Swamp Critters

Freshwater swamp forest refers to vegetation that can tolerate excessive soil moisture and where the the ground is permanently flooded with several feet of standing water. Unlike marshes this habitat has trees such as white pine and oak and bushes like alder, pussy willows or swamp azalea. Swamp critters that live in these habitats are not always appreciated by the public due to a lack of understanding or they are considered unappealing or dangerous. Biologically however, these communities are extremely beneficial to plants and animals providing food, nesting areas, shelter and water. They also serve mankind as flood control and purifiers of water. Insects, reptiles, fish and amphibians depend on the tranquil, murky waters to spawn and reproduce. This is particularly true for dragonflies, mosquitoes and other insects. While these winged creatures are annoying to humans, the larvae, eggs and even emerging insects provide food for frogs, lizards and snakes that live there.