03/15/2024
Active animal alert
Spring has sprung & our native wildlife understood the assignment! Some need-to-know info:
🦉 Raptors Raising Young: Hawks, owls & other birds of prey are nesting right now. They’re typically great parents but can be overprotective, sometimes dive-bombing perceived threats – I.e.: you, your family, friends & pets. Ways to coexist with our feathered friends: https://bit.ly/2OFF3O1
🐍 Sunbathing Snakes: Warm days mean native snakes may be out & about. If you see one, they are likely just as surprised by you as you are of them - just give them plenty of space!
🦌 Baby Boom: Come across a young animal on its own, such as a fawn or fledgling? Young animals are rarely orphaned & a parent may be nearby searching for food. Leave it be or contact your regional FWC office for guidance.
🦇 Bats in your Belfry: April 16 is the start of bat maternity season (baby bats – so cute!) – exclusions are only legal without a permit from Aug. 15 through April 15, so now is the time to start if you have bats roosting in buildings.
🐻 Bear Aware: Female bears are busy teaching cubs how to find food & bears in general become more active this time of year. Help momma bears give cubs a proper education by not enticing them to your yard with inappropriate food sources, such as garbage, pet food, bird seed, or similar.
🐢 Tortoise Time: Gopher tortoises are on the move, looking for food & love (same, tortoises, same). It’s best to leave these guys alone but you can help them cross the road, as long as you don’t endanger yourself & only move them out of the road in the direction they were headed.
🚤 Manatees on the Move: Our sea cows are on the move as they disperse from winter habitats. If boating or using personal watercraft, please go slow & look out below!
🐣 Sea turtles & Shorebirds by the Shore: Marine turtles & shorebirds are starting to nest on our beaches around the state. Help with nesting success by giving them plenty of space & avoiding entering posted nesting areas, keeping beaches clean & free of obstacles, filling in those holes in the sand, & keeping lights out to ensure nesting success.
🐾 Watch for Wildlife: Increased activity means more animals crossing roadways. Ease off that gas pedal & obey all posted speed limits, particularly at dawn, dusk, or at night, as well as in panther zones & areas with wildlife crossing signs.
Learn more: https://myfwc.com/news/spring-news/.
News Release: https://bit.ly/3IE15cs
