Florida has many attractions that lure more than 75 million tourists to the state each year. Florida offers warm weather, sandy beaches, the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, great golfing and plenty of amusement parks. Another popular attraction are the state's saltwater marshes, where beautiful, huge, sometimes dangerous and even prehistoric animals are found.
The West Indian manatee resides in the saltwater marshes of Florida during the winter months. This large, gray mammal can weigh more than 1,200 pounds and grows to an average of 10 feet long. Although very large, manatees are very gentle and relaxed. Because they are mammals, manatees must surface for air every few minutes. With a stable herbivore diet of plant life and no known natural enemies, the West Indian manatee can live for more than 60 years. In the United States, it is a federal offense to hunt and/or kill the West Indian manatee.
The Atlantic green turtle, Atlantic hawksbill turtle, Florida Ribbon snake, Atlantic saltmarsh water snake and the American alligator all live in the saltwater marshes of Florida. The Atlantic green turtle is listed as an endangered species, and munches on mostly grass and algae. The green turtle is the largest of hard-shelled water turtles. The Atlantic hawksbill turtle is also placed on the endangered species list, and this beak-mouthed turtle feeds on mostly sea sponges. Unfortunately, the Atlantic hawksbill turtle is prey to humans who hunt them for their decorative shells. The saltwater marshes of Florida are also home to the Ribbon snake and the Atlantic saltmarsh water snake. The Ribbon snake is long and slender with yellow or light-colored stripes on its back. This snake eats mostly small fish and other amphibians, and is not poisonous. The Atlantic saltmarsh water snake is small and slender and has a gray-colored body. This snake is only found in Florida and is non-poisonous. The saltwater marshes of Florida are also home to a prehistoric reptile that dates back millions of years and is closely related to dinosaurs. The American alligator is one the largest predators in the marshes, measuring about 13 feet in length, with the record being 19 feet. They are more active during the warmer months, and feed on fish, turtles, birds and small mammals. Although slow moving in water, the American alligator moves with "burst speed" on land. Never feed or approach an alligator or go near a nest of its babies.
The saltwater marshlands of Florida are also home to different species of birds. Among the different species are two great American birds: the brown pelican and the bald eagle. The brown pelican lives in southern Florida and calls the marshes one of its many homes. The brown pelican nests on the land and grows to be about 8 to 10 pounds, which makes it the smallest of the pelican species. To catch their food, pelicans will dive into water and scoop up fish into their large bills. The national bird, the bald eagle, also lives in the saltwater marshes and can have a wing span of up to--or over--seven and a half feet. Feeding on fish, turtles, ducks and other small mammals, this eagle is an exceptional predator.
