One of the reasons that people continue to come back to visit Babcock Ranch time and time again is because it is one of the few places you can see Florida wildlife in its natural habitat. You can really get up close and personal with many different native Florida animals and appreciate the scenery that Southwest Florida has to offer!
Want to know what kind of wildlife you can see when you visit Babcock Ranch? Keep reading to find out!
Wildlife at Babcock Ranch
- Alligators are one of the most popular animals for guests to see at Babcock Ranch. They are an important part of Florida’s ecosystem and while they were once of the brink of extinction due to loss of habitat, conservation efforts have helped preserve their population.
- Wild hogs are another favorite animal of Babcock Ranch guests. Wild hogs that are not native to Florida but were brought over by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s are now found in 67 Florida counties. They can reach weights of 150 pounds and be up to 5 to 6 feet long.
- Wild turkeys can often be spotted as you travel through the Ranch. These social animals can typically be found flocking together in groups, and are known to be powerful fliers, reaching speeds of up to 55 mph.
- White-tailed deer is a medium-sized deer native to North America that you can see roaming through Babcock Ranch. They are known for their reddish-brown coat in the spring and summer and turns to a grey-brown throughout the fall and winter. They can be identified by the characteristic white underside to its tail.
- Birds are abundant at Babcock Ranch. In addition to wild turkeys, there are a number of migratory and native Florida birds that you can spot as you move through the different ecosystems. This includes sparrows, falcons, woodpeckers, burrowing owls, limpkin, and sandhill cranes. It makes us a great spot for birding enthusiasts!
- Cracker Cattle are a rare breed of cattle you can find at Babcock Ranch. With the Crescent B Ranch still operating fully, you can spot these cattle that are the official state cattle breed of Florida here.
- Squirrels are another frequently spotted animal. The fox squirrel, a larger member of the squirrel family, is often seeing in the pine flatwood ecosystem.
See Florida Wildlife on A Guided Eco Tour
These are just a few of the most popular animals that you can see when you visit Babcock Ranch, but there are even more not listed. With over 73,000 acres of preserved land, Babcock Ranch is home to an abundance of Florida wildlife that often cannot be seen so intimately anywhere else in Southwest Florida.
The best way to see wildlife at Babcock Ranch is to take our 90-minute swamp buggy guided eco-tour. You’ll be led by an expert guide who will narrate the tour, explaining to you more about the history of the area and the wildlife you see. Great for all ages, it’s a perfect natural wilderness experience you are guaranteed to enjoy! Click here to book a tour today!
