Florida is home to numerous species of plants, birds, reptiles, fish, mammals and insects. Over spring break, I was given the opportunity to photograph some of the wildlife that populates the sunshine state. While some of these creatures you can see in and around bodies of water in Utah, most of them you will have to travel to see in person, something I highly recommend you do.

Common name: Barracuda Scientific name: Sphyraenidea Type: Fish Diet: Fish Average full-grown size: 4-6 ft. Fun fact: A Barracuda killed Nemo’s Mom. Source: Encyclopeadia Britannica

Common name: Manatee Scientific name: Trichechus Type: Mammal Diet: Herbivores Average lifespan: 40 years Full grown size: 8 to 13 ft Weight: Up to 13,000 lbs Fun Fact: Despite their large size, Manatees have very little fat. Bonus Fact: Manatees are on the endangered species list. Source: National Geographic

Common name: American Alligator Scientific name: Alligator mississippiensis Type: Reptile Diet: Carnivores Full grown size: 10 to 15 ft. Weight: Up-to 1,000 lbs Fun fact: Once on the endangered species list, the American Alligator has since recovered in numbers and was removed from the list in 1987. Source: National Geographic
Story By
Mitchell Quartz
outside@suunews.com