Forget about alligators and cougars for a second, because there's something even scarier lurking in the Florida swamps... Meet the Bardin Booger. Bardin, a little town in northern Florida, has its very own smelly Bigfoot-like creature. (We also have a creature named Booger that lives in our studio, and he also smells.) Picture a cross between the classic bogeyman and Bigfoot, and you’ve got the Bardin Booger.
According to the Daily Mail, the 10-foot-tall thing has been popping up since the 1940s, freaking out anyone unlucky enough to spot it. One story says a woman thought she saw a guy in a long raincoat in the woods—turns out, it was just a big ol' pile of fur. Other people say it smells so bad that hunters miss their shots. And, for some reason, it’s always carrying a lantern. Why would Bigfoot need a lantern? Who knows? Maybe he’s afraid of the dark? Showers as well...
Bardin Booger Family:
But this ain't Florida's only mysterious beast. The Skunk Ape is the Bardin Booger's cousin down south. This thing roams the Everglades, and Dave Shealy's been on its tail since he saw one as a kid. He's even opened a Skunk Ape museum, and he’s out there giving tours like it’s a Bigfoot safari. According to Shealy, if you want to catch a glimpse, Myakka State Park or the Ocala National Forest are the places to be.
What’s wild is how much these cryptids vary depending on where you are in Florida. In the north, Skunk Apes are bigger, meaner, and rock five toes. Down south, they’re a bit smaller, like a scruffier, four-toed version. Whatever's going on in the swamps of Florida, one thing’s for sure: there’s something out there keeping people on their toes, whether it’s the Bardin Booger or the Skunk Ape. I wonder who's Booger smells the worst? Our Booger or theirs?
These Are The 9 Most Dangerous Animals Lurking In The Florida Everglades
I know what you're thinking. Why on earth would anyone need to know what dangerous animals are in the Florida Everglades? Surely, no one is looking to go swimming in a swamp. Wrong!
People are actually searching "Is it safe to swim in the Florida Everglades?" I actually laughed when I saw the Google response, ABSOLUTELY NOT! 🤣 Now you see why I thought there might be a need to let people know what creatures might be lurking around them. That is should they choose to refuse the advice from Google and take a plunge anyway.
We all know about the typical swamp creatures, like alligators and snakes. We see them every single time we drive across Alligator Alley to the east coast. This is Florida after all, so those come at no surprise. But what other types of vicious creatures are underneath all of that brown water and muck? Or perhaps taking a stroll on the waters edge?
If you've been on one of those super fun airboat tours out in the Everglades, some of these animal names might have been mentioned. Heck! You may have even seen some of these dangerous critters on your tour.
Let's take a look at 9 of the most dangerous animals in the Florida Everglades. Some of these animals are also included on this list, Florida Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 39 Species.
If these don't scare you, you might be interested in hunting them. Read here about how much python hunters get paid.
American Alligator
The American alligator can be seen in massive numbers. You'll see at least 5-10 sunbathing on any given day, as you drive across Alligator Alley.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
This snake is the one most venomous snakes in the state, and actually in the world. It is also known as the largest rattlesnake.
Florida Panther
The Florida Panther is a beautiful creature and is on the endangered species list. As you'll see below, they stalk. These creatures are not seen too often.
Brown Recluse Spider
A brown recluse spider is most common in warmer climates. It is one of the most poisonous spiders in the Everglades.
American Crocodile
Yes, crocodile. American crocodiles are found in Florida. It's not an alligator.
Florida Black Bear
We see these furry guys walking around neighborhoods in Estero quite often. With new construction, they're forced out of their habitats. But, they are not safe to approach. They will defend themselves.
Florida Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth can be confused with other water snakes. Take extreme caution. These snakes are venomous with a mortality rate of 17%.
Burmese Python
These snakes are commonly seen being hunted. Reason is, they're becoming an extremely invasive species across the state. They are constrictors and are non venomous.
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Let's just say this one looks the scariest to me! I never thought I would be scared of a turtle. They are much more aggressive on land than they are in the water.
