🐾 Nocatee Wildlife:
What You’ll See & How to Spot It

One of the best things about living in Nocatee? You don’t have to go far to see wildlife—sometimes, it’s right in your own backyard. With over 60% of Nocatee’s land set aside for conservation, it’s not unusual to spot bald eagles soaring overhead, deer wandering through the preserves, or river otters playing in the water.

Whether you love early morning walks on the Greenway Trails, catching a glimpse of a gator (from a safe distance!), or just watching the sandhill cranes strut across the golf cart paths like they own the place—Nocatee is full of wildlife encounters.

📥 Want to track your sightings? Download the Nocatee Wildlife Guide below! It’s got a fun “I Spotted It” checklist, wildlife facts, and even a kids' section to make exploring even more fun.

🐾 What Animals Can You Spot in Nocatee?

📌 Some of these animals are easy to find—others might take some patience!

🦅 Birds of Prey & Water Birds

✅ Bald Eagles – Nocatee has active eagle nests, and they’re incredible to watch!
✅ Ospreys – These guys are always flying over lakes, looking for fish.
✅ Great Blue Herons – You’ll see these statuesque birds standing by the water, barely moving.
✅ Sandhill Cranes – Loud, tall, and completely unfazed by traffic. They’re Nocatee celebrities.
✅ Owls – Barred owls are common here, and their nighttime calls are unmistakable.

🦊 Mammals

✅ River Otters – If you see splashing in a pond, there’s a good chance it’s an otter!
✅ White-Tailed Deer – Usually spotted in the early morning or evening.
✅ Bobcats – Rare, but they’re out there! A few residents have caught them on camera.
✅ Raccoons & Armadillos – You’ll see them most often at night.

🐊 Reptiles & Amphibians

✅ Alligators – A Florida staple—if there’s water, assume there’s a gator in it!
✅ Turtles – Gopher tortoises (the ones you see on land) are a protected species.
✅ Snakes – Most are harmless, but there are a few venomous ones, so always be aware.

🐾 Fun Fact: There’s a Nocatee Wildlife Facebook group where residents share amazing photos of local wildlife! Some photographers capture National Geographic-worthy shots right here in Nocatee.

🌳 Best Places to Spot Wildlife in Nocatee

🐾 Greenway Trails – Miles of scenic paths through preserves, perfect for spotting deer, birds, and even otters.
🐾 Settler’s Pond – A peaceful fishing pond where you’ll see wading birds, turtles, and maybe a gator or two.
🐾 Nocatee Kayak Launch – Great for spotting ospreys, herons, and the occasional dolphin!
🐾 Your Own Backyard! – Plenty of wildlife makes its way into the neighborhoods.

🐶 Keeping Pets Safe in Nocatee

With so much wildlife around, pet safety is important:

🔹 Keep an eye on small pets outside – Eagles, hawks, and ospreys are strong enough to scoop up small animals.
🔹 Watch for snakes – Most local vets keep antivenom on hand due to frequent pet snake bites.
🔹 Be mindful near water – Gators live here. Enough said.
🔹 Fence your yard smartly – Some residents install mesh barriers to keep smaller critters out.

🐾 Good News: Nocatee is super pet-friendly, with multiple dog parks and trails designed for four-legged friends!

📌 Want more info? Check out our upcoming Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Living in Nocatee blog post!

📥 Download the Nocatee Wildlife Guide!

We put together a fun, interactive guide to help you explore Nocatee’s wildlife:

✔ “I Spotted It!” Checklist – Mark off the animals you’ve seen!
✔ Kid-Friendly Activities – Wildlife coloring pages & fun animal facts.
✔ Scavenger Hunt – Can you spot a turtle, hear an owl, or see an osprey catch a fish?
✔ Wildlife Safety Tips – Know when to keep your distance!

📩 Download now & start your own Nocatee Wildlife adventure!

🐾 Why This Makes Nocatee Even More Special

One of the best things about living in Nocatee is that you get the best of both worlds—a thriving community with amazing amenities AND the chance to see wildlife every day.

Whether you’re watching an eagle soar overhead, waiting for an otter to pop up in the pond, or just enjoying the peacefulness of nature around you, Nocatee truly offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle.

📍 Thinking about making Nocatee home? We know every neighborhood inside and out—call or text us today at (904) 826-3690!