Perdido Key is known for inhabiting vast amounts of different wildlife and keeping the area natural and safe to cohabitate with its original residents! 

Perdido Key Beach Mouse

The Perdido Key Beach mice inhabit the coastal dunes along with Perdido Key in both Escambia County, Florida, and Baldwin County, Alabama. The beach mice rely on the vegetation in dunes for food and shelter, some things that pose a risk to these endangered species include hurricanes, increased foot traffic, development along the beaches, and predation from cats, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. The Perdido Key Beach Mouse is protected as an endangered species by the Federal Endangered Species Act and as a federally designated endangered species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule. 

Sea Turtles

When taking a stroll on the beautiful beaches of Perdido Key, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see sea turtles! Loggerhead sea turtles are the most prevalent in the area, although leatherback, ridley, and green sea turtles are also frequently seen in the summer months. One of the best places to spot sea turtles is at the Perdido Key State Park. Located just across the street from the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, this protected area is a safe habitat for turtles and several other animals. Of course, all need to exercise caution when frolicking on the beach when these sea turtles are nesting. You shouldn’t interact with these creatures or interfere with their actions in any way, but you can observe from a distance. Nesting season runs the length of summer and ends in October. Baby sea turtles face many obstacles when leaving their nests- such as raccoons, crabs, birds, and fish. Sea turtle hatchlings use the light of the moon to guide themselves to the water but can get distracted by the bright lights from beach homes, condos, and businesses facing the beach. When walking the beach, make sure to follow turtle etiquette by using a red flashlight (turtle-safe lighting), avoid shining lights, or using flash photography. Fill in large holes and knock down sandcastles to leave a flat surface, and as always Leave No Trace behind by removing all tents, chairs, toys, and other obstacles from the beach at night! 

Birds

The Perdido Area is a bird’s paradise! Located between two major fly zones, Gulf Islands National Seashore, the longest stretch of protected seashore in the country, is the first stop for hundreds of migrating birds and monarch butterflies flying north in the spring. The Perdido Area also features bays, bayous, beaches, rivers, and woodlands where more than 300 species of birds call home. So pick up those binoculars and come experience our great outdoors! (See popular Birds and Watching locations in Perdido!)

Ghost Crabs

Also known as Sand Crab or Atlantic Ghost Carbs, the Ghost Crab can be seen scurrying along the shoreline between sunset and dawn. Their peak season is summertime from May to September. They live in tiny burrows about 4 feet deep and they try to hide from the sun as much as possible. Their two black eyes have sharp 360-degree vision, which helps them capture flying insects. Zooming at speeds up to 10 miles per hour these crabs know how to make tracks! Their white shells make them adapt to the white sand so it makes it harder for their predators to see them. Ghost crabs tunnel down for about four feet at a 45° angle, creating one- to two-inch-wide holes. At dusk, these crabs sprint into the ocean to obtain oxygen from the water, which washes over their gills. Females release their eggs into the ocean around the month of June. Ghost crabs hibernate during the winter, “holding their breath” for six months by storing oxygen in sacs near their gills. If you do decide to go on a crabbing adventure, we do urge you to use a gentle hand when observing these amazing little creatures and to definitely use the catch and release system.

Where To Stay For Spring Break

When looking for a spring break destination on the Gulf Coast, look no further than Perdido Key, Florida. Here at Perdido Key, we are all about the relaxation factor. With over 60% of the Key protected by Federal, (Gulf Islands National Seashore), and State, (Big...

Exploring Military History in Perdido Key

Written for the 2022 Perdido Area Guide By Dayre Lias   "The Lost Key" is one of the unique, historical places in the Florida Panhandle. From the end of the ice age, 12,000 years ago, Paleoindian hunters roamed the area and evolved into the powerful chiefdoms...

How to Make an Impact on Perdido Key

Advocate for your Perdido Key community and help keep our area the best place to live, work and play! Whether your passion is for the environment and protecting the beaches, advocating for local businesses, or volunteering for local causes and events, there are many...

Dining with a View

Enjoying dinner with a view is a simple way of life in Perdido Key. From this lovely barrier island, one can see water in every direction, from the vast wonders of the Gulf of Mexico to the tranquil waters of the Intracoastal Waterway; water views are varied and...

Favorite Live Music Venues in Perdido Key

The Perdido Key Area has a long history of supporting original music and songwriting, making the area a favorite of both amateur and hit-making artists. When visiting the Lost Key, one must-do activity is to enjoy our lively, musical atmosphere while indulging in some...

Best Breakfast in the Perdido Key Area

Here on the Gulf Coast, our locals and dedicated visitors love breakfast! You don’t need to be an early riser to enjoy the best eggs benedict or Bloody Mary’s in Perdido Key; most breakfast in the area is available as a delectable brunch as well!  Whether you can wake...

Best Sunsets on Perdido Key

The Sun is an essential part of our everyday life in Perdido Key.  It keeps our white sandy beaches a sunbather’s dream and provides us with reflective, shimmering beauty atop our emerald, blue-green waters. We cannot help but flood our social media timelines with...

101 Things to Do in Perdido Key

From adventurous water activities to relaxing sunset vibes, explore Perdido Key and plan your island getaway with things to do for everyone! 101 Things to Do in Perdido Key includes links to some of the local's favorite activities, dining, and entertainment in the...

Military in Perdido Key

By Emily Klinga   Pensacola has a deep-rooted history of military presence positioned by our very own Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. Proclaimed a Naval Air Station in 1914, NAS Pensacola is renowned as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” supporting the initial...

Sunset Weddings Are the Best by Karen Qualls

By Karen Qualls, Beach Bride Weddings You are one of many getting married in 2021 and have been debating the wedding time. Since you are getting married on the beach in Perdido Key, Florida, you should seriously think about the sunset. Why? you ask, why not midday?...