Wildlife

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Florida has a tremendous amount of wildlife which includes but is not limited to:  alligators, bears, birds, crabs, dolphins, fish, sharks, and turtles to name a few.

 
Injured Bird

If you spot an injured bird, please contact Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, Inc. at +1 (850) 684-1485

 

Black Skimmers

Black Skimmers are some of the most distinctive local nesting birds.  Skimmers nest in colonies on the sand along beaches, sandbars and islands. Read more information here.

 
Pelicans

The Brown Pelican can be observed diving into the water to catch their food.  The plunge can begin from 65 feet above.

 
Sea Turtles

Cathy Holmes is the project manager for the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. It's located right down the street from the condo. Visit and meet our local celebrity, ‘Sweet Pea’.

Please cover any holes after playing in the sand. This is so the sea turtles DO NOT get trapped and can make their way to the Gulf of Mexico.  This is super duper important!

"Four of these seven species of sea turtles are found in the Panhandle of Florida. Most commonly observed is the Loggerhead, followed by Green, Leatherback and the rarest, and also the smallest of species, the Kemp's Ridley.
 
Here in the panhandle of Florida nesting season begins in May and runs through October. During this time, recreational activities often increase and overlap their nesting grounds - and YOU will make the difference in their survival. 
 
You can help protect these threatened and endangered sea turtles by knowing how to share the shore responsibly becoming a sea turtle hero!"
 
Dolphins

The most common dolphin in The Gulf of Mexico is the bottle-nosed dolphin.  They are a sight to behold!  They are playful and full of grace.

The best time to see the dolphins are from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. - dark.

 

Sharks

Track sharks and other sea creatures here. South Jaw was last tracked south of Gulf Shores on February 8th, 2016. It was the closest he had ever been to the beach.

 

Ghost Crabs

You may notice folks with their flashlights or cell phone light walking the beach at night.  They are hunting ghost crabs and is so much fun.  Please try to use a red cover over your flashlight or cell phone light.  The nesting sea turtles appreciate this.

 

Butterflies

Panhandle Butterfly House: Open Thursday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May through August.  A minimum donation of $2.00 per person is suggested for admission. Location:  4966 Henry St, Milton, FL 32570  Phone: 850-741-9077

 
What if I see a Black Bear?

The Florida Black Bear is found mainly in the Panhandle (Navarre Beach, Florida), southwest Florida, and northeast Florida.

Black bears can climb trees. Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route.

 

Staying Safe Around Bears - Bears (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

Source:  US National Park Service

 
Fishing

Navarre Beach Pier

 
Alligators

Excerpted from FWC:

Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. In recent years, Florida has experienced tremendous human population growth. Many residents seek waterfront homes, and increasingly participate in water-related activities. This can result in more frequent alligator-human interactions, and a greater potential for conflict.

 
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

More info. here.