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Caravelle Ranch WMA

Wildlife

Florida black bears are found in the river swamps. In February masses of tree swallows swarm the pastures. The rattling calls of sandhill cranes can be heard along the marshes where they nest.

The abundance of rabbits in the pastures favors red-shouldered hawks, kestrels, and bobcats. Coyotes appear to be increasing in numbers. Rodman Reservoir is a good spot for seeing bald eagles, waterfowl, and wading birds.

Wildlife Spotlight: Cottonmouth

Also known as the water moccasin, the cottonmouth is found in wetlands and waterways throughout the state. When threatened, the cottonmouth may expose the white interior of its mouth. Although feared for its venomous bite, the cottonmouth usually retreats when approached by humans. People commonly believe cottonmouths drop into boats from tree limbs overhanging the water. It’s the harmless, far more common brown water snake that suns itself on tree limbs and that’s most likely to fall into passing boats when frightened. Juvenile cottonmouths attract frogs and minnows by flicking their brightly colored tail tips, which look like worms or caterpillars.

Scent Surveys

On Caravelle, wildlife biologists conduct scent station surveys for bobcats and coyotes. To conduct these surveys, scent disks treated with urine or pheromones are placed along established transects in a three foot circle of loose dirt. Over the next several days, biologists record the presence or absence of bobcat or coyote tracks, which gives them an indication of population trends.