Animals of St. Croix
By land or by sky, the island of St. Croix is home to a variety of animals and birds. The rainforest and bush are home to unique animals like mongoose, iguanas, and even hermit crabs. Many visitors are also surprised to find that deer have found a home here. The island’s agricultural scene breeds domesticated animals such as horses, goats, sheep, and Senepol cattle as well as the often seen (and heard) chickens and roosters. Birdwatchers are thrilled to find that the skies, land and coastline are home to a multitude of birds including pelicans, egrets, kestrels, and hummingbirds, in addition to our beautiful state bird, the bananaquit. As you enjoy your time on St. Croix, make sure you take in the diverse wildlife the island has to offer… it’s everywhere.
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Mammals
Bats
Right at dusk, you can catch glimpses of these fast-flying mammals. They fly out from under roof eaves, caves, and even abandoned structures to feed on insects; which really helps keeps the mosquito population down! If you are relaxing by the pool, you might even see them skim the water. No need to be afraid, our bats are strictly vegetarian and have no interest in sucking your blood.
Deer
Yep, deer on the island. They were brought here in the 1700’s for sport. No hunting is allowed of these gentle animals. They exist from the east to the west ends of St. Croix and are much smaller than their stateside cousins.
Donkeys
Donkeys were brought here by colonists from under every flag. They are traditionally work animals. On St. John, you might be awakened in the middle of the night by the breigh of a feral donkey wandering in the bush. On St. Croix, no feral donkeys, but you can see them during parades and even Donkey Races!
Goat
Mongoose
Mongoose are like the curious little mascot of St. Croix. Mongoose is the popular English name species in the 14 genera of the Herpestidae family , which are small carnivorans that are native to southern Eurasia and mainland Africa. You’ll catch these quick little rodents scurrying across the road, or even taunting an iguana. Mongoose were brought to the island to eradicate the rat problem. Well, problem was, rats were nocturnal (they like the night time) and mongoose are diurnal (they like the day time); which means that little plan didn’t work out so well.
Senepol Cattle
Senepol Cattle are a beautiful species of cattle that is native to St. Croix. The feed on the lush green hills on the west end of the island. This breed of cattle was bred to stand up to island conditions such as drought and heat. Two major working cattle farms still exist on St. Croix, Castle Nugent Farm and Annaly Farm.
Sheep
Birds
Bananaquit
Chickens
A.K.A. Yard Birds. These cluckers are pretty much feral and run amuck all over the island. You’ll see them in town, hens with chicks, roosters crowing. Some locals do care and feed for them, and even collect their eggs and provide a safe place to roost. For the most part, it is just plain fun so catch a glimpse of these crazy birds.
Egrets
Hummingbirds
Kestrels
Pelicans
Zenaida Doves
Reptiles
Anoles
They are EVERYWHERE on St. Croix! Anoles are cute, fun to watch and totally harmless. In fact, people allow them to stay in their homes because they eat the bugs! Some of the anoles found on the island are a unique species (Anolis acutus) seen ONLY on St. Croix!
Iguanas
Look in trees, mangroves and scurrying across the road for this pre-historic looking reptile. Iguanas are native to the Caribbean where they like the sun and warm waters just as much as you do! Babies are brightly colored and FAST! Adult males can be dark green or blue and can grow up to six feet long. Females tend to be less colorful in grays and browns. On St. Croix, you most likely find iguanas at Tamarind Beach and Salt River. Please do not feed them; just observe them from afar!
Tropical House Gecko
Commonly referred to as a House Gecko, these nocturnal critters can often be found sleeping behind picture frames on the wall or tucked inside dresser drawers.
Insects & Bugs
While many people are not big fans of bugs, St. Croix is an entomologist’s dream! Yes, we have those pesky mosquitoes, but the island is also host to a number of wonderfully strange and sometime even beautiful insects and bugs. For example, if you look in the frangipani trees you may spot the colorful sphinx moth caterpillars munching on leaves. As you make your way around the island you will see lots of colorful little butterflies and moths fluttering around the flowers and bushes. You may even be fortunate enough to find some of the well camouflaged walking stick bugs or green stink bugs, which look like little green leaves. Keep your eyes open, you never know what you may find!
Hermit Crabs
First thing’s first: do not take these cute crustaceans home to keep as a pet. They live here for a reason. When the animal that lives inside the hard shell grows, he searches for and moves into a new, larger home! You can find hermit crabs on the outskirts of the beach, but also in thick vegetation areas known as The Bush. You’ll here them walking and rolling down the hills if you hike in the rainforest.
Lime Butterfly
Papilio demoleus, commonly known as the Lime Butterfly or Citrus Swallowtail, is considered an invasive species outside of Asia and Australia.
Mosquitoes
Unfortunately, mosquitoes are a harsh reality of life in the tropics. Mosquitoes are usually prevalent after big rains, and feed at dawn and dusk. There is no way to eradicate them, so come prepared! Here on St. Croix mosquitoes can carry some viruses such as dengue fever and chikungunya, so do your best to avoid being bitten. Bring your favorite non-aerosol bug spray, bug repellant wipes, garlic water or what ever concoction you desire just in case you think you might be a target. Most hotels, bars and restaurants on St. Croix can provide repellent if you need it. Keep a fan running at night to circulate the air and keep the mosquitoes at bay.
No See Ums
This is the official, technical term for little nat-like bugs that you can’t see, but you can certainly feel! They itch like the devil and like damp, moist, low-lying outside areas. You might also encounter noseeums on the beach around dusk. Wear long pants when dining at certain outside restaurants. They are also referred to as Sandflys.
Sphinx Moth Caterpillars
Sphinx Moth Caterpillars are large, brightly striped yellow and black caterpillars with bright red heads. A full grown larvae can grow up to 10 inches long! Amazingly, when they develop into their adult stage, they are small moth that is brownish in color. You can usually find groups of these caterpillars eating the leaves off of frangipani trees, which is how they got their nickname, “Frangipani Worms”.