Marco Island Florida Wildlife Florida Fish and Game Species

Southwest Florida and Marco Island off the Gulf Coast of Florida has an abundance of wildlife.

Tigertail Beach and Sand Dollar Island are considered one of Florida's most important sanctuaries for shore birds. The protected tidal pools attract many birds to the area. Big Marco Pass located at Tigertail's northern side is home to the least tern, black skimmer, and piping plover. Pelican, seagulls, and hundreds of other species live in or visit this region.


The Marco Island - Naples area of the Gulf of Mexico also has an abundance of fish. Some of the more common fish that reside in the area waters include snook, tarpon, grouper, snapper, and sea trout. Many fish from various regions of North America use this area as their breeding ground. This provides both the sightseer and fishing enthusiast an opportunity to see a wide variety of fish.

The manatee is native to the Florida waters. They are vegetarians, prefer warm water,and live in shallow marshy areas. They travel in herds and are an endangered species. Please be very careful not to disturb or come in contact with a manatee. Manatee are often unknowingly injured by boaters.

While there is a remnant population of American crocodiles in Florida they mostly live in Central and South America. However, the American alligator is much more common in North America. Their habitat ranges from North Carolina to the southern tip of Florida and west into Texas.

Southwest Florida is home for many species of snakes. There are some poisonous snakes that you should be aware of.