Predators of the Everglades National Park

The unique natural ecosystem of the Everglades National Park is a habitat conducive for the existence of several species of animals and birds that may be seen on the airboat tours. The park spans over 1.5 million acres and over one third of that is covered with water.

A Vast Ecosystem you Won't Soon Forget

The marshy wetland landscape of the Everglades National Park provides a fabulous habitat for over 40 species of mammals, 350 species of birds and 27 species of snakes and many other endangered and threatened creatures. Here are some of the predatory species that call the Everglades National Park home.

1. The Florida Panther

The Florida Panther is a member of the big cat family. Unlike other cats who hate water, the waters of Big Cypress National Preserve plays a vital role in the survival of the Florida panther. The panther has adapted itself to hunt and at times, even swim in the freshwater of Big Cypress. It inhabits the hardwood hammocks and the dry pineland forests. The favorite food of the Florida panther is the white-tailed deer.

The Florida panther is mostly nocturnal and most active between dusk and dawn as they are not particularly fond of the harsh daytime heat. Today, the Florida Panther is a severely endangered species due to several factors, most of which are human-contributed. There are only about 80-100 Florida panthers that exist in the wild today.



2. Bobcat

Bobcats are found all over the Everglades National Park as well as the Big Cypress National Preserve and are easily identified by their spotted fur coat. The bobcats here are a Floridian subspecies which have short tails and ears which are white in color. Bobcats, both male and female are known to be rather territorial. They defend their habitat fiercely so as to retain mating access and keep prey intact.

The diet of the bobcat includes birds, rodents, and small mammals, but they have also been known to feed on fish, reptiles and insects. It is rare, but they might even take on a feral hog or a deer. Bobcats are most active during sunrise and sundown. They rest during midnight and in the afternoon. Bobcats are very shy creatures and constantly avoid human contact. This too makes them rare to spot.



3. The American Crocodile

The American Crocodile is a slimmer cousin of the alligator and can grow up to 15 feet in length. They have a more tapered, longer snout than the alligator. It feeds mainly on fish but will also eat anything that ventures into its territory. Today, crocodile habitats are being compromised due to human development and interference.

4. American Alligator

The American alligator is a species that is over 150 million years old. An average male American alligator is up to 10-15 feet in length and about 9 feet for females. These creatures can be seen on the airboat tours, sunning themselves along the banks of the river.



Poachers of any of these animals should be executed.

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Orignal From: Predators of the Everglades National Park