How many Florida panthers exist in the wild? 
The panther population is estimated at just over 100 cats within the state. Big Cypress National Preserve is home to approximately 30 - 35 of those cats. Discover more about panthers by clicking here.

What is the difference between an American alligator and an American crocodile?
Both are large reptilians that can be found in south Florida, the only place in the world where the animals coexist. Primarily alligators are found in freshwater habitats and crocodiles in coastal estuaries (they are better at expelling salt from the water).

Other differences include their coloration, alligators are black while crocodiles tend to be an olive green. Finally, the main way to tell the difference is by the shapes of their snouts. Alligators have a bunt "U" shaped nose while crocodiles have a more pointed "A" shaped nose.

Alligators can be found in several areas of the Preserve, while there has been only one recorded sighting of a crocodile. Primarily crocodiles are found near Key Largo and in Florida Bay. The crocodile is an endangered species with an estimated population of about 1,500 animals, all of which are in Florida within the United States.

What is Big Cypress National Preserve? Why is it important?
Big Cypress National Preserve consists of 729,000 acres of freshwater swamp, which supports the rich marine estuaries along Florida’s southwest coast. Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther.

The preserve also protects the traditional customs and uses of the Seminole and Miccosukee American Indians as well as for the recreational activities of the inhabitants of south Florida.

When was Big Cypress National Preserve established?
October 11, 1974

What areas are good for wildlife viewing?
HP Williams Roadside Park, Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, and Oasis Visitor Center are good for viewing alligators and manatees. Canoeists can paddle Turner River during the winter through mangrove tunnels and view a wide variey of wading birds. Kirby Storter Roadside Park offers a great opportunity to walk through an impressive cypress strand without getting your feet wet.

Should I be concerned about venomous snakes? Alligators? Toxic plants?
Four species of venomous snakes - the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Dusky pigmy rattlesnake, Cottonmouth, and Coral Snake- live in south Florida. Snakes usually shy away from people. If you see a snake, and you are unsure what kind it is, give it a wide berth and it will not bother you. Never pick up a snake.

Despite their fearsome appearance, alligators are normally wary of people; unprovoked attacks on humans are rare. Those habituated to people as a source of food, however, may be more aggressive. As with all wild animals, it is necessary to keep a safe distance.

Certain local plants, some found nowhere else in the U.S., contain toxins which can cause skin reactions if contacted. If you plan to leave the trails, learn how to identify poison ivy, poisonwood, manchineel, and other poisonous plants.

How can I become a volunteer at Big Cypress National Preserve?
With over 30,000 hours of annual volunteer service, Big Cypress National Preserve has an active volunteer program! Volunteers participate in a variety of positions, including maintenance, resource management, education and outreach, and visitor services. For more information, click here.