Eastern diamondback rattlesnake The Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake is found in a wetland In the wild the snake can live from 10 to 20 years. The snails feed on algae, as well as fungus. It is an official... West Indian Manatee. Animals Native to Florida Wetlands Florida’s wetlands provide the ideal habitat for hundreds of different species of birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. An aquiferis a layer of rock underground that helps drain, filter, and purify water. Bald Eagle The bald eagle is a large bird of prey. 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. In fact, these wetlands are the reason we have such a high diversity of plants and animals. Humans are the dominant species on the planet—and sometimes, that puts a strain on other animals. 12 Wild Animals You Might See in the Everglades Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, crocodiles, otters, deer, birds and more. Florida panthers are one of the Everglades most endangered animals. The Everglades are a unique Florida wetland that covers over 750 square miles. The common alligator is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN in the Everglades due to the conservation efforts that have allowed them to increase in number. Observing wild animals in their natural environment is a privilege. This does not include areas to the north of the National Park, such as Lake Okeechobee, The Everglades' hardwood hammocks often provide the only dry ground in an otherwise wet and marshy habitat. Underground you will find limestone and aquifers, which have a very important job. 2. A wetlandis an area of land that is covered in shallow water with really wet soil. Read the following excerpt from the passage: "Humans have benefited from the Everglades in many ways, from the creation of park and tourism jobs to the water supply that keeps the cities and agriculture of Southern Florida running. Because of this, these areas provide a safe haven for a variety of animal and plant species. There are 347 species of birds recorded within the boundaries of the Everglades National Park. For example, leopard frogs often inhabit wetlands all year long, while red-bellied water snakes only visit them during the spring and summer. Exotic animals like the nutria, a large semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, can damage wetlands. View images from the Anhinga Trail webcam, which overlooks one of the most popular visitor areas in the park. In fact, tree islands have up to three times the plant and animal diversity of the surrounding wetlands, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The American alligator is relatively large in size with the adult male measuring 11-16 feet in length and can weigh up to 1,320 pounds. The primary factor that distinguishes Can't visit the park in person but would still like to view some Everglades wildlife? The plants and animals that live in these special places make up an elaborate, yet fragile, ecosystem in which things depend on one another for survival. They travel through the ocean waters of the Florida Bay in social groups known as "pods". The wood stork, one of the species, is a large wading bird that was formerly called Wood ibis. Wood storks favor marshy and swampy areas with cypress trees. Now, quite a bit of evidence shows th… In 1928, landscape architect Ernest Coe began an effort to designate a national park in south Florida. View the list of of bird species that have been sighted in the park. It is the symbol of the USA and is found in many biomes. 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