Turtles balance on fallen tree trunks. Gopher tortoises waddle through the meadows. Partially submerged bullfrogs lurk in ambush of flying insects. Deer graze in the island uplands. Foxes gambol across meadows.
Aquatic snakes peek out from under lily pads.
Only a rare glimpse is ever caught of the swamp's population of black bears, but they leave territorial claw marks on trees and even on the timbers of boardwalk pavilions. Waterfowl thrive in the fish-rich waters. The common egret is never more startlingly beautiful than when, in flight, its white plumage is reflected in the tannic waters. O'Connell said the swamp is nesting place to two endangered species, the red-cockaded woodpecker and the wood stork. From the Folkston entrance, motorboat and canoe trails branch off a man-made canal.