Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Lasiurus intermedius)

Pine Flatwoods, Oak hammock, Swamp

Diet: mosquitos, flies, beetles, moths

Found throughout Florida, the free-tailed bat is a medium-sized bat, 3-4” long, that roosts in tree hollows, often near water. Called ‘free-tailed’ as the tail extends out from the tail membrane. At
night these bats forage within a 50 mile radius. Our only true flying mammals, bats use echolocation (sonar) to locate flying insects. After they trap an insect in the membrane between their hind legs, they seize it with their teeth. As
with all warm mamal species, these mammals can carry rabies.

Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus floridanus)

Pine Flatwoods, Oak hammock, Swamp

Diet: mammals, frogs, birds, fish, berries, carrion

Often called the ‘tree fox’ the gray fox prefers to den in hollow logs and trees, especially oak trees, but will sometimes retreat into underground burrows in Florida. The gray fox is the
only member of the canine family that can actually climb. Active at twilight, at night, and sometimes during the day, this fox is more quiet than the red fox, only occasionally growling or barking as it flushes out prey.

Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale pultorius)

Pine flatwoods, Oak Hammock

Diet: small mammals, insects, bird & turtle eggs, fruits, rodents, carrion

Our smallest member of the weasel family, this skunk is both fast and agile. When threatened this animal will first do a series of rapid handstands, then drop to all four’s, then lift its tail and finally spray the foul smelling musk up to 15 feet away. Nocturnal in habit, this skunk is found in brushy fields, open areas, and will occasionally venture into residential neighborhoods.

Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris)

Oak Hammock, Swamp, Marsh

Diet: Assorted grasses & marsh vegetation

Smaller than the cottontail, this 11 inch long, 2.5 pound rabbit has yellowish to reddish brown fur, an inconspicuous tail & short ears. Primarily nocturnal, the marsh rabbit can often be seen feeding on vegetation in the early evening. When frightened, this animal will jump into the water and swim to escape. A keen sense of smell& hearing also assist in detecting predators.

Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Pine flatwoods, Oak hammock

Diet: ants, crayfish, frogs, mammals, carrion

SPECIES ALERT! Exotic

This exotic that traveled the highways from Mexico has become an agricultural pest due to the damage caused by its digging behavior. Mainly nocturnal, this animal makes its burrows in dry sandy soils where it will uproot & destroy plants. Covered with 9 flexible overlapping armored bands that encircle its midsection, the armadillo can twist or curl up into a ball to protect its soft belly. The armadillo uses its long sticky tongue to dig & to catch food.

Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Pine flatwoods, Oak Hammock, Swamp, Marsh

Diet: frogs, fish, crayfish, reptiles, fruits, eggs

A good swimmer, runner, and climber, the raccoon is known for its ability to descend a tree headfirst. Nocturnal and solitary, this animal will den in hollow trees, favoring wooded areas along creeks and streams. A potential carrier of
rabies, a serious viral disease, caution should be taken when a raccoon is seen during the day, walking slowly and seemingly unafraid of human contact.

River Otter (Lutra canadensis)

Swamp, River, Marsh

Diet: fish, frogs, turtles, snakes Growing to 4 feet long the otter is our largest member of the weasel family. Look for river otters along Crowley Creek where they dig burrows
into the banks, often under tree roots. A fast swimmer with webbed toes, otters can be seen poking their heads out of the water to check on their surroundings. Also quick on
land, otters enjoy sliding down muddy stream banks.

Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

Pine flatwoods, Oak Hammock, Swamp

Diet: fruits, nuts, bird eggs, insects, carrion The opossum is a marsupial, which means that it has a pouch in which the babies develop. A basic animal, the opossum has 32 sharp teeth, more than any other living mammal, grasping feet, and a prehensile tail that allows it to hang from tree limbs. When attacked, this animal can fall into a deep state of shock, sometimes called ‘playing possum’. This is a mechanism for escaping from predation.

Sherman’s Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)

Pine flatwoods, Oak hammock, Swamp

Diet: pine seeds, nuts, fungi, fruits, & insects

SPECIES ALERT! Species of Special Concern

Florida’s largest squirrel, the fox squirrel grows to 25 inches long, including a 12 inch tail. Named after the fox due to its unique ‘fox-like’ run & long bushy tail, our fox squirrel has grayish- black fur, a black face and a white nose. Less
numerous than gray squirrels the fox squirrel spends more time on the ground and often runs, to evade predators. Other local squirrels include the familiar eastern gray squirrel and the nocturnal southern flying squirrel.

Wild Hog (Sus scrofa)

Diet: plants, mammals, reptiles, insects, carrion

SPECIES ALERT! Exotic

Introduced from Europe as a food animal by the Spanish and later the English, this exotic species is responsible for native plant habitat destruction due to its constant rooting in the soil. An omnivore with a great sense of smell, the hog
has a narrow body covered with coarse brownish-black hair. A dangerous animal when threatened, it can inflict severe wounds with its tusks. The wild hog is both an excellent swimmer and fast runner.

White Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus osceola)

Pine flatwoods, Oak Hammock, Swamp, Marsh

Diet: tender shoots & leaves of plants, grasses, herbs

One of America’s largest white-tailed deer populations resides in Florida. Deer can run up to 40mph, swim up to 13mph, and jump a 9’ fence. When alarmed the animal will raise its tail, the white under part acting as a flag to communicate danger to nearby deer. Predators of
the deer include bobcats, panthers, and coyotes. The deer size decreases from north to south on the Florida peninsula.