The rivers of Central Florida support a variety of habitats that are homes for many endangered and protected species. Below are some of the most common wildlife inhabiting the area’s waters.
Egret
The Great Egret is a large, all white heron with long black legs and feet. The bird is characterized by a long neck pulled back into an S-curve.
The Great Egret is a large, all white heron with long black legs and feet. The bird is characterized by a long neck pulled back into an S-curve.
Heron
The Great Blue Heron has shaggy bluish gray feathers, a long, S-shaped neck with reddish coloring, and a thick, yellow bill.
The Great Blue Heron has shaggy bluish gray feathers, a long, S-shaped neck with reddish coloring, and a thick, yellow bill.
White Ibis
Found along the shoreline, the White Ibis features an all white body with black wingtips, a long, down-curved, bright red bill, and long red legs.
Found along the shoreline, the White Ibis features an all white body with black wingtips, a long, down-curved, bright red bill, and long red legs.
Manatee
Common in the winter, West Indian Manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle-shaped tail.
Common in the winter, West Indian Manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle-shaped tail.
River Otter
The North American River Otter has an elongated body with short legs and webbed feet for swimming. Look for their burrows on the river bank.
The North American River Otter has an elongated body with short legs and webbed feet for swimming. Look for their burrows on the river bank.
Alligator
Abundant in the wetlands, American Alligators have slightly rounded bodies, broad heads, powerful tails, and can reach a length of nearly 15 feet.
Abundant in the wetlands, American Alligators have slightly rounded bodies, broad heads, powerful tails, and can reach a length of nearly 15 feet.
Dolphin
Bottlenose dolphins typically surface in the lower Tomoka River. They are characterized by their long snouts and can jump as high as 20 feet.
Bottlenose dolphins typically surface in the lower Tomoka River. They are characterized by their long snouts and can jump as high as 20 feet.
Deer
White-tailed deer are found along the river on the forest’s edge. They are gray to russet brown with long tails and a white underside.
White-tailed deer are found along the river on the forest’s edge. They are gray to russet brown with long tails and a white underside.
Bobcat
The Florida bobcat is about the size of a medium dog with dark brown fur and black spots. They are most easily identified by their short tails.
The Florida bobcat is about the size of a medium dog with dark brown fur and black spots. They are most easily identified by their short tails.
Osprey
Abundant in Florida’s waterways, the osprey nests on signs and looks similar to the Bald Eagle except for it’s white chest.
Abundant in Florida’s waterways, the osprey nests on signs and looks similar to the Bald Eagle except for it’s white chest.
Vulture
The Turkey Vulture has a wingspan of 72 inches and is distinguished by its red head and legs. The underside of its wings are lined with gray.
The Turkey Vulture has a wingspan of 72 inches and is distinguished by its red head and legs. The underside of its wings are lined with gray.
Turtle
Turtles are easily spotted along the river sunning themselves on tree branches and along the river shore.
Turtles are easily spotted along the river sunning themselves on tree branches and along the river shore.
Loon
Loons are aquatic birds size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely gray or black, they have spear-shaped bills.
Loons are aquatic birds size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely gray or black, they have spear-shaped bills.
Bald Eagle
The national emblem of the United States, adult Bald Eagles are recognized by their brown bodies, white heads and tails, and large, hooked bills.
The national emblem of the United States, adult Bald Eagles are recognized by their brown bodies, white heads and tails, and large, hooked bills.
Wildlife
