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7 Animals That Live in Louisiana Swamps

American Alligator

Spotting an alligator in Louisiana is a vacation highlight. As the largest US reptile, they can live up to 80 years.

Wild Pig

With a population of 700,000, Louisiana’s wild pigs are invasive and cause damage to plants and waterways. They travel in groups and have long fur.

Nutria

Nutria, or river rats, are large invasive rodents in Louisiana bayous. They feed on marsh plant roots and have distinctive orange teeth.

Otter

River otters are playful swimmers found in Louisiana swamps. They burrow in riverbanks and use webbed feet to hunt for fish, frogs, and crabs.

Turtles

Keep an eye on logs and rocks in the New Orleans swamps to spot turtles. Over 24 species, including snapping turtles, can be found sunning themselves.

Birds

Louisiana offers amazing bird watching with egrets, herons, and bald eagles. Kayak tours are best for spotting these feathered friends without scaring them away.

Snakes

Louisiana swamps are home to snakes like the Western cottonmouth and copperhead. While some are venomous, most snakes are not aggressive.