This St. Patrick’s Day, you can embrace the four-leaf clover, but the real thrill is catching a glimpse of the incredible native wildlife that call South Florida home.
DID YOU KNOW: The South Florida Water Management District works year-round to protect, restore and manage the natural ecosystems that provide important habitat for native wildlife.
A ONE-OF-A-KIND WILDERNESS: Renowned for its wading birds and wildlife, the Everglades is home to dozens of federally threatened and endangered species, including the Florida panther, American crocodile, snail kite and wood stork. The mix of salt and fresh water makes it the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side.
THE REAL TREASURE: The real treasure this St. Patrick's Day is right in our backyard. The District is the steward of more than 1 million acres of public lands throughout our 16-county region, and we make it easy to find public lands near you. Visit SFWMD.gov/Recreation to learn more.
TEST YOUR LUCK: Here are some of the native wildlife you would be lucky to spot in South Florida. Remember to always keep a safe distance from wildlife.
💚 American Alligator: The American alligator is one of two crocodilians native to Florida. Many people associate alligators with the color green, but this is a misconception. Adult alligators are primarily dark gray in color with a lighter color underside.
💚 Florida Cooter: This native freshwater turtle can often be seen basking in the sun on logs, concrete ramps, and banks with their heads pointed to the sky.
💚 Green Heron: Famous for using leaves, feathers, and other items as fishing lures, this heron usually forages from branches above water or from the water's edge. Despite its name, the "green" on this bird's back is an iridescent color and often looks dull bluish or simply dark.
💚 Anhinga: Also known as the snake bird or water turkey, the anhinga is a year-round resident of Florida. You can often spot them perched on a branch with wings outstretched, drying feathers.
💚 Sandhill Crane: Sandhill cranes are iconic members of the Florida ecosystem. They stand almost 4 feet tall and don a distinctive, heart-shaped patch of red skin on the top of their head.
💚 Green Treefrog: We’re rounding out our list with a amphibian that is actually green! The slender green treefrog is about two inches long, with white stripes on its bright-green sides. It feeds on insects and is found in places with abundant vegetation.
GO OUTSIDE AND EXPLORE: As you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we encourage you to go outside and explore South Florida's extraordinary ecosystems. You never know what you might see.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀🌿