Wildlife of Florida

In my travels along the many trails of Pinellas and Pasco counties, I've encountered numerous species. Because this is Florida, alligators are at the top.

This baby was lounging just off the Anclote River Trail with no mama in sight. It's still prudent to maintain a safe distance.

This adult gator is encouraged to return to his/her habitat by some wranglers from the Sheriff's Department

In addition to potentially dangerous alligators, there are potentially dangerous snakes such as this Florida cottonmouth (Agkistrodon conanti). Though this viper is only a juvenile, it can probably still kill you. Blends in with the trail rather well, doesn't it?

Next in Florida significance is the gopher tortoise. Typical tortoise sighting:

Tortoises like to make babies. These two are, appropriately, courtin' on Honeymoon Island.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage. Actually, this baby was wandering around by itself. It was about the size of a thumbnail.

Turtles have babies too. This is a box turtle, not a tortoise. It was about twice the size of the baby tortoise.

Besides the birds with skinny legs like flamingos, there are magnificent birds of prey. This is an eagle nest and an osprey on Honeymoon Island:

The most magnificent bird of all is the bald eagle. These eagles near Anclote River Park just had a pair of eaglets about six weeks before this photo was taken. The other parent is probably out foraging for food.

By spring, the fledglings are learning to fly. One can be seen still in the nest.

Pinellas County also has armadillo

and deer.

It's Florida and that means bugs. Even though they are insects, butterflies are beautiful and not nasty at all. They do know how to hide, though.


Bugs need love too, even while clinging to a wall.