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Louisiana Swamps  Have you
ever visited the swamp, hiking along walking trails, or by boat? Have you ever
seen the egrets, herons, pelicans and alligators in their natural habitat? While the swamps of Southeast Louisiana are dangerous places, they can be quite beautiful. The land is wet and soft, bog-like, with the potential pockets of quicksand. Moss laden cypress trees, with their characteristic cypress knee root system, grow in shallow water or on nearby land. The "land" above the water level is covered with marsh grasses, vines, palmettos and irises. Spanish moss is common, because it likes to grow near water. Inhabiting the swamps are animals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds of all types. The most worrisome are, of course, snakes and alligators. While there are many non-poisonous snakes (there are only six poisonous varieties in Louisiana), one must especially watch for water moccasins (cotton mouths), which may be under foot or in the trees above. Their bites can be deadly.  The alligators are to be respected, too.
Even small ones (five to six feet) can cause severe injury. They can grow to be
as large as 14 to 18 feet in length. Alligators alternate between the water and
the banks, as a means of regulating their body temperature, and are most active
during the warmer months. Lying perfectly still, it is easy to mistake one for
a log, until it is too late. Several varieties of turtles can be seen on logs and on the banks, including the snapping turtles. Birds abound, including the snowy egrets, blue herons, pelicans, and since Louisiana is along the migratory flyway, there are often ducks and geese. Nutrias (originally imported from South America) have found our swamps to be to their liking, also. Let's forget our famous insects - mosquitoes and spiders. New Orleans sits along the Mississippi River, surrounded by lakes, swamps, and marshes. It is surprising how many people have never set foot into the swamps and marshes, to experience nature as it has always been. With urban sprawl, much of these wetlands have been drained and filled for use as subdivisions, shopping centers and golf courses. Fortunately, governments on the federal and state level have created parks and wildlife refuges to preserve this fragile eco system. With some restrictions, we are able to venture into this natural environment to see these animals up close, with little danger to them or ourselves. There are several state and national parks and wildlife refuges surrounding New Orleans that provide the public with access and swamp tours. Bayou Sauvage Wildlife Refuge to the east of New Orleans and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park to the south of New Orleans, along the route to Barataria, are two that are readily accessible. (Note: The National Park Service Website is temporarily out of service.) Swamp tours are becoming a popular, comfortable and safe way to experience the natural beauty of swamps and bayous of Southeastern Louisiana. Many swamp tour companies are just a couple of miles from downtown New Orleans, the tours last just a couple of hours, and are on large, stable boats with restroom facilities on board. You can do it in one day, and still have some time left over. If you like photography, it is a great opportunity to get some impressive photographs, with little risk to life or limb. Lagniappe
Copyright © 1999-2002, Stanley Beck |
