Wild Neighbors
Alligators
Alligators are found throughout Florida, and the good news is that coexisting with them is relatively straightforward. To ensure peaceful coexistence: never feed them, do not harass them, and maintain a respectful distance. For safety precautions, it's wise to assume that any body of water in Florida might potentially harbor alligators, so it's advisable to avoid swimming in lakes, ponds, or rivers. It's essential not to approach the water's edge, especially when walking with your pet. As Florida welcomes new residents, tourists, and visitors, it's crucial to educate them if you see them near the water's edge, as what may be common sense to long-time Floridians might not be apparent to newcomers. You often see them lying near a lake, soaking up the sun, which they need to do in order to regulate their body temperature, and in some cases, aid digestion. You may see an alligator with his mouth open too. Again, that helps to regulate body temperature by releasing heat. These are the types of facts we think it is so important to share. To an uneducated person, an alligator with his mouth open may appear scary or aggressive. But if you see an alligator laying by himself near a lake with his mouth open, he's just regulating body temperature. Many HOAs use nuisance trappers to remove alligators without cause. The trappers tell people that the alligators are "relocated" but that is NOT true. They are sold for meat or use of their skin in the overwhelming amount of cases. If you find out that your HOA is using these methods, call, write, complain, run for a position on the HOA! Make your voice heard to protect alligators.
Armadillos
To mitigate armadillo damage in your yard, limit watering and fertilization, as overly moist soil and lush vegetation attract earthworms and insect larvae to the surface, which in turn attracts armadillos. Encourage armadillos to move on by watering areas only when necessary and in the morning since it'll dry sooner and be less appealing to these animals, who are mostly active at night. If you need to protect specific areas, fencing provides a compassionate solution. To effectively exclude armadillos, be sure to research the type of fencing needed because there are specifics that should be followed in order for it to be effective for armadillos, whose skills include climbing and digging. Be diligent about picking up fallen fruit deter to wildlife, including armadillos.
Bats
Bats are a diverse group of mammals, each species with a unique ecological niche, such as nectar-feeding bats that are essential for pollinating economically valuable crops. Preservation of natural roost sites is essential to ensure bats have suitable homes.
For example, trees with cavities and dead fronds on palms are valuable roosting locations that should be protected. Consider putting up a bat house to provide a safe and appropriate roosting space for them! Responsible bat-watching activities, particularly at dusk and dawn, can be a engaging way to appreciate bats. Public awareness and support are pivotal for the conservation of bats, and by spreading the word about their benefits, we can encourage people to appreciate and protect these helpful mammals. It's important to stress that the incidence of rabies in bats is relatively low; however, it's wise to avoid handling bats and seek professional help if you find a bat believed to be injured. Contact Owl's Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife or Animal Help Now.
Bears
Coexisting with Florida bears is crucial for their preservation and your safety. Remember: they're attracted to food (even just the smell of it) so keep trash in bear-resistant containers. If you've seen bears around your home, consider bear-proofing your property with bear-resistant doors and windows for your home to deter bears from entering. Avoid bird feeders if you live in an area where bears are routinely spotted. Do not feed pets outdoors or stock pet food outdoors. Keep grills clean and stored in a locked shed or enclosure. If there are fruit-bearing trees in your yard, pick fruit regularly and remove any fruit that's fallen to the ground. Put your trash out in the morning (rather than the night before) for garbage collection. Inform neighbors and visitors about bear-friendly practices, emphasizing the importance of not attracting bears with unsecured food. By following these steps, you can reduce potential conflicts while helping protect these magnificent animals. Learn more about coexisting with bears at FWC's website here.
Bobcats
Problems with these elusive cats are rare. As general precautions, keep food secure and avoid feeding animals outdoors. If you must, clean up afterward and bring bowls indoors. Remember that if you leave food outdoors, wild animals don't know it's not for them. That's why it should by avoided whenever possible. It's important to understand that feeding birds, squirrels, etc. will attract other animals too. Dogs should always be leashed when on a walk (on a non-retractable leash) and cats should be kept indoors. Bobcats pose no significant public health or safety concerns for humans. Although bobcats can be affected by rabies, the incidence of this disease in these animals is extremely low. If you see a bobcat in your neighborhood, hazing is an option.
Coyotes
There is a tremendous amount of unfounded fear surrounding coyotes. Coyotes generally prefer to avoid interactions with humans. Never feed coyotes, whether directly or indirectly (do not leave food outdoors). Dogs should always be leashed (on a non-retractable leash) when on a walk and cats should be kept indoors. The vast majority of negative interactions between dogs and coyotes happen when an un-leashed dog acts aggressively toward a coyote (by chasing, barking, or growling at them) and the coyote reacts to that provocation. One study showed (in the rare dog-coyote altercation) 92% involved a dog that was dog was un-leashed. For many reasons that have nothing to do with coyotes, dogs should not be allowed to roam a neighborhood un-leashed and cats should be kept indoors. It's also possible to "train" a coyote not to enter your yard by hazing them. Yelling, waving your arms above your head, and/or banging pots & pans together are all hazing techniques. The goal is to get the coyote to associate un-pleasantness with your yard...they'll learn that your yard is not a place where they want to be.
Crows
They can remember human faces and will remember if their interaction with the person was negative or positive (so be nice to them!). However, like most wildlife, it's not advisable to feed them. Also - and we don't mean to throw them under the bus - oftentimes when garbage bags on the curb are ripped open, people blame raccoons or possums but crows are the offender! Avoid putting the bag of garbage on the curb without a vessel. A garbage can with a lock feature is the best option, as well as putting the garbage on the curb as close to pick up time as possible.
Deer
Many people enjoy seeing deer in their neighborhood and conflicts are rare. Complaints are usually related to gardening. A little planning and research can help minimize the presence of plants they enjoy, while creating a garden that is less prone to deer browsing. Acknowledging that some degree of damage is inevitable when sharing living spaces with deer is part of the coexistence equation. We recommend reacting to occasional inconveniences with a good-natured sense of humor. For detailed recommendations, please refer to the following link. On the flip side, it's best to resist the urge to intentionally feed deer if you live in a suburban environment. You might enjoy their visits, but your neighbors may not and that might put the deer in a situation that generates conflict.
Foxes
Discovering a fox den under your porch can be surprising, but handling it compassionately is crucial. Begin by observing the fox family quietly from a respectful distance, avoiding unnecessary disturbances. Minimize loud noises and vibrations near the den, and keep pets and children away to reduce stress on the foxes. If their presence becomes problematic, consider installing temporary barriers where necessary but leaving access to the den entrance, allowing them to come and go while preventing access to other areas. To prevent foxes from entering your yard, secure potential food sources like pet food and garbage. Foxes are attracted to easily accessible food, so eliminating these temptations can discourage them. Seal off hiding spots under porches, sheds, or decks to prevent foxes from establishing dens on your property. Erecting a secure fence can also deter foxes, ensuring it is tall enough and extends underground to prevent digging. Use natural deterrents such as motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or commercial fox repellents to make your yard less appealing. By implementing preventive measures, you can foster a harmonious relationship with the foxes while maintaining the integrity of your property. For people who have chickens, rabbits, and other small animals that are kept outdoors should keep in mind that it's your responsibility to provide safe, predator-proof housing for those animals.
Mice and Rats
They largely remain unseen unless they gain entry into your house. If so, please use a humane trap that captures the animal without hurting him or her. Release him/her in your yard, preferably in the evening when they are most active and the darkness will provide some coverage from predators (NOT in a completely different location). Then find & repair the hole(s) they used to gain entry. Without that important step, the problem will keep repeating itself. Whatever drew the original rodent to your home (smell of food, warmth, etc) will be attractive to other animals. We can't stress this enough: you MUST fix the whatever is allowing them access. You might be wondering why we advised not to bring the animal far away. While people think that's a humane solution ("I'll just drop them off at a park and they'll live happily ever after!"), it doesn't work that way. First and foremost, the animal you're relocating may have babies that are left behind to starve to death. You also have to remember that many species of animals are territorial. So when an animal is relocated to an area, chances are high that there is already an animal of that species that has claimed that territory. Now you've dropped a frightened rat or mouse in someone else's territory where they will not be welcome and may likely be attacked once the resident animal comes across the animal you've now made an interloper. Please note that this is backed by scientific studies. For more info about why relocating wildlife is bad, click here. Humane mouse and rat traps are readily available on Amazon, Walmart, and many home improvement and hardware stores. Please never use glue traps: they are egregiously cruel. They should be banned.
Opossums
North America's only marsupial, it's not uncommon to see them in a neighborhood. Among other things, these omnivores eat ticks, insects, and venomous snakes - they should be welcomed, not feared and certainly not persecuted. They're often attracted to yards where dog/cat food is left outdoors. Opossums are one of those animals who people have deemed to be ugly (who are these people?!) and as such, they are often treated with fear and disdain. They shouldn't be. They are harmless, rarely carry rabies (their body temperature is low, making it an unsuitable environment for the virus to thrive), and they are not a threat to pets. Dogs, in particular, are more of a threat to possums than the other way around. If there is an altercation between your dog and a opossum, please break up the fight and put your dog inside, giving the opossum time to "shake it off" and leave. After a couple of minutes, check on the opossum and if they've been seriously injured, please help them. Contact Animal Help Now, Owl's Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, or one of these licensed wildlife rehabilitators. They will either help you or direct you to someone in your area. Please do not try to find a wildlife rehabber on your own. Only release the animal to a rehabber that has been recommended by one of the entities listed. One last thing: do not try to fix the injury or give any medical treatment, unless instructed by one of the rehabbers on this list. We've seen many animals whose injuries were made worse by attempts to "help."
Rabbits
We'd like to think most people would enjoy having rabbits visit their yard (we do!) Rabbits provide environmental benefits through seed dispersal and vegetation control. They likely won't be causing much, if any, damage to your yard. Please do not interfere with families, if you find them. Disturbing wild rabbit babies can have severe consequences: Handling them can cause stress, potential injury, or even death due to their delicate nature. Finding babies alone does NOT mean they are abandoned. Mother rabbits, like most animals, will leave their their offspring so they can find food, exercise, or just take a break from their offspring. Wildlife rehabbers have their hands full with animals that truly need help; Let's not burden them with healthy animals that should have been left undisturbed. Remember: even the best wildlife rehabber cannot do as good a job raising babies as their mother could do. Let mothers raise their young. If you think they have ben abandoned, create an X over the nest with yard, straw, or twigs. Wait 24 hrs. If the X is disturbed, mom is around - leave them alone. If the X is undisturbed, contact one of the wildlife organizations recommended on this page and be sure to follow their advice!
Raccoons
Strive for a symbiotic relationship with raccoons by adopting proactive measures to minimize potential conflicts. Start by removing attractants from your property: remove fallen fruit from trees, do not leave pet food outdoors, secure trash cans and, if possible, put trash out on the morning of pick up. Recognize that visits are likely to be brief and opportunistic. If you have a chicken coop, ensure it is securely sealed to prevent raccoons from accessing it. Raccoons might opt for attics or chimneys as their dens. Before installing chimney caps, make sure there are no animals already occupying the space. Understand that raccoons are extremely smart! They also happen to have hands with five fingers, remarkably similar to human hands, allowing them to grasp and manipulate objects skillfully. In case coexistence proves difficult, always opt for non-lethal, humane solutions by consulting Animal Help Now, The Wildlife Whisperer, or 411 Wildlife Solutions. It's important to understand that raccoons are part of the natural ecosystem and, as such, deserve consideration and respect.
Snakes
Do not kill snakes! Wait! Don’t leave - hear us out. The vast majority of snakes are non venomous, which means the snake you’re killing is most likely a harmless snake and beneficial to the environment ( in fairness to venomous snakes, they too, provide environmental benefits.) Often times, the presence of the nonvenomous snake will discourage a venomous snake from being in the area, so it’s actually counterintuitive. Rule #1: Leave the snake alone. Most people get bitten when they try to handle the snake, who is only defending him/herself. Snakes do not cause damage to structures or other property and they don’t eat plants. You may notice a theme for coexisting with wildlife but as we’ve stated with other animals, keeping your yard clean and free from debris goes a long way toward keeping unwanted visitors. Exercise caution around bodies of water as snakes are frequently present in such environments, including ponds, lakes, and rivers. Seal any openings – including small gaps or cracks – in your home's foundation, walls, and doors to prevent snakes (and other wildlife!) from getting inside. We’re going to defer to FWC’s (Fish & Wildlife Commission) good advice: “There is no good reason to kill a snake except in the unlikely situation of a venomous snake posing immediate danger to people or pets. Snakes usually bite people only if they are molested; it's their only means of self-defense. Even a venomous snake in the woods or crossing the road poses no threat and should be left alone. Also, most larger snakes travel in large areas, so one you see in your yard today may be far away tomorrow. The frequent sighting of snakes near dwellings or out-buildings may indicate the presence of rodents. Removal of brush, lumber or other debris accumulations will discourage both rodents and snakes. Rodent food sources like chronically spilled bird seed under feeders or pet foods scraps should also be policed regularly.” By following these tips and being mindful of your surroundings, you can safely coexist with snakes in Florida while minimizing the risk of encounters. Here are some links full of valuable information by University of Florida, FWC, and perhaps our favorite no-nonsense advice from Big Country Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.