I have written much about all the beautiful landscapes in Georgia, but what I haven’t mentioned much about the wildlife! Whether big or small, you’ll find the animals in Georgia fascinating. Ours is a beautiful state with diverse flora and fauna and Georgia state parks that celebrate a rich natural heritage. Don’t believe us? We’ve got the receipts. The wildlife in Georgia is even more beautiful and spectacular! Here are 15 photos of wildlife in Georgia.
Pelican
Here is a picture of a pelican begging for food. The author of the photo says the person threw the pelican some shrimp but it tossed that in favor for fish. Pelicans mainly reside by the coasts and have a primary diet of fish. It turns out even the birds with the biggest mouths can be picky eaters.
Another picture of the same pelican on the pier of St. Simons Island, GA.
These birds may look a little silly with their mouths open, but they're beautiful when standing regally, looking for food.
American Alligator at the Okefenokee Swamp
This alligator is smiling for the camera! This photographer got an amazing shot of this alligator! These alligators now thrive in the swamp lands and wet lands of the southeast. This species is also known as the common alligator and is bigger than any other alligator species.
Eastern Cougar
These animals are fascinating yet dangerous! However, their primary diet is deer not humans. This close up picture of an Eastern Cougar is stunning. The Eastern Cougar is now considered extinct in Georgia, but keep your eyes peeled because there have been stories of these animals traveling hundreds of miles to Georgia in search of a new territory! Eastern cougars rarely chase prey, they tend to find and stalk their dinner and pounce when the animal is least expecting it.
Great Egret, Okefenokee Swamp
The Great Egret is a graceful white bird that usually resides in tropical areas. Their wingspan is impressive! They were once in danger of going extinct but actually had some of the first laws to protect birds written for them. You could even consider them legal trailblazers in the bird community.
Deer in Gwinnett, GA
Georgia folks love hunting these animals! In fact, deer bring in about $800 million per year in hunting license fees and related expenses. Even though they are heavily hunted Georgia keeps a watch on maintaining the deer population. Like in many states, deer run rampant and so the population control that hunting brings is welcome.
A picture of a magnificant buck in Northwest, GA.
They may be pesky when eating out of your garden, but we can't say deer aren't beautiful.
Sea Otter, Georgia Aquarium
Sea otters are so cute! And you can go see them play in the big interactive otter pool at the Georgia Aquarium. Some people refer to otters as the dogs of the ocean and they certainly have the same playful quality to their personalities.
Bald Eagle, Savannah GA
The country's symbol, the Bald Eagle has made Georgia their home. Chatham County, Georgia leads the state as home to the most Bald Eagles in Georgia. As of 2013, their eagle count was 26. Though the bald eagle can be fierce and frightening, they're beautiful and regal birds at the same time.
Tiny Green Cricket (Common Conehead), Talking Rock, GA
Georgia's hot summer nights are accompanied by many singing crickets and cicadas. This little guy in the picture is a Common Conehead cricket. They can jump fly, and sing. They usually bite through grass but be careful because they can bite you too! In areas populated by these crickets you'll be sung to sleep by their chirping, whether you like it or not.
Black Rat Snake in Fayette County, GA
These snakes can get up to an amazing 6ft long! What would you do if you found this snake in your yard? Fortunately, they are not venomous and are the least bit interested in humans. They will however bite if frightened so be aware! As with many nonpoisonous snakes, they look scarier than they actually are.
Panda, Zoo Atlanta
Pandas are so cute I had to add one to this list! You can find these rare animals at Zoo Atlanta where two resides: Mei Lun and Mei Huan. You'll feel like you've traveled across the globe when you visit these cuties.
Canadian Geese
We know when we see geese coming the season is changing! They come in droves and can be darn annoying when they get in the way. But when you see them waddle towards the kids to beg for bread you can't be mad for long! Another bonus is their migratory patterns, you're never stuck with too many of them for too long.
American Toad
The American Toad! It gets no love! It's short, stumpy, and ugly, and is always depicted as such a toad in children's books. But for some reason, kids are fascinated with them. Seeing these toads find their way onto your porch on a summer night after a heavy rainfall is a spectacle for children! Plus, toads aren't all bad. They eat a lot of the pesky insects that we don't want to deal with in the muggy summer months.
Red Salamander
These creatures can come in different colors and can be found all around the exterior of your house. The bright flashes of color are like an art installation made by nature itself.
Dolphin, Georgia Aquarium
Dolphins are very bright and sociable animals. You can get a chance to spend some time with these delightful creatures at the Georgia Aquarium. You can't swim with them, but you can watch them perform incredible tricks.
Do you love wildlife in Georgia? Let us know some of your experiences with wildlife in Georgia in the comments below!
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