Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures Blog

  Adult alligators look intimidating but they weren’t always like that. These reptiles started life as squishy eggs! A female alligator will build a nest in preparation for becoming a mother. She will use different vegetation, grass, and mud. Most gator nests are 3 ½ to 6 feet wide and up to 2 feet high. Mother gators can lay anywhere from 20 to 70 eggs. These are cylindrical. Alligator eggs are quite sturdy because they’re made up of two layers. The outer layer is hard like chicken eggs. The second layer is supple like leather. The hard shell becomes thinner as the baby alligator grows. It will become soft and squishy when it’s time for the gators to emerge. The tiny baby alligator will work hard to break out of its shell. It gets help from the egg tooth on its nose. Here are some interesting facts about alligators . Both baby gators and chicks have an egg tooth. It’s a little bony spike that helps hatchlings penetrate the eggshell from within. These tiny protrusions will disappea...

  Here’s a list of what to bring for a worry-free and adventure-filled swamp tour. Poncho or Umbrella If you're on a budget, come prepared with your own ponchos or umbrellas to avoid buying one in the gift shop. It also comes in handy just in case the weather won't cooperate. Camera Bring a camera, the waterproof kind. You can also use your smartphone to take pictures, just put it in a waterproof casing. Have them fully charged and ready for a lot of picture-taking. It would be nicer to reminisce on your swamp adventure with loads of pictures to look at. Insect Repellant Spray or Lotion Mosquitos and other bugs biting tourists have never been a big issue in swamp tours. But some people are more prone to insect or bug bites than others. If you are one of them, bring an insect repellant spray or lotion with you. The mosquito population is well kept to a minimum in this area because they serve as food to other animals in the wild. Sunblock or Sunscreen Have fun without worrying a...

  Some people get confused with the term badgers, thinking all badgers are or look the same. Honey badgers are only called badgers because of their physical resemblance to Eurasian badgers. They are not true badgers, not even closely related. Honey badgers are more related to weasels and somehow to skunks, having similar defense mechanisms. When threatened, Honey badgers can drop a stink bomb to shoo their predators away. American Badgers Back to the question, are there badgers in Florida ? The answer is a resounding yes. American badgers found in Florida are also known as New World badgers. The term New World is coined for animals that are exclusively found in the whole American continent. Sadly, American badgers are hunted because of their pelts. They are now considered as protected, or species of special concern. Unlike their Eurasian cousins who live in groups and are known as the friendliest badger species, American badgers are aggressive, generally solitary and only look for ...

  Much of what you know about the life around you is based on learnings or applications of learnings from different studies and research. The beautiful and dynamic biodiversity of the swamp ecosystem makes them an excellent subject for such studies. Scientists believe there is still more to learn from how everything works in a swamp ecosystem . Some of the known importance of swamps are listed below. Swamps Act as Earth’s Giant Sponges Just like sponges, the flood or excess water from heavy rains is absorbed by the swamps. They also serve as reservoirs that moderate the effects of flooding. They also protect coastlines from being washed away during storm surges by anchoring both the soil and sand. Swamps Act as Earth’s Natural Water Treatment Plant   Swamps can filter wastes from the water and naturally purify them. Nitrogen and other chemicals from human activities that get washed away into swamps are absorbed and used by the plants. Agriculture, factories and homes are big c...

  Everyone knows that alligators are some of the apex predators. They appear in plenty of places in the United States but they're often known for living in Florida. That's because Florida has several swamps, and wetlands are their habitat. But alligators do not stay confined to the swampy areas of Florida. You can find them roaming all over the Sunshine State. You might even see an alligator swimming in a puddle at a crowded intersection. Or even one visiting the swimming pool of your neighbor. Before you go on an alligator tour, it's better if you get to know these creatures first. After all, you don't want any incident to happen that can spoil your family's fun. This article will tell you how big do alligators get . It will also provide facts about the alligators in Florida. Plenty of individuals often confuse alligators with crocodiles because they're related. But you can distinguish the former from the latter by its wide, rounded snout. Alligators also have ...

  American alligators are apex predators, meaning they don't have natural predators. They are opportunistic in the sense that they are not picky eaters and eat whatever they can get on. They do not like to exert much effort hunting for food and prefer chowing on animals that they can easily take on. They settle for prey that are easier to get, like bugs, fish, crabs, turtles and other animals, even tadpoles. They occasionally feast on bigger prey like rodents, raccoons, dogs, or whoever gets too close to their habitat. They usually avoid preying on animals that they cannot eat in one gulp because their jaws are not made for chewing. When they chance upon a large prey, they save it for later. What they do is pin the food first under logs or rocks and wait for them to rot or soften up before eating them. Alligators are Efficient Predators   They hunt their prey brutally and ruthlessly. Below are some of the reasons why alligators are one of the most efficient predators. Alligat...

  Alligators are not ranked the highest on being the cuddliest animals. But they are one of the most fascinating and coolest animals out there. After all, these creatures have power behind their jaws. They showcase their agility in the water. No wonder tourists and locals alike are so drawn to learn more about them. Are you looking for one of the coolest ways to view alligators? You should try going on an alligator tour or airboat ride. But first, you might want to learn some basic information about the alligators. This article will inform you how long do alligators live . It will also provide you with reasons why you should go on an alligator tour in Florida. Alligators are carnivore creatures that hide in the thick marshland. Alligators that live in Florida usually eat insects, fish, snakes, and other mammals. As reptiles, these creatures are cold-blooded animals. It means that their body temperature is often regulated by the temp of their environment. That's why you can see them...