The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp are essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades and support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Protecting 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 a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther. Big Cypress National Preserve experiences two predominant seasons, wet and dry. During the rainy season from May through October, daily afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, temperatures in the mid- to high 80s, and a multitude of mosquitoes are common. During the dry season from November through April, falling water levels within the Big Cypress make this a pleasant time to hike, camp, and watch wildlife.