The "Glades" are home to over 400 species of birds and also home to alligators and crocodiles. These two are not usually found sharing the same environment but the Everglades is a true subtropical preserve with over 1.5 million total acres and 1.2 million designated wilderness acres. The environment consists of wetlands, marshes, and saw grass prairies.
Many mammals also all the Park their home including moles, bats, armadillos, rabbits, squirrels, red fox, bottlenosed dolphin, black bear, river otter, white-tailed deer, and bobcat, to name a few.
Additionally, there are numerous reptiles and amphibians (approximately 50 species) that reside in the Everglades. These include over two-dozen types of snakes, including the Eastern Diamondback, Dusky pigmy rattlesnake, Florida Cottonmouth, Eastern coral snake (all extremely venomous), Florida snapping turtle, American alligator, American crocodile, gecko, lizards, iguanas, toads and frogs.
Endangered species that can be found in the park are the Green turtle, Atlantic Ridley turtle, Atlantic leatherback turtle, Wood stork, American crocodile, West Indian manatee and Florida Panther.
There are many activities at the park from the 156-miles of canoe and walking trails to camping at one of the 47 designated wilderness sites.
If backcountry camping is your forte, the park has several campsite types available. The Chickees are elevated wooden platforms that are on the open water usually interior rivers. This would be my choice! Next are ground sites that are inland and are mounds of earth at a higher elevation than the surrounding area. The last type is the beach site. These camping sites are located on coastal beaches. Watch out for high-tide!
As with any camping, be sure to come prepared and in Florida, that means plenty of insect repellent! Also note, that all overnight camping (except auto campgrounds or boats) requires a permit.
For those who prefer "indoor" camping, the Flamingo Lodge is the only place to stay in the park. The lodge is open year-round. For more information check their site - http://www.flamingolodge.com/.
Many tours are available from bird watching to wildlife viewing. There are also boat and tram tours year-round, and ranger led hiking tours. For your safety, please remember to adhere to all of the rules of the park when visiting!
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