Florida Animals  - Paintings by Theodore Morris

Manatee

Click on image to see a larger view

The Tocobaga, who lived around Tampa Bay, hunted Manatees for food. Manatees can exceed 3,500 pounds in weight and feed on plants growing in and along the fresh and salt waters in which they live. They are nonagressive and spend their days consuming vast quantities of vegetation and occasionally interacting with other manatees.
Tocobaga towns were described by the Spanish in 1528 as consisting of houses, built of timber, and covered with palm leaves. The Chief's house stood near the beach, upon a very high mound.

Raccoon

Click on image to see a larger view

Raccoons are curious, alert and intelligent. They were the second most common land mammal hunted by prehistoric man. They are found throughout Florida. Their bones were made into tools and their pelts were used for clothing. Raccoons average 20 pounds as an adult and become fatter in the winter. They sleep in trees during the day.

Bobcat

Click on image to see a larger view

These ferocious animals were very abundant in Florida. They mostly make their dens in palmetto thickets. Cat images were carved from wood and used in spiritual ceremonies. The 2,000 year old Key Marco site includes a stylized painted bobcat mask. Indians used them for food and their bones were used for tools. The very soft, dense fur was used for clothing.

Screech Owl

Click on image to see a larger view:

The Screech Owl is Florida's smallest owl. They eat small animals, reptiles and insects. Owl effigies adorned ceramic vessels and were important in the spiritual beliefs of Florida's tribes. They were hunted with bow and a blunt-ended arrow. Nets were also used to capture birds. Bird bones are hollow and were used for beads and whistles.