Endangered Swamp Animals
West Indian Manatee
- West Indian Manatee The West Indian Manatee is a grayish-brown aquatic mammal. This gentle animal, sometimes called a "sea cow," seeks the warm water springs of Florida during the winter months. In summer, manatees can be found in the coastal waters off shore. Manatees eat aquatic plants including sea grasses and mangroves. The manatee is frequently a victim of injury from boat propellers. Manatee sanctuaries rehabilitate the injured manatees and return them to their natural habitat whenever possible. There are approximately 1,400 manatees that can be found in the waters of Florida.
- Florida Panther The Florida Panther, sometimes called puma, mountain lion or cougar, is one of the most endangered animals on earth. In the wild there are no more than 50 Florida panthers remaining. The Florida panther lives in the swamps and marshes of Florida. The biggest threat to the panthers at this time is habitat loss. Panthers do not adapt well to changes in their habitat.
- Wood Stork The wood stork is a wading bird with long legs and white plumage. Their breeding grounds are in the southeastern United States, but they are found predominately in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. Wood storks reside in freshwater marshes and swamps. The wood stork population declined during the second half of the 20th century as a result of habitat loss and pollution. Due to current efforts the population is increasing. The wood stork is still considered endangered in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North and South Carolina.
- Bald Eagle The Southern Bald Eagle nests in natural areas that are close to water, including freshwater marshes and swamps. Southern bald eagles feed on fish and need to have clear views of the area. Their population declined as a result of habitat loss and the use of pesticides. The population is on the rebound as a result