native Animals in Florida
Since they are so diverse there’s something for everyone here; whether it be exploring some new territory (think crocodiles), seeing old friends again after an absence(gator spotting)or just enjoying life at high noon under bright sun-light (sea turtles and manatees).
1. Lionfish
This fish is native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Florida has a large number of these first non-native species on its coasts, as they’re frequently found in aquariums that were released into the ocean by their owners after they grew too big for their tanks. Lionfish are a pesky fish that can be found all over the world, from Florida to South America.
2. West Indian Manatee
With their giant size and gentle demeanor, you won’t think twice about this animal if it ventures into your sight. They grow up to ten feet long with a weight of around 1000 pounds.
The kraken, or sea cow as they are sometimes called. This animal is similar to a giant pink dolphin with three lungs and an extensive vocabulary that includes acoustics for staying underwater indefinitely! The reason you don’t see them all over the place? Their size- just think about how heavy those tanks would be if every single one weighed in at 1 ton (as reported)!
One exception might be off Massachusetts’ coast where there have been reports of two being sighted this year alone; but given their delicate nature we’re not sure what kind of luck these may represent as they’re very small and isolated populations as it is.
3. Sea Turtles
This animal has been around for over 100 million years! They are an invaluable part of our environment that have seen animals come and go but still manage to thrive in their surroundings.
A turtle is a type of reptile that lives in the water and has an enclosed body. The shell protects its soft underbelly from predators, but it also makes them look like walking turtles!
Sea turtles are fascinating creatures that can be found in several locations around America. Sea turtle populations have declined significantly over the years, but you may still see some during your visit to Florida’s coast or while diving at specific points along this stretch of land. Loggerhead sea turtles make up much of what remains and they tend to hang out near Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge on North American Beaches – so if I were going there first thing with my family then we’d go right away.
The best way for visitors like myself would probably end up being public guided walks where people show off their knowledge by giving talks about different species each month- July is always popular since June is already the sea turtle birthing season!
4. Alligators
Gators are a big part of the Florida landscape. These animals can be found all over, but they’re most commonly seen in the southern part of our state near Orlando and Tampa.
They live in freshwater habitats like swamps, marshes, lakes, rivers, and ponds. Alligators are some of the most dangerous predators in this area so if you see one then it’s best to stay away.
One thing humans have done which has changed alligator habitats is building homes, roads and other structures that block their paths from moving around as they used to be able to do back when there was more space for them! This can cause them to become territorial and can often lead to alligators being killed because they’re seen as a threat.
5. Crocodiles
The American crocodile is one of two types of crocodile that live in the United States, and it’s found mainly in South Florida. These animals are different from alligators in that they have a longer, thinner snout and a lower-set jaw.
Florida has two types of crocodiles, the American crocodile and the more common Cuban or Florida crocodile. They are both found in South Florida, but only one is native to America! The other sort can be seen in Central America as well as Cuba when it’s time for mating season.
Crocodiles are one of the most dangerous predators in Florida, but they don’t attack humans unless provoked. The best thing to do if you see a crocodile is keep your distance and report it so that others can be aware as well!
6. Gopher tortoises
This animal’s habitat includes sandhills, scrub, sand pine, and flatwoods. They can live up to 40 years in the wild but have been recorded as living well over 100 years when kept in captivity! Gopher tortoises are a great example of why Florida’s native animals are so important- they’re an integral part of our ecosystem that helps keep other species alive too.
The gopher tortoise is a species of small-size, burrowing reptile native to the southeastern United States. The creature has been in populations for over 100 years and can be found in Florida’s pineland forests or along neighboring states’ sandy coastlines!!!
The male Gopher isn’t very flashy but it’s one animal you don’t want running into your house–unless maybe as prey because they are herbivores. They reside in underground burrows that can be quite large, up to 20 feet long and 12 feet deep! And if you’re ever lost in the woods or just want to take a nap outside, finding one of these entrances is like striking gold because chances are there’s a tortoise inside hibernating from November to March.
7. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
The bottlenose dolphin is a species of oceanic dolphins found in rivers, estuaries and seas around the world.
The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is a species of marine mammals that can be found in the world’s oceans, seas or brackish bodies of water with a lot more frequency than its freshwater counterparts! They are identifiable by their signature long nose as well as grey coloration with lighter shades around their mouths along with white highlights.
The bottlenose dolphin is a friendly and playful animal. You’re more likely to spot them during the early morning or late afternoon hours, but they can sometimes be seen at other times as well!
The best place in Oskaloosa Harbor has been found by locals who report seeing these aquatic creatures near-daily while others point out that you will have greater odds if seeking them out around Eglin Beach Park with its crystal clear waters due south of Pensacola Bay Bridge starting on Highway 31 just westward toward Santa Rosa Island State Park—or even Miramar beach where one might hope they’ll cross paths again after being separated only briefly last time through chance meeting somewhere along this celebrated stretch between Gulf worlds Collier County and Lee County.
8. Florida Black Bear
The Florida black bear has a long history in the state of Florida, going all the way back to when it was first discovered by Spanish settlers. They are considered part of an endangered subspecies that ranges throughout most parts with only 10% remaining today.
The black bear is a vegetarian who loves honey. They’re most active in May, but can be spotted June through September as well. 80% of their diet consists only of vegetables and fruits with an occasional snack on insects like bees or ants if they get hungry enough.
You may come across them in the national Floridan parks or perhaps Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando, but sightings are rare. So if you see an animal like this one be very grateful because a lot of people never get to experience such luck!
9. Sharks
When most people think of sharks, they are immediately reminded of Jaws and other movies that have terrified them. However, if one were to take the time to learn more about these fascinating creatures he or she would realize just how misunderstood a lot many different types actually can be! For example; there is not just one type called “sharks.” In fact we’ve managed for instance to find over 400 species in salt water alone- all with very unique features such as coloration patterns or diets preferences depending on what part(s) swim around where you live at sea level?
The anatomy behind this animal’s appearance may also vary largely between members within their own genus–which results from adaptation by natural selection during process over many centuries as they’ve evolved and reproduced offspring generation after generation.
The world is a dangerous place, but even the most fierce animals can be tamed with patience and understanding. For example sharks are not typically aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened or abused- there have been only 1,032 documented cases in America since 1690!
10. Florida Panther
The Florida panther is a North American cougar population found in South Florida. It lives on the edge between humid subtropical forests and dry tropical wetlands, making it hard for hunters to find this elusive animal! You may never see one if you don’t venture into those types of habitats but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist – just stay alert while driving down any road or wildlife path because these cats can move quickly when necessary.
The subspecies Black Panther was chosen as our state’s symbol due not only its beauty (its stripes are black) but also its strength; representing both courage under fire from enemies outside their territory AND success at reproduction inside said territory. Florida Panther is a species of concern for conservationists as their population numbers have been decreasing every year since 2011–now estimated to be around 100-180 cats left in the wild!
11. Key Deer
The Key deer is a small, furry creature only around 2 feet tall. They weigh just 90 pounds and live in the southern Florida Keys where they have been declared endangered by scientists because of human interference such as development or poaching for food but there are 700-800 left so we should hope that number continues to rise.
The deer of Florida are protected by a number of regulations so please do not approach one if you see it. The best place to spot these beautiful creatures is at the National Key Deer Refuge!
The Key deer is a small animal that can be found at night. They tend to become more active then, so if you’re hoping on seeing one in daylight hours it’s best luck with the wee ones.
12. Pelican
A lot of people are under the impression that pelicans live in lakes, rivers and other bodies of freshwater. But when you think about it for a second- most birds actually prefer saltwater! Pelicans can be found all over Florida because this state has an extensive network of offshore oil rigs from which these creatures take advantage by feeding on fish left behind after their meal or predators like seals who have recently been hunted.
Pelicans, in addition to being Florida’s state bird, also play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to keep fish populations under control. Some people believe that pelicans are a nuisance because they often feed on baitfish used by recreational fisherman but if we didn’t have these birds the sport fishing industry would be much worse off!
13. Roseate Spoonbill
The roseate spoonbill is a cheerful, sociable wading bird found throughout North and South America. It nests in colonies that can number over 100 individuals; this family-oriented species thrives on the company of its peers.
One of the most beautiful birds in North America, Roseate Spoonbills can be found throughout Florida and at times other than summer. However their numbers are low so that you may catch your only glimpse with a bit of luck! To see them up close on Sanibel Island head to JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge where they thrive during all four seasons
Roseate Spoonbills are not only beautiful to the eye but they serve as an important part of Florida’s ecosystem. They help control populations of fish by eating small ones and play a role in certain food chains too! Keep your eyes peeled for these spectacular birds throughout Southwestern Florida.
14. American Alligator
The most well known and one of the largest alligators lives throughout Florida but you won’t find them everywhere. They prefer to live near fresh water like lakes or ponds where they can catch prey more easily (like fish). You’ll usually see these guys in the early morning or evening on sunny days.
The American alligator is a prehistoric creature that once roamed North America and Europe; it can grow to around 14 feet long and weigh over 1000 pounds! These reptiles are an important part of Florida’s ecosystem because they control populations of fish, frogs and small mammals like raccoons too.
American alligators are found in Southwest Florida but keep your eyes peeled throughout the state because they could pop up anywhere there is water! They can be quite dangerous to humans especially if you approach one so please make sure not to feed it or do anything else that might agitate this normal creature.
15. Florida Raccoon
The raccoon is a clever animal with its sensitive nose and dexterous hands. It can be found in all areas of Florida, but prefers those that have trees like urban or suburban settings to prevent itself from becoming prey for larger animals such as bobcats who would not hesitate to take down this small creature if given the chance!
The Procyon lotor typically ranges between shades of grayish browns on their backsides being paler below where they stand out very well against an equally lighter colored underbelly which helps them blend into tree bark while searching around looking both up at you–alerting whether danger may approach!
Final Thought
Florida is home to many amazing native animals, some of which are more common than others. If you’re interested in seeing what the Sunshine State has to offer when it comes to its wildlife.
While there are many beautiful and interesting animals in Florida, it is important to remember that these creatures belong here. Be sure not to get too close or disturb them when you come across one of the coolest native animals during your visit! We hope this article has helped you find some new wildlife sightings for your next vacation!
