Swamp Life

Have you ever visited the swamp, hiking along walking trails, or by boat? Have you ever seen the egrets, herons, pelicans and alligators in their natural habitat?

Inhabiting the swamps are animals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds of all types. The most worrisome are, of course, snakes and alligators. While there are many non-poisonous snakes (there are only six poisonous varieties in Louisiana), one must especially watch for water moccasins (cotton mouths), which may be under foot or in the trees above. Their bites can be deadly.

The alligators are to be respected, too. Even small ones (five to six feet) can cause severe injury. They can grow to be as large as 14 to 18 feet in length. Alligators alternate between the water and the banks, as a means of regulating their body temperature, and are most active during the warmer months. Lying perfectly still, it is easy to mistake one for a log, until it is too late.

swamp wildlife Several varieties of turtles can be seen on logs and on the banks, including the snapping turtles. Birds abound, including the snowy egrets, blue herons, pelicans, and since Louisiana is along the migratory flyway, there are often ducks and geese. Nutrias (originally imported from South America) have found our swamps to be to their liking, also. Let's forget our famous insects - mosquitoes and spiders.

There are several state and national parks and wildlife refuges surrounding New Orleans that provide the public with access and swamp tours. Bayou Sauvage Wildlife Refuge to the east of New Orleans and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park to the south of New Orleans, along the route to Barataria, are two that are readily accessible.

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