"The Everglades "River of Grass"" Everglades National Park by worldtrekker


Everglades National Park Travel Guide: 423 reviews and 923 photos

Great Egret - Everglades National Park
Great Egret
The fate of this wildlife refuge remains uncertain

My trip to the Everglades was an eye opening learning experience. I never realized before that the actual survival of this national park was in jeopardy! With the rapid population growth in Florida and the demands it puts on the water supply, this park and it's flora and fauna may soon become just a memory. Industry and agriculture also create problems. Florida is now the 4th most populated state with 900+ new residents arriving EVERY day! With that kind of competition for resources it's no wonder this ecosystem is severely threatened. The Everglades is only about a quarter the size of what it once was. Hopefully a solution will be found to protect the future of this amazing place.

Alligators everywhere!
American alligators - Everglades National Park

American alligators

When we first arrived at the Shark Valley Visitor Center I couldn't believe my eyes! I'd heard that this was one of the best places in the park to see wildlife, but I didn't expect it to be so easy! Before we had even parked we saw an alligator swimming in the canal and several different types of wading birds. On our walk up the trail from the visitor center, it was one gator after another and birds constantly coming and going. I was also surprised how close you are to the animals here. Normally, they would flee way before you could get this close! I only had a 300mm lens with me for my camera, but I still got some decent shots. I'd estimate that I saw at least a hundred alligators here in Shark Valley. There were also a ton to be seen from the car driving along Hwy 41 in the Big Cypress National Preserve. There's a canal that runs alongside the highway and being that it was the dry season, this is where they like to hang out.

Mammals in the Glades
White tailed deer - Everglades National Park

White tailed deer

Mammals aren't as easily seen in the Everglades as are the birds and alligators, but they are here. This white tailed deer was spooked out of its hiding place as I walked along the trail.
The Florida panther and the manatee are two endangered mammals which inhabit the park. The Florida panther is in really bad shape with only between 30 - 50 surviving today. They have many health problems related to poor habitat conditions and genetic defects. With such a low population there's been a lot of inbreeding.
The slow moving and nonagressive manatee is also at risk. They are mainly threatened by human activities, especially boating and waterskiing. Blades from motor boats have sliced into these animals, sometimes killing them. People have also chased manatees and poked and prodded them while swimming or snorkeling. This causes them stress and they will likely leave the area even if it is their preferred habitat.
Another mammal which lives here is the river otter. These aren't endangered but are seldom seen. The best time to see them is towards the end of the dry season when the least amount of water is left and they seek out the waterholes. In March or April they are often spotted in Shark Valley. These animals are very entertaining to watch but unfortunately I've never had the chance to see one in the wild.
Bobcats are also common and a worker at the visitor center said she sees them now and again.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Refuge for endangered species, wildlife viewing, recreational opportunities
  • Cons:Rapid population growth nearby, dwindling resources, mosquitos
  • In a nutshell:An ecosystem in jeopardy
  • Last visit to Everglades National Park: Jan 2003
  • Intro Updated Feb 1, 2003
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Reviews (17)

Exploring the mangroves - Everglades National Park Canoeing along Halfway Creek Off The Beaten Path (2)

Canoeing in the Everglades is a rewarding experience. Sure, it's a little more work than cruising through on a boat, but... more travel advice

The Shark Valley trail runs alongside a canal - Everglades National Park Bicycle or walk into the Everglades Off The Beaten Path (2)

Most people coming to the Shark Valley Visitor Center will take the tram tour along this 15 mile trail. The tour lasts 2... more travel advice

Exploring Halfway Creek - Everglades National Park Exploring Halfway Creek Things to Do (5)

When we planned our trip down to the Everglades we wanted to make canoeing a part of it. I was informed at the Shark... more travel advice

River of grass - Everglades National Park A scene from the Shark River Slough Things to Do (5)

Without all the animals, the landscape here would probably seem kind of boring but it's a very rich and important... more travel advice

Comments (13)

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  • spitball's Profile Photo
    spitball Mar 28, 2006 at 1:36 AM Report Abuse

    Check-out Kathleen - {Katmosphere}s paintings of Mangroves. I'll have to see these for myself one day.

  • budapest8's Profile Photo
    budapest8 Feb 13, 2006 at 9:36 PM Report Abuse

    I think places like the Glades are barometers to the health of our planet. But I don`t fancy the snakes gators and mozzies! Gr8 pis+tips as always ..":*¨`*:·~My§ticÄl~·:*.隐形的 ღ (~_~)♫♫"

  • novsco61's Profile Photo
    novsco61 Jun 22, 2005 at 3:13 AM Report Abuse

    Excellent page, Ernst. My only concern is that the mosquitos will eat me there.

  • Faiza-Ifrah's Profile Photo
    Faiza-Ifrah Jun 11, 2003 at 12:44 PM Report Abuse

    unlike u, we had a rather small trip to the national park. but we were able to pix several of the wildlife. also, very much like u, we captured an event of 3 diff specyes of wildlife get together. very nice page this one.

  • b1bob's Profile Photo
    b1bob Apr 12, 2003 at 7:03 PM Report Abuse

    Nice job!

  • kenHuocj's Profile Photo
    kenHuocj Feb 10, 2003 at 5:17 AM Report Abuse

    A superb insight into the Everlgades ;-)) appreciate your ECO sensitivity !

  • acemj's Profile Photo
    acemj Feb 7, 2003 at 4:28 PM Report Abuse

    Okay, it's official. This is THE Everglades page!

  • zrim's Profile Photo
    zrim Feb 5, 2003 at 8:22 AM Report Abuse

    Cool. The roseate spoonbill would not make an appearance when I was there, very disappointed.

  • annk's Profile Photo
    annk Feb 4, 2003 at 9:19 PM Report Abuse

    Fantastic page! And such a diversity of wildlife you captured. Very sad though about the loss of habitat due to urban sprawl.

  • Sharrie's Profile Photo
    Sharrie Feb 3, 2003 at 10:15 PM Report Abuse

    Great as usual! U sure about the bicycling with all those alligators around? ;-)

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