KENANSVILLE, Fla. — It lives in Florida, can climb, hunt and move quietly through its surroundings — yet many Floridians will go their entire lives without seeing one in the wild.

The Florida bobcat is one of the state’s most elusive native predators, and visitors to Wild Florida Adventure Park in Kenansville have an opportunity to get a closer look at this remarkable wild cat.

Bobcats can be found throughout much of Florida, occupying habitats ranging from forests and swamps to rural areas. Their name comes from their short or “bobbed” tail, one of the characteristics that helps distinguish them from other wild cats.

Although substantially smaller than the Florida panther, bobcats are skilled predators. Their diet can include rabbits, rodents, birds and other small animals.

Their spotted coats also provide camouflage that helps them disappear into their surroundings — one reason spotting a wild bobcat can be such a rare experience.

At Wild Florida’s Gator Park, visitors can see a Florida bobcat while learning more about an animal that quietly shares the Sunshine State with millions of people.

And the bobcat is only the beginning.

The Gator Park features more than 200 native and exotic animals, while Wild Florida’s Drive-thru Safari Park gives guests an entirely different experience as they travel in their own vehicle among giraffes, zebras, bison, wildebeest and other animals.

For another look at Florida’s native wildlife, visitors can climb aboard an airboat and journey through the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades, exploring the wetlands where alligators, birds and other wildlife live.

It’s a combination that allows families to discover animals from distant parts of the world while gaining a new appreciation for the wildlife living right here in Florida.

You might never spot a bobcat walking through the Florida wilderness — but you can discover one during your next visit to Wild Florida.

Wild Florida Adventure Park is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed Sundays. Reservations can be made Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wild Florida is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, FL 34739.

For reservations or additional information, call 407-957-3135 or toll-free at 866-532-7167, or email info@wildfl.com.

Airboat adventures can also be booked through Wild Florida’s website.

Discover the Florida bobcat and experience some of the wildlife that makes the Sunshine State truly wild.