• Florida panthercougar image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are at least 116 types of animals in the state of Florida that are endangered or threatened. An endangered species is one whose numbers are so small that it is at risk of extinction. A threatened species is one that soon may become endangered.
  
  

Florida Manatee (West Indian Manatee)

• The Florida Manatee, also known as the West Indian Manatee, lives in rivers, estuaries and inshore areas in Florida. It is a huge herbivore that eats plants and is shaped like a sea cow. The manatee likes to eat a lot of vegetation during the day-- manatee grass, turtle grass, sea grass, shoal grass, different species of algae, mangrove leaves and red mangrove seedlings--that is normally found in salt water. In fresh-water areas, the Florida manatee eats hidrilla vericillata, algae and water hyacinths. The animal often can be found in areas of sea-grass beds, especially during feeding time.
  
  

Florida Panther

• Florida panthers, also known as pumas, mountain lions or cougars, are among the most generally distributed huge mammals in North America. This group of panthers, especially the adults, only comes together during breeding season. Any other time of the year, they are solitary and territorial animals. They are careful enough to maintain their population density in order not to jeopardize their food supply. Although they are considered primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), on certain occasions the Florida panther can be observed during the day.
  
  

Eastern Indigo Snake

• The eastern indigo snake found in the state of Florida is among the longest of the snake family in North America, growing up to 8 feet long. This type of snake is excellent to adopt as a house pet due to its slow movement and gentle nature toward humans. It is found along Florida's riverbanks or near its swamps. The snake is an endangered species partly because it has lost some of its natural habitat due to the cutting down of forest trees for development.
  
  

Peregrine Falcon

• The peregrine falcon has been endangered in Florida since 1970. Breeding programs have prevented the animal from becoming extinct. In terms of size, the peregrine falcon is similar to a crow, and females are larger and more powerful than males. Baby peregrine falcons are known as eyasses, which are covered with white down that is replaced by white feathers when they reach 3 to 5 weeks. Eyasees begin to find food for themselves as early as 9 to 12 weeks. The average life span of a peregrine is 11 to 12 years. The animal normally can be found near power plants because these areas best serve as nesting grounds.