Southern Swamps

The Florida Everglades, or "Grassy Waters" as it was called by the Native Americans, is a vast prairie of sawgrass. Within and surrounding this freshwater marsh are islands of hardwood trees called hammocks, palmetto pine scrub, cypress heads, and coastal mangroves, each a natural and distinct community in itself.

In this semi-tropical environment, there are annual wet and dry seasons, which shape the life cycles of the region's plants and animals.

Showing 1 – 5 of 9 Results

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American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis Biome: Southern Swamps Classification: Reptiles Biography: American alligators are important members of their ecosystem, and are regarded as keystone species. Many animals are affected by their existence. Young alligators are prey for wading birds, turtles, snakes, mammals, and larger alligators. Alligators over 4' are at the top... More >

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Barred Owl Strix varia Biome: Southern Swamps Classification: Birds Biography: A barred owl is the second largest owl in Pennsylvania, surpassed only by the great horned owl in size. It is easily recognized by its stocky body, large dark brown eyes, and the puffy round head with no ear tufts. The horizontal bars on the throat and upper breast, and... More >

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Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius barbouri Biome: Southern Swamps Classification: Reptiles Biography: Known as the "patient hunter of the pines", and like most pit vipers, these small rattlers use the "sit and wait" method of hunting. In the wild, they have been observed in the same location for up to three weeks, patiently waiting for unsuspecting lizards, frogs, rodents... More >

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Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus Biome: Southern Swamps Classification: Reptiles Biography: This is the largest of all North American rattlesnakes and can reach lengths of 33-72 inches. It is found throughout the Everglades. These snakes hide beneath stumps and in holes in the ground during the day, coming out to feed on rabbits, mice, rats and birds at night. You... More >

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Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon corais couperi Biome: Southern Swamps Classification: Reptiles Biography: The eastern indigo snake is the longest snake in North America and can reach lengths of over eight feet. This large thick-bodied snake has a glossy blue-black color with scales that are iridescent in the sunlight. Hunting during the day, an indigo forages for a wide... More >

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Showing 1 – 5 of 9 Results

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