By Sandy Klim

Florida is home to an abundance of wildlife. Many can be seen as you journey through the diverse regions of the state.

Alligators (el lagarto in Spanish, or "the lizard") are synonymous with Florida. No longer endangered, you can see them aplenty in the Everglades and throughout Alligator Alley in South Florida. Gator farms around the state give you a first-hand look at these magnificent reptiles. Check out Orlando's Gatorland, home to dozens of gators and its legendary gator jumping and alligator wrestling shows.

Stingrays nest along the Gulf Coast shores throughout the summer, where they feed near the sandy bottom. Shy by nature, rays yield their barbs only when stepped on or feel danger is present. To avoid an accidental encounter, simply shuffle your feet along the sandy bottom as you move about. Aptly named the "Stingray Shuffle," this alerts them to your presence and they'll quickly glide away.

Manatees are gentle, lumbering mammals that are drawn to the warm-water sources of natural springs. You'll find one of the largest congregations of manatees near Crystal River. It's thrilling to see these ancient mammals as they swim, eat and play in freshwater springs. Manatees are currently protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Loggerhead and green turtles have become the adopted friends of turtle nesting watch groups around the state. These turtles pull their enormous bulk upon the beach to lay their eggs as part of a miraculous migratory ritual.

Migrating monarch butterflies use St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge as a stopover on their long journey from Canada to Mexico. It takes five generations of monarchs to complete the journey. The refuge celebrates with a Monarch Butterfly Festival each October.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are often seen in the wild off the coast of Florida. Dolphin sightseeing cruises are popular and almost always ensure a close-up view of these friendly and social mammals.

Florida's swamplands, beaches, sand dunes, ranch land and orange groves support a population of wildlife as diverse as the landscape. All add to the undeniable attraction of this fascinating vacation destination.

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For information on Florida
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