Hillsborough County's Wonderful Wildlife

In honor of World Wildlife Day, we thought we'd share some of the wildlife that is home in Hillsborough County. But you won't have to search hard to find signs of life, these spectacular creatures can be viewed throughout Hillsborough County at your nearest Hillsborough County Conservation Park or Nature Preserve. In 1987, Hillsborough County leadership thought it prudent to conserve land, waterways, and wildlife thus ensuring that these resources were preserved for future generations to enjoy. Because of the wisdom of our community leadership, wildlife thrives in our backyards.

Here is a sampling of 10 mammals, reptiles, birds and fish you may encounter in the untamed, undeveloped lands of our County:

1. Alligator

Alligators are large reptiles that can be found in fresh and brackish water throughout Florida. Adult alligators have 80 teeth. Females can grow to reach up to 10 feet in length and on average weigh 200 pounds. Their male counterparts grow larger with an average size of over 11 feet, and can weigh over half a ton! These creatures are awe and fear inspiring, but are a common part of the Florida landscape and are usually harmless when left to their own devices. These lounging lizards can be viewed in all their glory at many locations that connect to the Alafia and Hillsborough rivers.

2. Barred Owl

Don't mistake the playful noises coming from the trees as monkeys. Barred owls are known for their distinctive playful hooting. Paired mates engage by calling back and forth to each other. They prefer living in swamp habitat, but can also be located in woodlands. These owls usually hunt at dawn or dusk and prefer a diet of small mammals for sustenance. Set your sights on a Barred Owl during the next Avian Adventure at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park.

3. Bobcat

Although bobcats are common inhabitants of forests, hammocks and swamps,  they are rarely seen. Bobcats are double the size of domestic cats. Their territory in the wild ranges about five or six miles, but is minimized in urban and suburban areas. Their diet includes ground dwelling birds and small mammals such as rodents. If you catch a glimpse of these finicky felines, consider it an honor.

4. Coral Snake

Coral Snake Closeup by My FWC Florida Fish & Wildlife

Fortunately Florida is not home to many poisonous snakes. One of the few is the coral snake. They are easy to identify as they are black, red and yellow. The important distinction between a coral snake and a king snake (which also shares the same colored stripes) is that the coral snake's red and yellow bands are touching, while the king snake's red band touches a black band instead. These cold-blooded reptiles are found in pine and scrub oak sandhill habitats, but have also been seen in hardwood areas and pine flatwoods. If you spot a coral snake, just slowly back away. They are docile creatures and likely to be more afraid of you than you are of them. 

5. Gopher Tortoise

Upland habitats throughout Florida are where these rambling reptiles live. They
create deep burrows in which to dwell and have over 350 other species who cohabitate in their homes. They prefer sunny and warm conditions and are witnessed trudging roadside or on sidewalks. Gopher Tortoises are frequently seen chomping on grass at Bell Creek and Camp Bayou nature preserves.

Hello There, Manatee by US Geological Survey

6. Manatee

These majestic mammals can grow to reach 10 feet in length and weigh half a ton. They breathe air, munch on aquatic plants and when active surface every 3-5 minutes. They are known to enjoy the warmer temperatures in Tampa Bay waters near power plants and can be viewed in the wintertime at the Manatee Viewing Center just north of Apollo Beach. These gentle giants can also be encountered by boaters along the rivers in Hillsborough County. They pose no threat to others who enjoy our waterways, although they are curious and may startle you with a surprise visit.

7. Florida Red-tailed Hawk

There are many bird species to spy in Florida skies, but the Florida red-tailed hawk is certainly a beauty to behold. Being non-migratory birds, they can be found year-round from the Florida Keys all the way up to the Kissimmee Prairie through Tampa Bay. They remain in the same territory throughout their life within 2 to 10 square mile radius. These birds are highly adaptive and can live in various environments along roadsides and in fields, grasslands, parks and woodlands. These rather large birds of prey prefer small mammals, sometimes hunt in pairs and dine on reptiles, even snakes! Favorite dishes include rattlesnakes. Fun fact: red-tailed hawks are master thieves who aren't beyond stealing a snack from other raptors. It's a good thing they don't have to eat daily. 

8. Snook

Snook by FWC Research

These fish have a big mouth and lower protruding jaw that reaches past the rear portion of the eye. A high dorsal fin and slopping forehead are signature characteristics along with a black lateral line extending from gill to tail. Snook can grow up to 48 inches and reach 50 pounds in weight! Their habitat is inshore coastal waters such as beaches, mangrove shorelines and seagrass beds. Other fish and large crustaceans are included in their diet. They can tolerate freshwater, but will not last in temperatures below 60⁰ F.

9. Terrapin

Malaclemys terrapin (Diamondback Terrapin) by JW Schultz

Diamondback terrapins can be distinguished by the concentric ring pattern on
their shell with knobs lining their backs. There are five subspecies of these reptiles in Florida, three of which can only be found here. This medium-sized coastal turtle species lives in brackish and estuarine habitats such as coastal marshes, mangroves and tidal creeks. Females of the species outgrow the males measuring approximately 9.4 inches in length, with males coming in at about 5.5. The flesh is pallid and gray with black spots or bars sometimes surrounded by pink hues. A diamondback terrapin enjoys myriad morsels to munch such as clams, crabs, fish, mussels, snails, worms and plants. Life expectancy can reach 25 years in the wild and 40 years in captivity. Visit the Diamondback Terrapin exhibit at Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park to learn more. 

10. White-tailed deer

A white-tailed deer spotting can make one feel like they’ve entered an enchanted forest. When these gentle, graceful beings are alarmed, they will move their erect tails back and forth as if waving a white flag before running off. These deer are most often witnessed at dusk or dawn in habitats where young, low-growing vegetation can be found. They will remain along the edge of two different habitats to avoid predators and feed at ease. Females can weigh from 90 to 120 pounds, while males weigh between 115 to 190 pounds (in North Florida). It is easy to distinguish males from females because they are often adorned with antlers. A new set will be grown each year beginning in spring. These play a major role during mating season in establishing dominance for the males. Many of Hillsborough County’s nature preserves have these magical mammals frolicking within.

Here are a few tips on how to enjoy wildlife:

• Many animals are active at dawn or dusk and fewer humans will be out on the trail then too.

• Keep your distance. Bring binoculars or a camera to bring wildlife into view.

• Remain quiet. Enjoy the sounds of nature and leave the tunes in the car.

• If you do spot an animal, move slowly and do not make eye contact.

• When animals cease activity or turn away it is an indication that you are too close for comfort.

• If you bring your dog, always keep them on a leash.

How will you celebrate National Wildlife Day? Share your wildlife spotting stories by emailing TrailCATS@hcflgov.net.