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Honey Island Swamp is one of the most natural and untarnished habitats in the United States. Located in St. Tammany Parish, this marshland earned its name from the swarms of honeybees found near the surrounding areas. It is bordered by U.S. 11 on its north side, the Pearl River on its east side, Lake Borgne on its south side, and West Pearl River on its west side.
Honey Island Swamp spans over 70,000 acres, measuring over 20 miles long and 7 miles wide, with 35, 619 of those acres being government sanctioned by the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area in order to protect the local wildlife that thrives there.
The Honey Island Swamp is rich in wildlife and is the home of many different species, including but not limited to: alligators, wild boars, black bears, raccoons, nutrias, owls, eagles, water snakes, turtles, and, of course, fish. Alligators can often be seen lounging on the banks and bathing in the sun. The most common sightings include red wolves, whitetail deer, and wild boar, but only a select few have been able to spot the elusive Florida cougar. Birds are often seen tangled in the trees as visitors drift by underneath, including Yellow-crowned Night Herons, White Ibises, and Anhinga.
Considered a trademark of Louisiana culture, Crawfish often attract their fair share of attention to this marshland, but the wide variety of fish keeps people coming back. Fishermen can often find an abundance of flathead catfish, bluegill, sunfish, largemouth bass, and buffalo fish under the water of Honey Island Swamp.
Along with animal species, the Honey Island Swamp in Louisiana is home to a wide variety of plant life, including both poisonous and nonpoisonous species. Large bald cypress and birch trees provide much-needed shade and shadows on the water throughout the dense forest. Spanish moss is seen everywhere, spreading its tendrils throughout the murky tea-colored waters.
In addition to these common plants, the swamp is also home to a wide variety of rare and endangered species. The most notable of these is the Lady Slipper Orchid, which is found in only a handful of locations around the world. This beautiful flower is protected by law, and its presence in the swamp is a testament to the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.
According to Louisiana folklore, the Honey Island Swamp is home to its very own cyprid, referred to as the Honey Island Swamp Monster. The myth describes the ape-like creature as 7 feet tall, covered in grey hair with red or yellow eyes, and footprints consisting of three or four webbed toes.
How did the monster end up in Louisiana? Legend has it that a train wreck involving a traveling circus resulted in a group of chimpanzees escaping into the swampland, forcing them to adapt to their surrounding areas. The first claimed sighting of this bigfoot-like creature was by wildlife photographer, Harlen Ford, in 1963. The myth, however, did not fully form until 1980 when a reel of what was believed to be video evidence of this monster was found in his belongings.
Strange footprints found in 1974 only fueled the legend, cementing the Honey Island Swamp Monster as an interesting part of Louisiana folklore. While there have not been any recently recorded sightings, that does not stop the speculation about this legendary monster’s existence and whereabouts.
If you’re looking for an adventure while visiting New Orleans, then be sure to book a Cajun encounters swamp tour! This is your chance to see the Louisiana wilderness up close and personal, and to encounter some of the plants and animals that call this place home.
You’ll learn all about the history and ecology of the area, as well as a chance to see some of its most iconic inhabitants, like alligators and snakes. And best of all, you’ll get to do it all from the comfort of a flat-bottomed boat! So what are you waiting for? Book a New Orleans swamp tour today!
Cajun Encounters Tour Company
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