Fort Pulaski National Monument - Animals

The salt marshes and upland areas of Fort Pulaski National Monument support many species of wildlife. If lucky you may catch a glimpse of one of the 11 Protected Species that have been identified at the Monument. These are: American oystercatcher, bald eagle, gull-billed tern, least tern, loggerhead sea turtle, manatee, peregrine falcon, piping plover, swallow-tailed kite, Wilson's plover and woodstork. Large populations of both resident and migratory birds are present. The park provides nesting habitat for the painted bunting, a species of special concern due to loss of neotropical wintering grounds. A glimpse of this colorful and secretive bird is a treat you will not soon forget. Although mostly nocturnal, mammals are abundant and include white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, mink and otter. Although reptilian and amphibian life abounds at Fort Pulaski there is little chance that visitors will come in contact with them during a short visit to the park. The most common snakes are the yellow rat snake, corn snake and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, of which only the Eastern Diamondback is poisonous. Occasionally alligators may be seen basking in and around the fort moat. The tidal waters surrounding the Monument contain the usual variety of fish typical of southern coastal estuaries.