Fort Myers & Sanibel/Lee County Traveler's Guide 2008 - (Page 35) ® Florida black bear It’s hard to spot this elusive native (which can be brown, even), but look for signs such as tracks in swamps or forests. ® Green anole Ranging in color from green to brown, this lizard is often mistaken for a chameleon. See them at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. (see p88) ® Bobcat Sanibel Island has a good population of this feral cat. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has one in captivity. (see p88) ® Cracker cattle Spanish explorers brought this small-horned bovine to Lee County. See it at the Babcock Ranch. (see p90) [] fauna tips tip #1 Guided tours are an excellent way to get up to speed on native plants and animals. #2 When is it okay to touch or feed a live alligator? Never. They are wild animals, not playthings. #3 Some parks, such as Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, offer night hikes. #4 Threeto four-inch conical piles of fresh dirt may indicate fire ants are present. Steer clear. ® Florida panther 2007 was a good year for the endangered Florida panther, with 35 kittens born in the wild. ® Florida manatee Daily, they eat 10 to 15 percent of their weight in plant material and bear young one at a time. ® American crocodile A 12-foot female croc lives on Sanibel Island, and it’s said there are a handful in Estero Bay. ® River otter These playful creatures like near-water sites and are active dawn to mid-morning and at sunset. ® Raccoon Around human populations, it’s common to see raccoons feeding during the day. ® Armadillo Armadillos root around for grubs on high, dry ground and “freeze” when startled. | PAGE 35 W W W. F O R T M Y E R S - S A N I B E L . C O M http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com
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