Florida is home to a wide range of wildlife, with species that can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, as well as on land and in the air. The state’s diverse climate zones and habitats provide a home for a wide variety of animals. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are over 500 species of native fish, 300 species of reptiles, and 200 species of mammals in the state.
Florida’s wildlife is divided into different climate zones, with the northern part of the state experiencing a more temperate climate, while the southern part of the state is tropical. Northern Florida has species such as the black bears, white-tailed deer, and turkeys.
In the central part of the state, the wetlands and swamps are home to alligators, crocodiles, and a variety of unique bird species such as the roseate spoonbill, great egret, and wood stork. To the south there are manatees and dolphins in the waters, with the Florida panther and Florida black bear among the state’s large mammals.
The state is also home to a large amount of bird species, including the Florida scrub-jay, the state’s only endemic bird species. Florida’s coastal areas are also home to a diverse array of marine life, including manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of fish and shellfish species.
However, the Everglades, a unique wetland ecosystem in southern Florida, is also home to a number of invasive reptiles such as Burmese Pythons, African Rock Pythons, and Nile Monitors, which are a threat to native wildlife.
Conservation efforts are underway to control and manage these invasive species in order to protect the native wildlife and preserve the ecological balance of the Everglades.
Wildlife of Florida
Check out these lists of animals that call the state of Florida home!
- Coyotes in Florida
- Hawks in Florida
- Owls in Florida
- Bats in Florida
- Alligators in Florida
- Armadillos in Florida
- Anacondas in Florida Everglades
- Common Lizards in Florida
- Nocturnal Animals in Florida
- Invasive Reptiles in Florida
- Sea Turtles in Florida
- Black Snakes in Florida
- Dangerous Wildlife in Florida
- Water Snakes in Florida
- Common Butterflies in Florida
- Invasive Species in Florida
- Hornets, Bees and Wasp in Florida
- Crocodiles in Florida
- Hunting Pythons in Florida
- Crabs in Florida
- Tarantulas in Florida
- Scorpions in Florida
- Common Spiders in Florida
- Wolf Spiders in Florida
- Ticks in Florida
- Garter Snakes in Florida
- Green Frogs in Florida
- Green Lizards in Florida
- Lizards in South Florida