The Lower Florida Keys are
still somewhat sparsely settled as much of the land mass of each island consists of
protected wetlands, transitional wetlands, pine lands and hardwood hammocks. Much of this
acreage is owned by the state and federal agencies and is set aside as wildlife refuge and
is protected from further development. Most homes occur in developed habitation areas with
man made canals for good boating access to open waters. Many of these neighborhoods are
bordered by the protected lands. Bird life is still prolific with many species
migrating through in large numbers on their way to summer and winter feeding and mating
grounds. The animal life consists of mostly Key Deer, raccoons, a variety of wood mice and
a few rare Keys marsh rabbits. The surrounding waters abound in many descriptions of
marine life including bottle nose dolphins, several species of marine turtles, occasional
manatees, hundreds of fish species and the very rare saltwater crocodile.
The Lower Florida Keys are
still somewhat sparsely settled as much of the land mass of each island consists of
protected wetlands, transitional wetlands, pine lands and hardwood hammocks. Much of this
acreage is owned by the state and federal agencies and is set aside as wildlife refuge and
is protected from further development. Most homes occur in developed habitation areas with
man made canals for good boating access to open waters. Many of these neighborhoods are
bordered by the protected lands. 
Bird life is still prolific with many species
migrating through in large numbers on their way to summer and winter feeding and mating
grounds. The animal life consists of mostly Key Deer, raccoons, a variety of wood mice and
a few rare Keys marsh rabbits. The surrounding waters abound in many descriptions of
marine life including bottle nose dolphins, several species of marine turtles, occasional
manatees, hundreds of fish species and the very rare saltwater crocodile. 
