KSC shares its space on the north end of Merritt Island, Florida with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a 140,000 acre stretch of native Florida. The refuge harbors 331 bird species, 31 mammal species, 117 fish species, and 65 species of amphibians and reptiles. Many of these denizens are endangered or threatened species, and enjoy sanctuary they would find in few other places. Here are just a few of these fascinating animals who call KSC their home.

Possibly KSC´s most famous resident is the American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). There are at least five eagle nests at KSC, each occupied by a mating pair who regularly produce offspring. The most well-known nest is located near State Road 3, easily visible to shuttle workers and tourists alike. The picture on the right is of that nest, with mom, dad, and junior at home. If you look carefully, you can just make out the VAB in the background. In order to get this picture, Fish and Wildlife personnel placed a remote camera in the nest´s pine tree, sealed in a weatherproof box.

The Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a nonpoisonous snake. KSC hosts two subspecies of this beautiful creature, the Everglades Racer (C. constrictor paludicula) and the Southern Black Racer (C. constrictor priapus). The Black Racer feeds on frogs, lizards, and rodents, which makes it a beneficial regulator of those populations. An adult Racer can reach up to six feet in length, which makes it an impressive sight! That is, if the snake will stay around long enough. Anyone who has had an encounter with a Racer that it is well named, using its speed and agility to escape any potential threat.

The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is arguably the poster child of endangered and threatened species. This gentle giant is protected by no less than two federal acts and two state acts: the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species Act of 1977, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. KSC offers one of the few truly protected areas in the state for the sea cow, as the area is restricted to all private and commercial boat traffic.

A truly impressive hunter, the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a common sight around KSC. Its primary food source is fish, which it finds in abundance in the Indian and Banana rivers. The osprey will build its nest near the water in an elevated spot, such as a treetop or power pole, which will afford it a view of its feeding grounds. Light poles, antennas, and camera towers are also preferred nesting spots and perches. Such structures are in abundance around KSC, so it is not unusual to see osprey nests in these locations.

The title of "Clown Prince of KSC" rightfully belongs to the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). While generally regarded as an oceangoing creature, this lively marine mammal can often be seen in the water of the Indian River Lagoon and the Banana River. As the photo of this wakesurfing dolphin shows, the dolphin is not only highly tolerant of the human presence, it will actively engage in interactions with people.