Florida Wildlife

The Nature Conservancy reports Florida is the seventh state with the most biodiversity due to having 4,368 known animal species. Amazingly, 269 of those species are only in Florida. One reason for hosting so many animal species is the diversity of habitats. Florida ranks sixth in plant diversity, with 3,038 species and 530 tree species.

There are four ecosystems in Florida. Terrestrial ecosystems consist of hardwood forested uplands, high pine scrub, pine flatwoods and dry prairie, and working lands. Coastal ecosystems include coastal uplands. Freshwater ecosystems are freshwater non-forested wetlands, freshwater forested wetlands, lakes and ponds, reservoirs, rivers, streams, and ponds.

Marine and estuarine ecosystems consist of bays, inlets, reefs, tidal flats, Keys tidal rock barren, exposed limestone, and the ocean. Saltwater marshes, mangrove swamps, coral and hardbottom, and seagrass are also included in marine and estuarine.

The wildlife living in each is affected by climate changes.

How Local Factors Can Drive Pests and Wildlife Into Your Home

Florida’s climate is unpredictable and causes shifts in temperature, water chemistry, extreme weather events, and water levels that can affect the well-being of wildlife. The four ecosystems consist of thousands of wildlife affected by habitat changes.

Rising temperatures and modifications from deforestation can lead to increases in nuisances, changes in fire patterns, length of growing seasons, and the spread of nonnative species.

Reducing wildlife habitats to build residential and commercial properties means the wildlife must find other places to live. Some wildlife will migrate, some will stay in the same general area, and some will become extinct. When new species move into the area, they represent competition for food, water, and shelter.

Rather than compete under constant stress, some wildlife will explore nearby areas, including local neighborhoods. Most wildlife can quickly adapt to an urban lifestyle. They will stay if they can find food, water, and shelter in someone’s yard or property.

Encounters with wildlife will continue to rise in both the city and rural properties. They can become a nuisance, which is defined by Florida’s Administrative Code (F.A.C) 68A-9.010 as any animal that:

1. Poses a threat to the public.
2. Causes annoyance or disturbances that prevent someone from enjoying their property.
3. Damages property or is about to damage property.

Each season in Florida brings a new set of nuisance wildlife.

Nuisances By Season

Floridians like to say they have two seasons. One is summer/fall, with summer being more prevalent. Hurricane season coincides with summer/ fall, from June to November. The other is winter/spring, which begins in November and runs through April. The temperatures do not drop much, however, with the average highs in the 60s and 70s. It gets cool enough that you no longer need air conditioning, and opening a window will keep your house cooler. Most of Florida is subtropical with mild winters. In different seasons, you may see diverse wildlife.

Summer (May to August)

Summertime in Florida begins mating seasons for some wildlife, like gulls, terns, and many other birds. Also courting and breeding are the gopher tortoises, flying squirrels, and alligators. Sea turtles come ashore to begin nesting. Temperatures often rise to the 80s and 90s during summer. Hot days can make some wildlife more aggressive. Below is a list of wildlife that may become a nuisance in the summer:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Rats and mice
• Bats
• Skunks
• Opossums
• Groundhogs
• Armadillo
• Alligators
• Iguanas
• Lizards
• Red-cockaded woodpeckers
• Cicadas
• Mosquitos
• Frogs
• Foxes
• Bobcats
• Snakes
• Chipmunks
• Nutria
• Rabbits

Fall (September to November)

While many Florida trees keep their leaves all year, others change colors and drop to the ground during the fall. The bare limbs help you view birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. The water is cooler, and animals in the sea may start to migrate to warmer areas. Northern wildlife is making their way to Florida, like snowbirds and monarch butterflies. Nuisance wildlife continues to make themselves known in your neighborhood and on your property. Some wildlife may be more eager to get into your chimney, attic, crawlspace, or basement to escape the cooler nights. Here is a list of wildlife to watch out for in the fall:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Rats and mice
• Bats
• Skunks
• Opossums
• Armadillo
• Iguanas
• Lizards
• Woodpeckers
• Frogs
• Foxes
• Bobcats
• Chipmunks
• Nutria
• Rabbits
• Cranes
• Vultures
• Waterfowl

Winter (November to March)

Winter months, or the dry season, for Florida wildlife means migration and an influx searching for warmer weather. The population of birds grows significantly in the winter, creating competition and less food, water, and shelter for each. They may search for these in your neighborhood, along with other nuisance wildlife, like the following:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Rats and mice
• Bats
• Skunks
• Opossums
• Armadillo
• Woodpeckers
• Frogs
• Foxes
• Bobcats
• Chipmunks
• Rabbits
• Ducks
• Cranes
• Vultures
• Waterfowl
• Eagles
• Owls
• Hawks
• Wild turkeys
• Snapping turtles

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Florida is a time of renewal and coming back to life. Animals that have been dormant are out and curious. Nonnative birds are traveling back to their northern homes. Many wildlife has given birth, like raccoons and squirrels. Some are about to give birth, like weasels, minks, and bats. Look at the Florida wildlife with the potential to be a nuisance in the spring:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Rats and mice
• Bats
• Skunks
• Opossums
• Armadillo
• Alligators
• Iguanas
• Lizards
• Woodpeckers
• Frogs
• Foxes
• Bobcats
• Snakes
• Chipmunks
• Nutria
• Rabbits
• Groundhogs

Florida Wildlife Regulations

Florida laws are specific when defining which animals can be taken as nuisance wildlife and which ones can’t. For example, bats, bears, and deer are protected. However, if you implement exclusion techniques or prevent more property damage, permits may be required for some wildlife.

Homeowners are given 24 hours to release nuisance wildlife once trapped. Specific methods of capturing nuisance wildlife are prohibited, like using a spotlight and gun, steel traps, or poison.

If wildlife is deemed endangered or threatened, the laws become stricter. One example is the bats of Florida. All bats are protected species due to factors that threaten their existence, like the white-nose syndrome. While you can obtain permits for removing protected species that are nuisances, you must follow the rules. Bats cannot be moved or bothered during their maternity season, typically between April and August. Also, if a rat or mice infestation occurs, you’ll need the help of a wildlife expert who has the licenses, insurance coverage, and permits required for the job.

Encountering wildlife is going to happen in Florida. It may occur daily. Learning more about nuisance wildlife laws and regulations now saves time and money later.

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