Florida state legislature has designated an official state bird as well as a state animal for Florida.There are several endangered species also living in Florida state, which is protected by the state legislature. This state has habitats that are perfect for a range of Florida state animals.The range of wildlife residing in Florida state includes mammals, reptiles, birds, marine animals, and invertebrates. Some of these are native to Florida, while others are non-native wildlife species. The state provides a perfect habitat for the survival of specific endangered species as well.After reading about Florida state animals, also check out related fact files on Florida spiders and Florida water birds.What is Florida’s state amphibian?Amphibians are a vast part of the wildlife in this state. The official state amphibian of Florida is the barking tree frog. Like all amphibians, barking tree frogs can breathe on land through their skin. These are native to the state and are called barking tree frogs because their calling sounds like a dog’s bark, and they hide well on trees.These frogs can camouflage well in swampy areas and pinelands. They can be brown, shades of green, or even grey with black-spotted designs all over their body. Barking tree frogs are insectivores which means their diet consists of beetles and small insects, and they tend to hibernate in the sand caves or burrows during the winter months.This state symbol is visible mainly in the southeastern United States. They are found throughout the state of Florida but not in Everglades and Keys habitats. With a lifespan of more than ten years, these state symbols can inflate themselves to make it difficult for their predators to swallow them. This state symbol is not considered poisonous to humans or dogs. Other animals might salivate more than often on touching the skin of these amphibians due to the mild toxin secreted from their skin.Florida State AnimalAmong official Florida state symbols are the endangered animal, the Florida panther. The Florida panther is a large, light brown cat with a long tail. The state animal Florida panther grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters), sometimes even longer, and is found in similar habitats as white-tailed deer.The main diet of Florida panthers comprises white-tailed deer. The primary reason behind the Florida panther becoming endangered is the expansion of human settlement and their meddling in the natural surroundings.The state animal Florida panther is found in South Florida pinelands. The Florida panther in the south has a brown coat. The babies of Florida panthers are gray with dark brown or blackish spots and have five bands clearly visible around the tail. As they grow older, the pale spots disappear, and the gray shade turns into brown. Florida has made organizations whose sole purpose is to make the habitats of South Florida panthers expand and keep them safe.These habitats also include the protection of trees and the availability of water to the regions. The state legislature takes the saving of the Florida panther very seriously and is trying to protect these endangered large cats. Habitats of state animal Florida panther are abundant with white-tailed deer.Florida State Saltwater And Marine MammalFlorida’s marine mammal is the manatee. Symbols designated by the Florida state animal department indicate that this marine mammal is also known as a sea cow. It is gray, and although it is large, it is a calm mammal.This Florida state marine mammal is among the endangered animals. Manatee eats water plants for survival. Manatees are threatened by the increase in human activities in the state of Florida. Manatee is considered to be a safe marine mammal by those present near the waters. Adult manatees grow up to 14 ft (4.2 m).Florida’s state saltwater mammal is the dolphin. Florida’s mammals live peacefully in the deeper sections of water. Dolphins have a gray coat with a lighter under the skin towards the stomach. Its nose is bottle-like. Dolphins are carnivores. Even though this mammal has no sense of smell, their hearing and eyesight are incredible. The state symbols include this mammal as well.Additionally, the largemouth bass is Florida’s state freshwater fish. The largemouth bass is found in lakes and rivers. Due to the abundance of largemouth bass, fishing is a popular activity in the state.What is the legal limit of animals in the state of Florida?Several laws are protecting the endangered animals of Florida. The natural population of numerous birds, mammals, and cats began to increase slightly due to the state’s efforts. State’s governor plays an active role in setting the legal limits and formulating laws to protect Florida’s wildlife.The state’s historical data shows that the state has always been strict about hunting and torturing animals- even domestic animals. The law protects all endangered species and related mammals, birds, and cats. These historical trends have been revised in recent years but are still continuing.Florida state’s law does not permit the selling of pellets of dead animals like dogs and cats. Trading of animals in any form is also prohibited. Any activity even remotely related to hunting is strictly off-limits. As the cat population has also been on a steady rise, the laws put in place have become very rigid to ensure the continuation of this cat population. The legal limit on endangered animals and related species has become a very effective way of protecting Florida’s wildlife.What animals can you find in Ravine Gardens State Park in Florida?The official state records indicate that the Ravine Gardens State Park in Florida is an excellent location for viewing wildlife. The state of Florida has created this space as a natural location for various birds to rest in. Alligators are also among the main attractions of this park. There are times when the birds play with each other and trouble the alligators by sitting on them.Butterflies and mockingbirds are visible throughout the year in Florida. Apart from alligators, certain other reptiles are also seen in this habitat when looked at closely, especially in trails with a lot of vegetation and fewer artificial paths. The whole range of reptiles, insects, and birds, including mockingbirds, butterflies, alligators, live in natural habitats. The adults take care of the young and play in the beautiful natural environment.The state’s natural trail has flowers throughout the year; however, the flowers blossom all over the garden at specific times of the year. You may even find small fish in the lakes that are present in the park. These are freshwater fish and swim around in the natural environment surrounded by palm trees and small animals and birds.What animals can you see at Bald Point State Park, Florida?Alligators are present in the sandy areas of the park. Fishing also takes place in this region. There are several different types of fish present at Bald Point Park. All the fish are fed well and ready to be fished out. The fishing practices take place via a boat. People catch fish during vacations and holidays to experience the joy of fishing.Apart from fish and reptiles, the state park also has birds like the mockingbird. The mockingbird is the state bird of Florida. Florida’s state symbol, the mockingbird, is primarily gray, and they can sing delightfully in the moonlight. The state of Florida is known for its mockingbirds that sing at night and can mimic the sounds of other birds.The most precious butterfly is the zebra longwing. It is the state butterfly. Bald Point State Park is a good location for viewing the zebra longwing butterfly. Zebra longwings are found in various habitats and are a vibrant shade of yellow and black stripes. It was designated the official state butterfly by the state legislature.What kinds of animals might you find in the national and state parks in Florida?There are numerous state and wildlife parks located in the state of Florida. All of these are devoted to protecting endangered and related wildlife present in the state of Florida. The sea animals section sometimes contains shells. The horse conch is the designated state shell according to the official state record.Some of the wildlife parks and centers are located in the northern regions. On the north side of the state, there are several animals. The adult animals of the north and northern side are native to that region. All adult animals play with their children until they are grown enough to move around themselves. These parks of the state of Florida also have zebra longwing butterflies and the state’s mockingbird. The state bird can be easily identified flying around and singing within the confines of the conservation centers.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Florida state animals, then why not take a look at Florida water snakes or white-tailed deer facts.
Florida state legislature has designated an official state bird as well as a state animal for Florida.
