Animal Scavenger Hunt!
- Theme: Animal Exploration in nature. Together we will identify animals which are naturally a part of the River Wilderness Community.
- Items to Collect: Photos of the different animals you may see here in RW. We collect photos of things that the animals have left behind or damage they have done. If you do see one of these animals be sure you are safe first before taking a photo.
Please see the General Scavenger Hunt Rules
Terrestrial Wildlife
Spy Wild Animals in River Wilderness
Animal Exploration Scavenger Hunt
River Wilderness is full of quiet wildlife if you slow down and look closely. This hunt invites families to explore the natural spaces around our community and discover animals that share the forests and riverbanks with us.
Bring a camera or phone and see how many creatures you can spot, photograph, or observe safely from a distance.
Look carefully — some animals are excellent at hiding!
What to Collect
Take photos of animals you see in River Wilderness or signs they have been nearby:
• animal tracks
• nests or dens
• chewed branches
• fur caught on bark
• trails near the water
If you capture a great photo, you can share it with the RWHOA board to be featured on the community website.
Always remember:
Observe first. Respect wildlife. Keep a safe distance.
I Spy Wildlife to Find
White-Tailed Deer
Graceful and alert, deer often appear at sunrise or sunset along wooded edges and quiet lawns. White-tailed deer are common sightings in many parts of Florida.
Bobcat
Florida’s secretive wild cat. Look for spotted coats, short tails, and quiet footprints in sandy soil. These wild cats can be found throughout Florida, including in riverine areas.
Raccoon
The clever “masked bandit” of the forest. These nighttime explorers often search for food near water. Often seen near water sources, searching for food.
Beaver
Nature’s engineers! Beavers build dams and lodges using branches and mud to create calm water ponds. May be observed building dams and their lodges near the water’s edge.
Florida Panther
One of the rarest big cats in North America. While sightings are extremely rare, their habitat includes river forests like ours. While less common, Florida panthers can be found in various parts of the state, including areas near riverine habitats.
Florida Black Bear
Another large mammal that can be found in riverine areas and surrounding forests. Large and shy forest wanderers that roam Florida’s wild areas searching for berries, insects, and acorns.
I Spy Poem
I spy in forests green and wide,
Where hidden woodland creatures hide.
Some walk softly through the trees,
Some build homes beside the streams.
Look for tracks along the trail,
A rustling bush… a flicking tail.
River Wilderness, wild and free —
How many animals can you see?
