Slight changes in water level create substantial changes in habitat and fauna. Among the many mammals found are whitetail deer, Florida panther, black bear, raccoon, bobcat, opossum, skunk, various bats, marsh and swamp rabbits, cotton rat, and fox squirrel. Manatees inhabit estuaries and interlacing channels. Numerous species of birds live in this province. The Florida Everglade kite is now classified as endangered.
Characteristic lizards are the Caroline anole and the brown red-tailed skink.
The rough green snake, key rat snake, and southern Florida coral snake are found here. The endangered American alligator is a year-round resident.