Living With Florida Wildlife: Dos, Don’ts and What to Do

Florida wildlife is part of everyday life

Florida’s natural beauty is one of the reasons people love living here. But life near lakes, preserves, golf courses and wooded areas also means sharing our communities with coyotes, alligators, snakes, raccoons and other wildlife.

The key is understanding animal behavior, removing attractants and knowing how to respond calmly when wildlife appears near your home.

Why wildlife comes into residential communities

Wild animals are usually searching for food, water or shelter. Open garbage, pet food, birdseed, fallen fruit and unsecured outdoor areas can attract wildlife to your property.

Coyotes may pass through neighborhoods because they find easy food sources. Their presence does not always mean they are aggressive, but residents should never feed them or encourage them to become comfortable around people.

Dos for living with Florida wildlife

• Keep garbage and recycling containers tightly sealed.

• Bring pet food and water bowls indoors at night.

• Keep cats indoors and supervise dogs outside.

• Use a leash when walking pets, especially after dark.

• Remove fallen fruit, food scraps and excess birdseed.

• Trim dense landscaping near patios, walkways and entrances.

• Keep outdoor areas well lit.

• Give all wildlife plenty of space.

• Teach children never to approach or touch a wild animal.

• Contact the appropriate wildlife authorities if an animal appears sick, injured or unusually aggressive.

Don’ts around coyotes and other wildlife

• Don’t feed wildlife.

• Don’t leave open garbage or food outdoors.

• Don’t approach, corner, chase or attempt to touch an animal.

• Don’t allow pets to roam freely.

• Don’t try to remove a snake, alligator or other wild animal yourself.

• Don’t assume a young animal has been abandoned.

• Don’t run from a coyote.

Feeding wildlife can create dangerous behavior. An animal that becomes accustomed to people may lose its natural fear and begin approaching homes, yards or pets.

What to do if you encounter a coyote

Stay calm and keep your distance. Bring small pets close to you and slowly back away.

If the coyote approaches, stand tall, wave your arms, clap, yell and make loud noises. The goal is to discourage the animal from coming closer. Never run.

If a coyote behaves aggressively, appears sick or remains in the area, report the encounter to the appropriate wildlife authorities.

What to do if you see an alligator

Never approach, feed or attempt to move an alligator. Give it a wide path and slowly move away.

Alligators may be found near ponds, lakes, canals and golf course water features. Keep children and pets away from the water’s edge, especially at dawn, dusk and nighttime.

If an alligator is in an unusual location or creates a safety concern, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

What to do if you see a snake

Stop and give the snake room to move away. Most snakes want to avoid people and will leave when they are not disturbed.

Do not try to identify, catch or relocate the snake. Keep children and pets away until it has moved on. If the snake is inside your home or presents an immediate concern, contact a qualified wildlife professional.

What to do around raccoons and other small wildlife

Keep pets and children indoors, and avoid blocking the animal’s escape route. Do not corner, chase or touch the animal.

Raccoons and other small animals may become defensive when they feel trapped. If an animal appears sick, injured or unusually aggressive, contact local animal control or wildlife authorities.

Protecting your pets

Pets are often most vulnerable to wildlife encounters. Keep dogs supervised, avoid letting them roam near ponds or wooded areas and bring them inside at night.

If your pet encounters wildlife, do not place yourself between the animals. Call your pet back if possible, create distance and seek veterinary care if there is any possibility of a bite or scratch.

Live responsibly with Florida wildlife

Living with Florida wildlife does not mean eliminating every encounter. It means learning how to coexist responsibly.

Remove food sources, secure your property, supervise pets and respect the space of wild animals. With a few simple habits, Florida homeowners can help keep their families, pets and wildlife safer.

If you see an animal that is injured, aggressive or creating an immediate danger, contact the proper wildlife authorities. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.