Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey

Florida Book Awards, Gold Medal for Visual ArtsFlorida Authors and Publishers Association, Sunshine State AwardFlorida Authors and Publishers Association President's Book Awards, Gold Medal for Science/NatureNational League of American Pen Women, Inc., Marjorie Davies Roller Nonfiction AwardBrilliant wildlife photography and intimate storytelling showcase Florida's animal species within their natural habitats Kirsten Hines provides a captivating visual and narrative journey into the ecology of Florida's animals in Wild Florida. The intimate and artistic photographs in this book introduce readers to the wide variety of wildlife that thrives within the state. In essays that accompany her images, Hines offers stories and observations about each species and encourages conservation of the natural areas that support them. Hines takes readers along with her on excursions through swamps and into camping stakeouts, sharing experiences such as watching the movements of Florida black bears for months to capture the perfect shot of a mother with her cubs. She introduces an array of species that call the state home, from the iconic Florida panther and the endemic red widow spider to the loggerhead sea turtle and even invasive species like the Burmese python. These pages feature Magnificent Frigatebirds from the tropical environments of the south, beavers from the temperate north, and animals that live within the gradual blending of environmental borders between these climatic extremes across the peninsula. Wild Florida also highlights the unique ecosystems where these creatures can be found, including locations such as Ocala National Forest, Big Cypress National Preserve, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Everglades National Park. Hines's patience in studying the secret lives of Florida's animals results in surprising revelations about the hidden wonders that readers can even discover in their own backyards. This book not only champions the diversity of Florida's natural features, but also inspires readers to take action to ensure the treasures of the state remain protected. These elegantly presented words and images make a strong case for preserving the beauty and wonder of the state's animals and their environments for years to come.