Eco-Trail at Camp Casa Mare
Learn about the wildlife that call Camp Casa Mare home!

Sea life

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

The Brown Pelican, one of the three different species of pelican found in the Americas, is a large seabird commonly found in the Gulf Coast. Pelicans are known for their distinct pouched bill which they use to capture food. Brown pelicans feed on fish and crustaceans. Unlike most birds, Brown pelicans lack a brood pouch. Instead of sitting on their eggs, they stand on them, using their large webbed feet to keep them warm. 



Atlantic Stingray

Dasyatis sabina

The Atlantic stingray is the most common species of ray found in the waters of the Gulf Coast. Atlantic stingrays can tolerate low salinities, allowing them to live in both freshwater and saltwater. They are one of the smaller species of ray, though their venom is just as painful as other rays. Rays defend themselves using the barb on the end of their tails, which can inject venom into potential predators, similar to how scorpions use their stingers. 



Ocean Trash

How does our waste affect wildlife?

Did you know that each year about 1.7 million tonnes of trash make their way into our planet's ocean? This pollution is devastating to marine ecosystems. Plastic debris damages reefs and can entangle or be ingested by marine animals, causing starvation, suffocation, and death. Plastics find their way into the ocean through intentional littering, illegal dumping of waste, poor waste containment and disposal practices, and natural disasters such as hurricanes.

Participating in beach cleanups can be a good way to get involved in volunteer work while also helping the environment. 

Not only does littering negatively affect the environment, it's also a crime. Make sure your trash ends up in the bin, not the ocean!



Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas

Bull sharks are medium-sized sharks found worldwide in warm shallow waters. Unlike most sharks, Bull sharks can live in freshwater and saltwater, and thrive in the brackish water of the Gulf. Bull sharks are also ovoviviparous. This means the fertilized eggs hatch within the mother and the mother then gives birth to live young. While the young sharks are still within the mother they will often fight and kill each other so that only the strongest are born.



Moon Jellyfish

Aurelia aurita

Moon Jellyfish are a common small jellyfish characterized by the four circular marking within their translucent bell. These markings are actually the reproductive organs of the jelly. Jellies don't have the same internal structures as most animals; having only basic sensory organs, a digestive cavity, and reproductive organs. Moon Jellyfish have a very mild sting, and most people have little to no reaction to it.