Wildlife

Florida has an abundance of indigenous wildlife, and it is generally recommended that humans not interact with wild animals unless it cannot be avoided. Oftentimes, human intervention is the worst thing we can do.

As development increases, these wild animals have less and less habitat in which to live and ultimately it pushes them into areas they have not previously been found, including areas inhabited by humans. Finding safe and humane ways to enjoy Florida’s wildlife requires some level of tolerance and respect. Typically, mitigation strategies that do not harm the animal are effective at resolving conflicts. Exclusion techniques can also prevent intrusion of unwelcomed guests.

Please avoid handling wildlife especially raccoons. If you feel that young wildlife has been abandoned, there are things you can do to monitor the nest without having to handle the animals. More than likely, mom is away from the nest temporarily and will return. Please refer to the various links provided to learn more about what to do and what to avoid.

Animal Services is here to help, but please understand that we do not remove healthy wildlife. This does not fall within our realm of responsibility, and we are not equipped to deal with certain types of wildlife. Further, removing wildlife does not solve the problem as it only invites other wildlife to move in. We will respond to sick or injured, certain orphaned wildlife calls, or if someone has possibly been exposed to rabies. When we cannot help, we can provide you with resources that can resolve the problem.

To help avoid a problem; the first rule is do not feed any wildlife such as alligators, raccoons, opossums, hogs or bears as it is illegal to do so. As a matter of fact, under Osceola County code, it is a violation to leave food out at night for wildlife; section 4.31(h). Click here to see that ordinance.

Residents are advised to never approach or try to handle any wildlife. While all wildlife can be dangerous, hogs can be quite aggressive and pose a grave risk. Other wildlife may be exposed to rabies, a deadly disease that can be transmitted to humans through contact.

Injured or orphaned wildlife:

• If you find a wild animal that is injured, or a baby animal who is orphaned, there are several organizations that will take in and rehabilitate that animal.  Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge and Education Center will care for small, native Florida wildlife.

• If the injured animal is large, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission should be contacted. The FWC report wildlife incident hotline is: 888-404-3922, or #fwc. You can also email FWC at tip@myfwc.com. Always stay back from the injured animal; do not approach.

• For all injured or orphaned birds of prey, please contact the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.

• If you happen to find an injured aquatic animal, otter, wading bird, and saltwater turtles or tortoises, contact Sea World’s Animal Rescue program.

Click here for tips on recognizing and dealing with orphaned or distressed wildlife.

Alligators:

Animal Services will respond to calls about nuisance gators up to four feet in length.

Any nuisance gator larger than that should be referred to the Florida Wildlife Commission or a certified trapper. Please see the links on the right for more information.

Hogs and pigs:

Animal Services is not equipped to handle wild hogs and pigs due to the extreme danger to our staff in doing so and the fact that we do not have the proper equipment to safely deal with these very strong animals. . When these animals become a nuisance, it is recommended that a trapper be called to take care of this problem. See the trappers link.

Feral cats:

Feral cats, or community cats should be left alone, when possible. Please do not separate mothers from their kittens.

Should the feral cats become a nuisance or a concern, please call or contact our Community Cat department by using the contact form. Click here to be taken to that form.