Some 350 bird species, many endangered, have been identified, including migratory birds. Reptiles include the crocodile, alligator and loggerhead turtle. The gar, largemouth bass and mangrove snapper live in the deeper waters. Mammals include the endangered manatee and Florida panther, as well as white-tailed deer. No charge at Gulf Coast.
Fees allow entrance for a week.
Everglades National Park, 4000l State Rd. 9336, Homestead, FL 33034-6733. Instead of flawed prairie, they became recognized as a paradise for plants and wildlife. National park status provided some protection, but there remain enormous stretches of Everglades beyond park boundaries that are privately owned. That's where some of the farming occurs, along with airboat operators, roadside souvenir stands and alligator-wrestling shows.