Florida's Unexpected Wildlife: Exotic Species, Living Fossils, and Mythical Beasts in the Sunshine State

9780813031569

0813031567

A tour of the strangest animals in Florida. "A sober, engaging, and authoritative introduction to Florida's hidden animals, from rare visitors, to introduced species, to mysterious and cryptic 'maybe' creatures."--Paul H. LeBlond, co-founder of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Society "Newton takes the general reader, the traveling tourist, and the curious cryptozoologist on a tour of the strange animals and weird cryptids to be found in one of the most popular vacation destinations in existence, Florida. Florida's Unexpected Wildlifeis one of those unique guidebooks that need to be purchased by everyone!"--Loren Coleman, author of Cryptozoology A to Z Throughout the world, sightings of animals unrecognized by modern science are reported on a daily basis. Since the 1950s, the study of these "hidden animals" has been known as cryptozoology and though many of the reports have been exposed as hoaxes, some have resisted explanation. In Florida's Unexpected Wildlifeaward-winning author Michael Newton describes exotic species recognized by state wildlife authorities; "extinct" species whose passing is disputed or disproved; various aquatic "monsters" said to occupy Florida's rivers, lakes, and offshore waters; alien big cats; and the search for the elusive, enigmatic Skunk Ape--a local relative of Bigfoot. Newton's tales are riveting, and include a six-foot tall emu encountered by a jogger in a subdivision and a "sea serpent" carcass discovered at the mouth of the St. Johns River in the mid-nineteenth century by passengers aboard a schooner. The stories are illustrated with photographs and the incomparable paintings of artist William Rebsamen, hailed as the "John James Audubon of cryptozoology." While "monster hunters" can use Florida's Unexpected Wildlifeas a field guide, casual readers can simply enjoy the many fascinating tales and the wealth of evidence collected in this book. Grab your binoculars and enjoy the quest!