Enjoying Florida’s nature should be done with common sense

By Archive

Published: May 27, 2008

The conclusion of the school year signals the beginning of many family vacations and outings. But remember, as you charge into Florida’s vast forests and waterways, you are not alone.

As warm weather awakens our senses to outdoor activities, Florida’s wildlife is ever-present.

That’s not an alarm to keep people away from nature, just a reminder.

Florida is home to many species of animals that are both beautiful and potentially dangerous. Avoiding unnecessary contact with these creatures is important for their preservation as well as the safety of humans, said Stan Kirkland, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Two of Florida’s wild inhabitants, poisonous snakes and alligators, should and can be avoided.

“Every year someone makes a mistake that could have been avoided. Someone tries to capture a snake and they get bitten. If it’s a poisonous snake, there’s just no room for error,” Kirkland said.

And if you are not certain that a snake is non-poisonous, the advice from wildlife officials is to simply leave it alone.

“I remember a few years ago a woman called my home after church and she was just in a panic because her daughter had picked up a snake and brought it in the house. Later there was no indication that the snake was poisonous, but children have to be taught to leave the snakes alone,” Kirkland said.

Snakes to beware of include diamondback rattlesnakes, canebreak rattlesnakes, dusky pygmy rattlers, cottonmouths, coral snakes, and only in some parts of Florida, the copperhead.

Markings on snakes can be confusing to the inexperienced person. That’s why avoidance is the best means of safety where snakes are concerned.
“The best and safest policy concerning snakes is if they must be handled, leave it to the experts,” Kirkland said. “And another thing to remember is that if you have a pond or open water on your property, you will have snakes. But that’s natural.”

Kirkland said many people move to Florida wanting a natural setting for their homes. Soon they realize that snakes, coyotes and other animals are part of the natural setting.

“Some people call and are upset because they don’t want snakes or their property,” Kirkland said. “Well, that’s just part of living in Florida. They’re not doing anything wrong. Where there are reeds and water and tall grasses, that’s where they’ll be.”

Bears. coyotes are here, too

While Jackson County’s natural setting is not the best for black bears, they can be found in the area at times.

Coyotes are all over the state as well. They mainly hunt rodents and other small creatures.

Kirkland said in the last two years, four bears have been killed or injured in Jackson County after being struck by vehicles. Two of those accidents occured on U.S. 231, and the other two somewhere along or near U.S. 90.

“It’s not that black bears are a problem here at this time, but we’ve had a problem with them coming inside houses near here,” Kirkland said.

One incident occurred in Niceville. A black bear forced its way through a door. The woman inside, once recovered from her shock, took a broom to the bear and ran it out.

That’s no always advisable, but Kirkland said home owners can do several things to reduce the risk of unwanted wildlife getting near their homes.

Tips include:

— Don’t leave food in your yard to attract deer, raccoons and other wildlife. Rodents may come and they draw snakes. You could also end up with coyotes, bears and other large predators.

— Snakes are a natural part of Florida. Don’t handle them. Don’t do anything to attract their favorites prey.

— Keep your immediate yard trimmed neatly. Don’t leave rubbish or old cars on your property.

— Never feed an alligator. They may associate you with food and act upon that instinct.

When hiking:

— Go with an experienced hiker and learn more about your surroundings.

— Purchase field guides to Florida wildlife and learn to identify the animals for your safety as well as for the joy of seeing them at a safe distance.

— Learn first-aid.

— Stick to designated paths. Carry a staff or walking stick.

— Having a partner or partners along on a hike is a good idea.