Big Cypress National Preserve

The Florida Panther is one of the most iconic animals of Big Cypress
The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther.
Map showing location of park.
Map of FY2026 Proposed Prescribed Fire Treatment Areas
Big Cypress National Preserve Begins 2026 Prescribed Fire Season
National Park Service South Florida Fire & Aviation will conduct a series of prescribed fire operations across Big Cypress National Preserve over the coming months, as weather conditions and other parameters permit. The planned treatment areas cover approximately 81,002 acres in 4 separate burn treatment units, strategically placed throughout the preserve as part of a multi-year fuels treatment plan.
A small alligator basking on top of dry vegetation.
Photo by NPS Photo
A water filled swamp filled with lush green ferns and trees.
Photo by NPS Photo
The milky way dominating a starry night sky over palm trees.
Photo by NPS Photo
two visitors in a canoe go through mangrove tunnels on the Turner River
Photo by NPS Photo
a Florida Panther sits in a tree
Photo by John Kellam
palm trees emerge out of the fog in an orange sunrise
Photo by Richard Eskin
A prairie foreground with tall pine trees in the background. A large blue sky with white cloud
Photo by NPS photo
Two Alligators rest on a river bank
Photo by Al Sunshine