They are more tolerant to cold weather than other crocodilian reptiles, so you can find them throughout the state of Florida year-round. Otters, opossums, manatees, fox squirrels, raccoons, white-tailed deer, key deer and armadillos are among the more commonly seen mammals. 1400 Grape Hammock RoadLake Wales, FL 33898. The Florida manatee is a large, grey, round animal with a paddle-shaped tail and flippers, and it slowly cruises around springs, rivers, and mangroves chewing aquatic plants. Mammals If you are in the right place at the right time, Florida has quite a few mammals that are comparatively easy to see. The crocodile has a much narrower and pointier snout, and only lives in the southern tip of the state near saltwater or brackish environments. Florida’s wetlands are some of the best bird-watching sites in the world, as exotic birds from the north along with native Florida birds share the same habitat during the winter. They are one of the few species of mammals that spends their whole life swimming in water. Grape Hammock is  family-owned and operated fish camp on the south end of Lake Kissimmee. It's thought the fierce-looking lionfish was first introduced to the waters of the western … Florida Black Bear Like Winnie the Pooh, Florida black bears love honey; but also honeybees, fruits, nuts, twigs and small animals. The only native deer is the white-tailed deer. It … Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan.2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Once it feels the prey, it swiftly snaps its bill shut in the blink of an eye. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. While humans keep developing formerly wild environments in Florida, the wetlands in the south of the state have become a last refuge for many endangered animals. These timid teddies have curved claws for climbing the trees of our national forests. They are one of the few species of mammals that spends their whole life swimming in water. Stay in a cabin or trailer, fish all day, and don’t miss our famous airboat tours! It is hard to mistake the manatee for any other creature because there’s just nothing else like it in fresh water. Lionfish. You might also see them at Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando. The Everglades National Park isn’t the only place where you can find these exotic animals and others; you can watch alligators, wood storks, bobcats, bald eagles, and more exciting native wildlife right in Central Florida at Lake Kissimmee. These rivers, swamps, and mangroves draw so many different kinds of animals because they offer something for every class of animal: shallows for fish spawning, ideal nesting conditions for birds, and a robust food chain to support large predators. 620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL • (850) 488-4676 The American crocodile is the largest predator in the state of Florida, with the males measuring a staggering 20 ft and 2,000 lbs. It is the most economically important hunting mammal in all of North America, and is one of the major prey animals of the Florida panther. One of the most interesting birds to watch is the wood stork, the only species of stork that breeds in North America. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. You will most likely spot them sun-bathing on the shore of a lake or river, but you can also find them swimming in the water if you have a sharp eye. Few species of birds, fish all day, and mammals Lake Kissimmee trees our! 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