Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) are commonly on Florida’s coasts, in bays, mangrove swamps, and in estuaries. This native shark is often seen in large schools. Blacktip Sharks primarily feed on fish such as mullet, herring, and grouper. They also eat other small sharks, crustaceans, rays, lobsters, and squids.
Blacktip Sharks mate in the summer and, 11 months later, give birth to 2 – 9 pups in estuary nursery grounds. Adults grow to about 8 feet long and can live up to 10 years.
During the winter, Blacktip Sharks migrate southwards to deeper waters along the coasts. They are easily spotted because they often swim near the surface. Blacktip Sharks may leap out of the water and spin three or four times while feeding.
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Needham’s Skimmer

The Needham’s Skimmer (Libellula needhami) is found most often in coastal areas throughout Florida. This species of dragonflies was named after James Needham, an American entomologist.
The adult male Needham’s Skimmer’s body is orangish-red while the female’s body is yellow. Both have pale orange wings. Adults grow to 2.1 inches. Look for them in wetlands, ponds, and brackish water.
Photo Credit: David Gale
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Red Cornsnake

The beautiful Red Cornsnake, Pantherophis guttatus, is also known as the Red Ratsnake. Adults can grow up to six feet long but generally range 1.5–3.5 feet in length.
These non-venomous snakes are found throughout Florida including in The Keys in habitats from forests to neighborhoods. They are incredible climbers so don’t be surprised to find them in your barn or attic. Their diet consists of rats, mice, birds and their eggs, frogs, toads, lizards, and insects.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
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