Florida is the 3rd most populated state in the United States, but that does not stop it from having one of the richest wildlife populations as well. Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the state offers diverse habitats for hundreds of animals to make their home.
The most common animals you should look out for on a visit to the Sunshine State include the Florida panther, Florida black bear, key deer, Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, and roseate spoonbill.
Several national parks and wildlife reserves, including the Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Dry Tortugas National Park, allow you to take a closer look at these animals in their natural habitats.
List of Different Types of Native Animals Found in Florida
Several animals are endemic to the state, which means these animals are not found anywhere else in the world. These include mammals like the Florida panther, key deer, Florida black bear, Key Largo cotton mouse, and Anastasia Island beach mouse. Florida scrub jay is an endemic bird, while an endemic fish is the Seminole killifish. Here is a list of the most common native and endemic animals in the state:
Many introduced species have become invasive, posing a threat to humans and wildlife alike.
Chital (Axis Deer)
Sambar
American Bison
Red Deer
Nutria
Giant Musk Turtle
Spectacled Caiman
Northern Curly-tailed Lizard
Brown Anole
Knight Anole
Red-headed Rock Agama
Tokay Gecko
Timber Rattlesnake
Brahminy Blind Snake
African Clawed Frog
Cichlids
Rhesus Monkey
Invasive Animals
Florida has strict laws protecting its wildlife, making killing or harming even the most invasive animals illegal.
State Animals of Florida
State Animal
Florida Panther
State Marine Mammal
Florida Manatee
State Saltwater Mammal
Bottlenose Dolphin
State Bird
Northern Mockingbird
State Reptile
American Alligator
State Saltwater Reptile
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
State Tortoise
Gopher Tortoise
State Freshwater Fish
Florida Largemouth Bass
State Saltwater Fish
Atlantic Sailfish
State Butterfly
Zebra Longwing
State Shell
Horse Conch
FAQ
1. What are the most dangerous animals in Florida?
Large carnivorous mammals like the Florida panther, black bear, American alligator, and American crocodile are counted among the deadliest animals native to the state. There are many dangerous aquatic animals as well, including the bull shark, moon jellyfish, and the Portuguese man o’ war.
The state has its fair share of venomous snakes and spiders like the southern copperhead, eastern diamondback, brown recluse, and black widow. Invasive reptiles like the Burmese python, and iguanas can also become quite dangerous if provoked.
Insects like fire ants are also something to watch out for.
2. Are any of the animals that live in Florida endangered?
The Florida panther, Florida manatee, loggerhead sea turtle, Florida black bear, and American alligator are some of the most endangered animals in the state. All these species are protected by federal and state laws with efforts being made to increase their numbers in the wild.
3. What is the rarest animal in Florida?
The rarest animals in Florida include the Florida panther, key deer, bluetail mole skink, and West Indian manatee.
4. What are some common nocturnal animals in Florida?
Some common animals spotted at nighttime include raccoons, opossum, the nine-banded armadillo, Florida panther, coyote, and white-tailed deer.
5. What are the most common sea animals in Florida?
The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is the most common marine animals you are likely to come across on a visit to the state. Sea turtles are also quite common – in fact, North Florida has the highest number of turtle species living in its waters.
6. What are some of the most common burrowing animals in Florida?
Florida is full of animals that burrow in the ground, including various species of voles, moles, rats, gophers, and snakes, along with armadillos, wild pigs, skunks, and gopher tortoises. Identifying an animal from the holes it digs depends on factors like the size, shape, and location of the holes.
