Wildlife on Land
In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, the solid ground is just as important as the water. There may not be as many separate species on the land, but the area is home to a vast array of wildlife, each of which contributes to the overall health of the environment.
Alongside common animals like rabbits, possums, and raccoons, several rare and/or endangered species like the vulnerable gopher tortoise, the unique burrowing owl, and the threatened, protected, and non-venomous Eastern Indigo Snake can be found in the area.
Read on for an overview of just a few of the amazing animals who call our lands home:
Florida Panther
The endangered Florida panther is a North American cougar or puma. This subspecies is unique in that it cannot roar. They whistle, growl, hiss, purr, and even chirp. They're smaller than colder-climate cougars and larger than those in the tropics.
If you see a large cat that looks tawny from a distance, check the tail. A short, flicking tail means you're seeing a bobcat. A long, straight tail means you're one of the very lucky few to see a Florida panther in person.
Gopher Tortoise
The tortoise can be found across the area, in pine flatwoods, as at Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park, oak hammock, as at Prairie Creek Preserve, and even at the beach! They require sandy, well-drained soil with plant cover and open spaces where the sun can reach the ground to thrive.
Eastern Indigo Snake
As with most snakes, the Indigo is not aggressive and wants only to escape humans.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a blue-black snake with red, brown, white, or black cheeks, chin, and throat, you may be seeing a very rare creature, and you’re encouraged to report the encounter to the Florida Rare Snake Registry.
To report, click the image that matches the snake you saw and follow the prompts. Images are encouraged!
Burrowing Owl
These small owls may be a bit more difficult to spot, as their markings naturally blend them into the ground cover, unless you catch one standing up.
Although they're one of the smallest owls in Florida, with a body length of only 9 inches, you can add another 7-11 inches for their long legs! They prefer open, sandy spaces and are diurnal (out and about during the day).
Florida Black Bear
The black bear is "one of Florida's most successful conservation efforts," according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with population numbers going from only a few hundred in the 1970s to over 4,000 in 2025.
Female bears on all fours can be mistaken for dogs as they don't look large from a distance (always keep your distance). Florida black bears are "almost" considered herbivores, with 80% of their diet consisting of plants. Another 15% consists of bugs like beetles, yellowjackets, and termites. The final 5% is meat.
And more!
When you're in a park or preserve, keep an eye out for bobcats, coyotes, armadillos, and more. Better yet, hop on a tour with Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours to see alligators, wild turkeys, deer, birds of all kinds, and maybe even wild hogs, alongside the historical Cracker Cattle.
As fascinating as Florida wildlife is, remember to keep a good distance for your safety and the safety of the animal.
