Wildlife

Facts:

Wildlife: In 1987, the American alligator (alligator mississippiensis) was designated the official state reptile. It has long been an unofficial symbol of the state, as the alligator originally symbolized Florida's untamed lands. Alligators are found throughout Florida and in parts of other southeastern states. They like lakes, swamps, canals, and other wetland habitats. They eat fish, turtles, and many other animals. Alligators should not be fed because this causes them to lose their fear of humans. Also, feeding is against Florida law. Alligators are now under controlled management by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to preserve the species and the wetlands that they and other Florida wildlife inhabit

            :Students throughout the state of Florida voted the panther our state animal in 1982. Panthers are pale brown cats that play a large part in our wildlife ecosystem. They have been on the federal endangered species list since 1967 and on the state endangered list since 1973. Panthers have been protected from legal hunting in Florida since 1958. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is responsible for the management and preservation of the panther

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