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Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area

Coordinates: 26°34′54″N 81°18′5″W / 26.58167°N 81.30139°W / 26.58167; -81.30139
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area
Map showing the location of Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area
Map showing the location of Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area
LocationHendry County, Florida
Nearest cityFort Myers
Coordinates26°34′54″N 81°18′5″W / 26.58167°N 81.30139°W / 26.58167; -81.30139
Area8521 Acres
Governing bodyFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area (WMA) protects 2,992 acres of the larger Okaloacoochee Slough ecosystem approximately 30 miles east of Fort Myers in Hendry County, Florida.[1]

Fauna

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The wetlands within Okaloacoochee Slough WMA provide habitat for birds such as wood stork, glossy ibis, Florida sandhill crane, egrets, and herons.[2] Eastern indigo snakes, bobcats, and various warblers dwell within the pine uplands here. The crested caracara and swallow-tailed kite can often be seen flying over wet prairies.[1] The property is classified as a dispersal zone for the endangered Florida panther.[3]

Recreational Activities

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Sizable populations of white-tailed deer, feral hog, wild turkey, and small game attract hunters to Okaloacoochee Slough WMA.[4] Wildlife viewing on this Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail site is popular year-round, with many specialty birds found on the property.[4] Over 40 miles of unpaved roads are used by hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists. Camping is permitted at two primitive campsites.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area". myfwc.com. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  2. ^ "Okaloacoochee Slough more than just OK | February 16, 2012 | Florida Weekly". Retrieved 2016-12-12.
  3. ^ "Florida Panther Focus Area" (PDF).
  4. ^ a b "Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area". myfwc.com. Retrieved 2016-12-12.
  5. ^ "Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area". myfwc.com. Retrieved 2016-12-07.