Natives of Nature | Wildlife Education & Animal Profiles

Explore the Wild Wonders of Nature

Comprehensive profiles, stunning infographics, and expert insights on animals from around the world.

Animal of the day

Each day we shine a spotlight on one incredible creature

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Marsh Rabbit

Slipping through reeds with barely a ripple, the Marsh Rabbit darts across flooded grasslands, its dark fur glistening with dew. Found only…

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Latest Articles

Discover our newest evergreen articles—insightful, timeless guides, curated by our experts

Florida Uplands and Pine Flatwoods: A Complete Guide to Habitats, Wildlife & Conservation

Florida’s uplands may look quiet, but pine flatwoods, scrub, sandhills and dry prairies support some of

Florida Springs and Rivers: A Complete Guide to Habitats, Wildlife & Conservation

Florida holds 33 first-magnitude springs, more than any other U.S. state — each a window into

Explore our latest fact-filled articles—quick comparisons, fun lists, surprising facts.

10 Surprising Intelligence Traits of Bottlenose Dolphins

Why Brown Pelicans Rest on Water: The Science of Buoyancy and Energy Conservation

Explore Our Animal A–Z

Click any letter below to jump straight to that section on our comprehensive A–Z index page, where you’ll find detailed profiles and fun facts for every animal from A to Z

Meet Mammals

Mammals are warm-blooded vertebrates known for their fur or hair and their ability to nurse young with milk. They inhabit diverse environments—from oceans to forests—and often exhibit remarkable intelligence and social behaviors. Popular examples include elephants, dolphins, and humans.

State animal or mammal in Arkansas, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.

White-Tailed Deer

S. name: Odocoileus virginianus

IUCN : Least Concern (LC)

Diet : Herbivore

Habitats: Forests, Grasslands

North America's Only Marsupial

Virginia Opossum

S. name: Didelphis virginiana

IUCN : Least Concern (LC)

Diet : Opportunistic Omnivore

Habitats: Forests, Grasslands

State Wild Cat of South Dakota, State Animal of Florida

Puma

S. name: Puma concolor

IUCN : Least Concern (LC)

Diet : Carnivore

Habitats: Deserts, Forests, Mountains

North American River Otter

S. name: Lontra canadensis

IUCN : Least Concern (LC)

Diet : Carnivore

Habitats: Riparian Zones

Marsh Rabbit

S. name: Sylvilagus palustris

IUCN : Least Concern (LC)

Diet : Herbivore

Habitats: Wetlands

North America's Smallest Deer

Key Deer

S. name: Odocoileus virginianus clavium

IUCN : Endangered (EN)

Diet : Herbivore

Habitats: Forests, Mangroves, Woodlands

State Animal of Florida, USA

Florida Panther

S. name: Puma concolor coryi

IUCN : Critically Endangered (CR)

Diet : Carnivore

Habitats: Wetlands, Woodlands

The World of Birds

Birds are warm-blooded, feathered vertebrates known for their ability to fly, although not all species take to the skies. From the tiny hummingbird to the mighty eagle, birds play vital roles in ecosystems as pollinators, predators, and seed dispersers. Their vibrant plumage, unique songs, and incredible migrations make them one of the most captivating groups in the animal kingdom.

Wood Stork

S. name: Mycteria americana

IUCN : Threatened

Diet : Carnivore

Habitats: Wetlands

Snail Kite

S. name: Rostrhamus sociabilis

IUCN : Least Concern (LC)

Diet : Carnivore

Habitats: Lakes

National Bird of The Bahamas

Roseate Spoonbill

S. name: Platalea ajaja

IUCN : Least Concern (LC)

Diet : Filter Feeder

Habitats: Mangroves, Wetlands

State Bird of Nova Scotia, Canada, State Bird of Saarland, Germany, State Bird of Södermanland, Sweden

Osprey

S. name: Pandion haliaetus

IUCN : Least Concern (LC)

Diet : Obligate Piscivore

Habitats: Coastlines, Lakes, Rivers, Wetlands

Evergreen Insights & In-Depth Features

Dive into our carefully curated collection of timeless articles. From habitat deep-dives to surprising animal behaviors and conservation stories, each piece offers detailed, lasting insights that readers return to again and again.

Florida Coastal Ecosystems: A Complete Guide to Habitats, Wildlife & Conservation

Aerial view of a Florida coastal estuary where mangrove islands and winding tidal channels form a complex, highly productive habitat supporting diverse marine and bird life.

Florida Wildlife: A Complete Guide to Animals, Habitats & Ecosystems

Florida is one of North America’s most biologically rich regions, where wetlands, forests, and coastal ecosystems support hundreds of species. Explore how animals, habitats, and food webs connect to form the state’s living ecological system.

Florida Wetlands: The Living Heart of Florida’s Ecosystems

Florida wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in North America, supporting diverse wildlife and regulating water, climate, and nutrients. Explore their types, food webs, iconic species, and the critical role they play in Florida’s natural balance.

Why Brown Pelicans Dive Headfirst: The Science of Precision Fishing

From 65-ft missile dives to fighter-pilot Split-S rolls, discover the biomechanics that make brown pelicans nature’s safest sky-divers.

Facts and Listicles

Explore our latest fact-filled articles—quick comparisons, fun lists, surprising facts, and top-ten insights about your favorite animals.