Reptiles in the Florida bay thrive in the warm water and claim portions of the bay as their mating and nesting grounds. The American crocodile is the largest predator in the bay and can often be seen sunning itself along the muddy banks of the waterway. The Florida bay is the only known area where alligators and crocodiles live side-by-side. Loggerhead turtles also thrive in the bay ecosystem and lay eggs on the shores on mangrove islands as far away from crocodiles and alligators as possible. Loggerhead turtles are a protected species and cannot be hunted. Disturbance of their nests is a crime in Florida. Grenn, Kemp Ridley and Hawksbill turtles also live on the water and shores of the bay.
Bottlenose dolphins and West Indian manatees are also at home in the bay and enjoy the shallowest areas of the water away from boats and fishing nets. The 9-foot deep bay also contains a large variety of game fish. The shallow inner-shelf of the bay is also utilized as a nursery for the Caribbean lobster, stone crab and pink shrimp. Land dwelling creatures include raccoons, opossum, the bobcat and the fox squirrel.
Colorful birds dot the landscape along the bay and provide plenty of interesting sights and sounds for visitors. Birds who call the tip of Florida's bay area home include the flamingo, heron, egret, osprey, cormorants, sandpipers, pelicans, sea gulls and even the occasional bald eagle.
The mangrove islands and forested areas are comprised of dry pinelands, mangrove trees and saw grass. The bay boasts all three types of mangrove trees: white, black and red. Birds that live along the bay often utilize the thick trees as nesting sites. Reptiles garner food and shelter themselves near the roots of the shorefront red mangrove trees.
Willow head plants are typically found near muddy sinkholes on the shore and often distribute acid into the nearby limestone rocks. Plants that grow along the bay head inside limestone rock depressions include swamp holly, wax myrtle, red bay, sweet bay and coco plums.
