Must Do Naples Visitor Guide Summer/Fall 2019

Florida’s Unique Wildlife
Many endangered and protected animal species reside in Southwest Florida’s unique landscape including the American
alligator, Florida panther, black bear, West Indian manatee, bottlenose dolphin, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, and
countless more rare birds. Some of the best places to see these creatures in their native habitats are right here in Naples,
Marco Island, and the Everglades.
Everglades National Park
Southwest Florida Marine Life
With over 2,500 square miles of swamp and sawgrass marsh, The Gulf waters around Southwest Florida are teaming
Everglades National Park’s unique ecosystem provides a one-ofa-kind
habitat for snakes, alligator, crocodile, wading birds, and residents are bottlenose dolphins and the West
with amazing marine life. Two of the most popular
more. An airboat tour through this magnificent area to view its Indian manatee. A cruise or kayak trip is a great way
abundant wildlife is not to be missed.
to view dolphins or manatees. Dolphins love to leap
and play in the bow waves or chase the wake of boats.
Florida’s state animal is the Florida panther, a subspecies of You can often see manatees grazing on sea grasses in
cougar. This large, long-tailed, pale brown cat grows to six feet shallow waters of the areas mangrove-laden estuaries.
or more and with an estimated population of 100-180 remaining Sometimes when manatees see kayaks on the surface,
in Florida; it is one of the most endangered mammals in the they will come in close to get a good look. Local guides
world. Its habitat is usually the same as the mainstay of its diet, will give you the best chance of catching a glimpse of a
the white-tailed deer and wild boar. When deer and hog are not manatee in the wild.
available, panthers will eat other small animals such as raccoons
or armadillos. Many of Florida’s remaining panthers live in or near Stingrays frequently can be found in the warm shallow
Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. No waters of the Gulf of Mexico during the months of
need to be nervous about encountering these elusive cats, the May through October. They come close to shore in
closest you’re most likely to get during your visit is spotting a search of food and bury themselves in the sand. You
panther crossing sign – and if you do, slow down and keep a don’t want to step on a stingray – the result could be
watchful eye. Since 2014, Florida has had a record number of a painful sting. In order to prevent this, it is important
Florida panther deaths, the majority due to road collisions. to do the “Stingray Shuffle” when entering the water
of Southwest Florida’s beaches. By shuffling your feet
across the sandy bottom you can alert the stingray of
your presence, they will uncover themselves and swim
away. Stingrays don’t want to be stepped on anymore
than you want to be stung! What should you do if you
happen to step on a stingray and get stung? Head to
the lifeguard stand when possible. If there isn’t one
available try a nearby home, hotel, or restaurant. First
aid for stingray stings involves flushing the wound with
fresh water if possible and soaking the affected area in
hot water (as hot as can be tolerated without causing
burns). Most lifeguard stands have buckets and hot
water on hand for stingray accidents. If the victim
shows any signs of an allergic reaction – DIAL 911.
SHUTTERSTOCK
36 | Must Do Visitor Guides
Take advantage of the many knowledgeable guides
and eco-tour options the area has to offer to experience
Florida’s wild side.