The Florida Keys are home to many fascinating wildlife species, some of which can be found only on these coral islands. Waterbirds of every description live in the Keys, from the comical pelican to the elegant egret. We recommend that you purchase a Florida birds book from a local store to help identify our avian friends. Even native Floridians have a difficult time distinguishing between alligators and crocodiles.
Alligators have broad, rounded snouts while crocodiles have long, nearly pointed snouts.
The rare American crocodile is found in Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge on Key Largo. Less than 600 of these creatures exist. You are more likely to see gators sunning themselves on canal banks. Each year between May and August, in dark of night, giant sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. People are cautioned to turn lights off in beach areas and stay back in the shadows so as not to disrupt the egg-laying process.