Animals

• Amphibians

• Birds

• Bird Species List

• Fish

• Insects, Spiders, Centipedes, & Millipedes

• Mammals

• Reptiles

 

Suggestions for Viewing Wildlife

 

Alligator crossing the Anhinga Trail.

NPS photo

The winter dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing in the park. Weather conditions are generally pleasant during the winter and standing water levels are low, causing wildlife to congregate at central water locations. 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. Canoeists can paddle into Snake Bight (near Flamingo) and Chokoloskee Bay (Gulf Coast) before low tide to witness large numbers of water birds feeding in the shallows and on mud flats. A productive freshwater canoeing area is Nine Mile Pond and adjacent borrow pits (11 miles, or 18 km, up the road from Flamingo).

 

Wildlife Viewing Ethics

Observing wild animals in their natural environment is a privilege. It is your responsibility to keep wildlife wild by being respectful of the animals and their habitat.

• Give wildlife plenty of space. Binoculars and spotting scopes allow you to view wildlife without getting too close. Always give wildlife an avenue for retreat, and never chase any animal.
• Learn to recognize signs of alarm. These are sometimes subtle, and they vary among species, but may include increased movements such as agitated flapping or pacing, heightened muscle tension, staring, or frequent vocalizations. If you sense that an animal is disturbed by your presence, back off. If it still does not resume its normal behaviors, please retreat and leave the area.
• Be respectful of rookeries, nesting grounds, and denning areas. Well-meaning but intrusive visitors may cause parents to flee, leaving young vulnerable to the elements or to predators. Stay on designated trails whenever possible.
• Leave “orphaned” or sick animals alone. Young animals that appear alone typically have parents waiting nearby.
• Pets are not allowed on most trails in the park. Pets are allowed on a 6-foot (2-meter) leash in parking lots and campgrounds, but not on trails or in wilderness areas. Please familiarize yourself with and follow the Everglades National Park Pet Policies.
• Do not feed wildlife. For their safety as well as yours, animals should eat only their natural foods. It is dangerous and illegal to feed or harass wildlife.
• Tread lightly. If you choose to venture into the wilderness, remember that you are a guest in the homes of the animals you seek. Avoid disturbing sensitive habitats such as fragile wetlands.
• Share the experience. Respect other park visitors. Be aware of other wildlife watchers and avoid unnecessarily marring their wildlife viewing opportunities and enjoyment.

 

Need we say more?

NPS photo

 

Park Wildlife

Follow the links below to learn more about the different forms of wildlife that make their home in Everglades National Park.

 

Leopard frog.

NPS photo

Amphibians

Learn about the frogs, toads, and other species of amphibians that live in the park.

 

Roseate spoonbill.

NPS photo

Birds

Learn about bird life in the park.

 

Wading birds.

NPS photo

Bird Species List

View the list of of bird species that have been sighted in the park.

 

Fish at the surface.

NPS photo

Fish

Learn about fish that live in the park.

 

Butterfly on flower.

NPS photo

Insects, Spiders, Centipedes, & Millipedes

Learn about some of the smaller species of wildlife that inhabit the park.

 

West Indian manatee.

NPS photo

Mammals

Learn about the mammals that live in the park.

 

American alligator.

NPS photo

Reptiles

Learn about the alligators, crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and lizards that live in the park.

 

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View of Anhinga Trail.

NPS photo

Anhinga Trail Webcam

Can't visit the park in person but would still like to view some Everglades wildlife? View images from the Anhinga Trail webcam, which overlooks one of the most popular visitor areas in the park.