See alligators and more in Florida!
Florida has plenty of amazing wildlife! Enjoy time outdoors in the sunshine seeing and learning about animals!
Want to see a variety of animals, fish, birds, and lush Florida vegetation?
Myakka River State Park (only about 30 minutes from the SRQ area). Myakka is a beautiful 37,000 plus acre park full of animals and activities. There is so much Florida wildlife to see during your stay in Sarasota.
At Myakka you can boat, kayak bike, fish, walk, hike, horseback ride, climb, learn, camp, and more! You can arrange to go out on a 45-60 minute flat-bottom boat tour, check the website for times and pricing and make sure to bring your cameras!
There are lots of places throughout Myakka to put your kayak in the River. You can float along and enjoy all the splendid sights and sounds of Mother Nature. You are likely to see lots of birds including herons, cranes, hawks, anhingas, ospreys, ducks, ibises, spoonbills, and eagles just to name a few!
Go fish!
There are lots of freshwater fish in Myakka! The state of Florida requires anyone who fishes to have a fishing license. You may purchase a fishing license at most Wal-Mart stores or online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Also, you will most likely encounter alligators-please remember not to feed or disturb the alligators-not only is it dangerous, but it is illegal! You also may see a manatee at Myakka, if so please inform the Ranger Station of your exciting sighting as they are closely monitoring them, take a photo if possible!
Horse around on your vacation!
Are you looking to get some “steps in” while taking in Florida’s natural beauty? Myakka Trail is a 38.9-mile loop through trees and marshes. This time of year is perfect for a nice hike, don’t forget your water to ensure you don’t become dehydrated! There is a 12-15 mile excursion for those of you interested in horseback riding.
Myakka features plenty of mountain bike trails. Locals and visitors alike love the Myakka River Canopy Walk where you and the whole family can see breathtaking views from the observation deck. Go connect with your friends and family in nature. At Myakka you can make unforgettable memories and capture amazing photographs to cherish for the rest of your life. There is so much Florida wildlife to see during your stay in Sarasota.
Click here to learn more about Myakka River State Park
Want to see lots of animals and check going on an Eco-Tour off your bucket list?
Babcock Ranch Eco Tours (only about an hour and a half from the SRQ area)
Tour through Babcock Ranch on a 90-minute swamp buggy tour where you’ll encounter all kinds of animals from Florida’s ecosystem in the safety of a bus! You may see anything and everything from alligators, turtles, snakes, fish, all types of birds-including cranes and ospreys, deer, squirrels, cattle, wild turkeys, more! Babcock Ranch also offers walking tours. If you work up an appetite you can dine at the Gator Shack, and pick up mementos at the gift shop.
Click Babcock Ranch Eco Tours to book your tour today!
See ya later alligator! Want to see alligators?
You’re in luck because alligators like cooler (but not cold) temperatures like we are experiencing right now, and there are approximately 1.2 million alligators in Florida!
If you see an alligator swimming, you can estimate its approximate length, by converting the distance in inches from the tip of its nose to its eye ridge into feet. For example, if its about 4 inches from its nose to its eyes, the alligator is about 4 feet long. But don’t get too close! You can see them, but don’t touch or feed them, and leave their eggs alone! It’s not only very dangerous, but it is illegal! They have about 80 teeth, so keep your distance! There is so much Florida wildlife to see during your stay in Sarasota. Check out Peace River Charters for airboat tours, swamp-buggy tours, and the opportunity to legally hold a baby alligator at their gift shop. Peace River is only about a one hour drive from the SRQ area.
Why did the turtle cross the road?
On Land…
Florida has over thirty species of turtles and tortoises, so you will see lots of turtles here! Be very careful because some of these turtles are snapping turtles, so the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises you are very cautious when you are near turtles. Snapping turtles, sometimes known as alligator snapping turtles, can be aggressive and they can cause serious injury if you get too close to them or try to pick them up…so if you’re even the slightest bit unsure, just don’t do it.
If you see a turtle or tortoise crossing the road, try to avoid hitting the animal, but always keep your own safety in mind. Check to see if is safe enough to stop your vehicle, the turtle will usually be able to cross the road on its own. If you feel compelled to help the turtle or tortoise cross the road, you can gently poke its back with a stick or blunt object. This will hurry it along, but make sure to keep it going in the direction it is heading. If you must move the turtle or tortoise, a tip could be to put a car mat underneath the animal and pull it to the direction it was heading.
Make sure never to try to pick it up by its tail, they do not like that and can bite. Never ever take the turtle or tortoise anywhere, do not put it in your car under any circumstances. Always wash your hands thoroughly after contact with a turtle or tortoise. Sometimes turtles hide behind the wheels of parked cars, so check for them before operating your vehicle.
By Sea…
If you are snorkeling or diving, you might see an adorable sea turtle or even a few! There are five species of sea turtles in Florida waters; loggerheads, green turtles, leatherbacks, Kemp’s ridley, and hawksbill.
If you are at the beach, and you find a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle you can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922. You will need the exact location of the turtle, whether it is dead or alive, approximate size, if it’s painted, and the location of the nearest access point to the animal.
