As one of the world’s most unique and complex eco-systems, the Everglades has been known to suffer from droughts and draining. But believe it or not, this year’s early-season record rainfall could have the potential to threaten the lives of wildlife throughout the Everglades.
In normal conditions, the water in the Everglades would reach to about the knees, but the recent flooding has exceeded normal heights to well above the waist. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, this could threaten the lives of bears, Florida panthers, deer and many other mammals that call the Everglades home.
In previous years, specifically 1994, a similar situation occurred when 98 percent of “fur-bearing” wildlife got wiped out. The high water levels make it extremely difficult for these animals to find dry spots to sleep and forage for food. Many smaller animals are at risk for drowning, but wildlife officials are now working with the Army Corp of Engineers to get the allowance for more water to flow under the new Tamiami Trail bridge in order for the water to flow out into the Florida Bay.
The goal is to reduce water levels by about a foot within 30 to 60 days in order to avoid the loss of animals on a large scale.
If there is anything that we love more than air boat rides in Florida, it’s our wildlife. To learn more about what Wild Florida has to offer or to book air boat rides in Florida, book a tour online or call us at 866-532-7167.
