Florida has many varieties of turtles. They, too, serve an important role in the food chain.

The Gopher Tortoise, the only land tortoise in the eastern United States, is declining in population rapidly due to human intervention and development. Ninety percent of the gopher tortoises live in Florida. His flattened shovel-like forelimbs and elephant-like hind legs easily recognize him. They live in dry-sandy areas where they make burrows averaging 14 feet in length and 6 feet in depth, allowing the tortoise to turn around at any point. They eat native grasses, legumes, prickly pear cactus and blackberries. Their burrows serve as shelter for many other forms of wildlife such as the endangered indigo snake, skunk, opossum, fox, rabbit, armadillo, quail and the burrowing owl. They are considered a species of special concern.

Even though the Armadillo is an exotic animal, that is it originated somewhere in South America, it is very common in our area. Their Spanish name can be translated to mean "Armed One" which describes their appearance. Small, bony plates encase their head and body, which they use as protection. When attacked, they curl up into a ball. The Armadillo is a nocturnal, burrowing animal that feeds mostly on earthworms and grubs.

There are many beautiful, unique birds that inhabit and depend upon our lakes. The Great Blue Heron is the largest North American heron. They grow up to four feet, have a wingspan of six feet, and weigh only five to eight pounds. They eat fish, crayfish, frogs, amphibians, and even small snakes and alligators.

 is a spectacular hunter that feeds exclusively on fish. They hover overhead as high as 150 feet, then plunge feet first into the water to capture fish that are swimming near the surface. They hold the fish lengthwise with the head in front while flying to minimize wind resistance. Ospreys make large, conspicuous nests in the tops of dead trees or atop power poles or channel markers. They use the same nest year after year adding more sticks each nesting season so that they may become quite large. The osprey's nest is often mistaken for the nest of an eagle. The markings of an Osprey are quite different from that of an Eagle. The osprey's wings have a kink in them the eagle's wings are straight. The osprey has white under parts and a dark tail the eagle has dark under parts and a white tail.

The third most common owl in our area is the Burrowing Owl. He makes his nest in the ground, by borrowing a hole and for that reason, this owl is in grave danger because they are easy prey for thoughtless hunters. The owls are so special and so important in our food chain. They prey on all the pesky rodents that thrive near the water. Their eyes are very large so that they can see well at night since they are nocturnal; so large in fact that they can't move them. They are stationary in their sockets, which is why the owl moves his head the way he does.

Alligators! 

In the 1940's, the alligator population was greatly reduced due to poaching until strict laws were made for their protection today they are locally abundant. Over 50% of the entire alligator population in the United States; exists in Florida. 

Alligators can be found in marshes, swamps lakes, rivers, canals and drainage ditches. They are the largest and most important predator of their food chain preying on fish, turtles, frogs, snakes, water birds and even carrion. 

When nesting, the female builds a nest of sticks, leaves and plants in the marsh or swamp. There she piles this material two to three feet high and five to six feet in diameter. She crawls, back and forth over it to pack it down. After she lays about 35 to 40 eggs, she covers them with more plants and leaves. Since she is a cold-blooded animal, she can't warm her eggs, but the decaying plants create heat to warm them. When the eggs hatch, the babies make noises to call their mother. She comes quickly and uncovers the young by removing the top layer of plants and mud. After the babies hatch, they stay in a group called a "pod." The mother stays nearby to protect them for 6 to 8 months. Alligators are most aggressive when protecting their young. Only a few baby alligators survive. Raccoons and skunks raid the nest and eat the eggs before they hatch. 80% of the babies are eaten by; wading birds, bobcats, otters, snakes, and even larger alligators. Once an alligator grows larger than 4 feet, it is safe from predators. Without even knowing it, alligators help their wildlife friends. They make "gator holes" with their large and powerful tail that, in times of drought, hold water for smaller animals to drink And in times of flooding, the beaten-down trails through the sawqrass made by the alligator's heavy body allow water to drain away From other animals' homes. 

Their adaptability to man's encroachment on their habitat has resulted in some unfortunate encounters between man and beast. Alligators will feed on small mammals such as dogs and cats, and despite their intimidating appearance, some people feed them. State law prohibits the feeding of alligators because this conditions the animal to associate humans with food.

People feeding wildlife cause many problems. When fed, wild animals will "congregate" or hang around, and stop fending for themselves. In the case of ducks, their presence can become a nuisance because of their droppings. The Muscovy Duck has become a particular problem in Florida due to their messy and aggressive nature. These ducks were originally domestic however, people would release them and now they tend to gather where people are feeding wildlife.

Animals such as Raccoons and Opossums will get into trash cans or pet food if it is left where they can reach it. They begin to associate food with people and eventually lose their innate fear of humans. This greatly increases the chances of being bitten or scratched and these animals can be carriers of rabies. Trapping and relocation of pesky wildlife is usually not a viable solution because these animals exist in our area in such large numbers. Elimination of the food source is the best way to discourage wildlife from becoming "pauperized".

Here are some helpful hints:

1. Use trash cans with screw-on lids; or

2. Use heavy metal springs to clamp down trash can lids.

3. Put trash cans inside a closed container.

4. Keep pet foods inside and off screen porches.

LOCAL WILDLIFE AGENCIES