A closer look at the wildlife that calls New Orleans swamps home

Louisiana’s wetlands are prime alligator territory, and sightings are extremely common on both airboat and swamp boat rides. They’re often found warming themselves on the banks or floating just below the surface with only their eyes visible.

This tall, blue-gray bird is a familiar sight in New Orleans marshes. It usually stands motionless, waiting for the perfect moment to spear a passing fish.

Slim and bright white, the snowy egret is quick on its feet and can be seen following the edges of shallow water in search of small fish and shrimp.

Louisiana’s state bird often glides low over open water near the marsh. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one plunging dramatically to catch a fish.

One of the swamp’s most recognizable nighttime callers, the barred owl often roosts in large cypress trees. Daytime sightings happen on quieter tours.

Raccoons thrive in Louisiana swamps because of the abundance of shellfish, berries, and small crabs. They’re often spotted on tree stumps or along the shoreline.

This semi-aquatic rodent is easy to recognize thanks to its large size and orange front teeth. Though invasive, it’s a common sight during tours.

Feral hogs move through the edges of the marsh looking for roots and insects. They’re shy but occasionally spotted in the morning or late afternoon.

River otters move quickly and rarely sit still, but some visitors catch them sliding into the water or chasing fish near quieter inlets.

You’ll often find these turtles sunning themselves on half-submerged logs. Their red-striped “ears” make them easy to identify.

This impressive turtle lives in deeper, slow-moving areas of the swamp. Its ridged shell and powerful jaws give it a prehistoric look.

A small, non-venomous snake that prefers brackish marshes. It’s usually tucked among vegetation but occasionally seen resting on floating debris.

Quick and slender, ribbon snakes hunt frogs and insects along marsh edges. They’re harmless and tend to retreat quickly when boats approach.

Louisiana’s signature tree frog clings to branches, boat railings, and reeds. You’ll often hear them long before you see them.

Known for its booming call, the bullfrog is one of the largest frogs in the region and thrives in the quiet, shallow waters of the bayou.

Similar to the snowy egret but larger, the great egret moves with slow precision through shallow sections of the swamp in search of fish.

Turkey vultures are often spotted soaring above the wetlands as they ride warm air currents. They help keep the ecosystem clean by consuming carrion.

These powerful raptors prefer waterways with plenty of fish. Look for them perched high in dead trees near the edge of the swamp.

Common in the Barataria Preserve region, this hawk’s reddish chest and strong call make it easier to identify than most raptors.

Though they typically stay on higher ground, deer sometimes wander near swamp edges at dawn or dusk, especially in forested parts of the wetlands.