Pine flatwoods dominate the landscape at Branan Field and
species adapted for this fire dependent community are abundant.
Look for the mounds of sand that mark the burrow entrance of
gopher tortoise burrows. P.J. Jones - Young gopher tortoise and
Bachelor Button Animals such as indigo snakes, eastern
diamondback rattlesnakes, gopher frogs, pine snakes, and Florida
mice find refuge within these burrows. Look for them near burrow
entrances or observe tracks left behind in the soft sand.
Eastern bluebirds, woodpeckers, southeastern kestrels, pine
warblers and brown-headed nuthatches are common residents of
pine flatwoods. Listen for the distinctive calls of the eastern
towhee and Bachman's sparrow. White-tailed deer and wild turkey
are occasionally observed. Scientists from the University of
Florida are conducting research at Branan Field on upper
respiratory track disease (URTDS) in gopher tortoises. Visitors
may notice enclosures marking study sites located just off main
trails. Please respect the boundaries o