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Alligators
& Crocodiles
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Both members of the order Crocodylia,
Florida's native crocodilians are
the American
Alligator and
American
Crocodile. The Florida
Everglades is the only place on
Earth where both species exist
together naturally.
Did you know?
The front feet of these
Crocodilians consist of unwebbed,
five-toed feet - while their
hindfeet are webbed and consist of
just four toes? |
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Snakes |
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Florida's snakes
often mate in
the fall, laying
eggs from April
to July that
hatch from July
to September; a
few give birth
to live young.
During the cool
winter months,
most snakes from
northern Florida
to central
Florida become
dormant.
Florida is
home to six
venomous
species,
including the
Cottonmouth,
Eastern
Diamondback
Rattlesnake,
Pygmy
Rattlesnake,
Copperhead,
Eastern Coral
Snake and
Timber
Rattlesnake.
Most of these
venomous snakes
are Pit Vipers
and will flee
from footsteps.
If you encounter
one, freeze long
enough to allow
the snake to
withdraw, then
step away. While
a bite is
painful, they
are rarely
fatal. |
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Gopher
Tortoise |
 The
Gopher
Tortoise's methodically
constructed tunnels are the focal
point of an entire mini-ecosystem.
These burrows are used or are relied
upon by 300 species of
vertebrates for shelter or food.
Unfortunately, the tortoise's number
continues to decline.
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Information for this page was
gathered from the
National Audubon Society Field Guide
to Florida |
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