Spring Wildlife News
Many wildlife species are more active in spring, and the FWC is encouraging the public to be aware and take precautions to protect vulnerable wildlife and avoid conflicts. Information and media resources, including photographs, video footage, and useful information are available below on a variety of species and seasonal topics.
Information by Subject
American alligators, which are Florida’s official state reptile, are fascinating to see. The occur in freshwater lakes, slow-moving rivers and wetlands in all 67 counties in the Sunshine State. When the weather warms up in the spring, they become more active and visible as they begin seeking food. While serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, it’s important to be safe when in or near the water. By following the FWC’s living with alligator tips, you can reduce the chances of conflict. If you’re concerned about an alligator, call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation.
As spring temperatures warm, bears become more active, increasing the opportunities for conflicts with people. During this time of year, females are teaching their cubs what to eat and the skills necessary to survive. Do your part to make sure eating garbage, pet food, or bird seed in your yard is not part of that learning experience by removing attractants from your property. If they can’t find food, bears will move on.
Spring days are a good time to spot a gopher tortoise, as they become more active, foraging for food and searching for a mate. We also celebrate and honor Florida's official state tortoise during the Spring, with Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10!
If you find a baby animal, it is best to leave it alone. Baby animals rarely are orphaned; a parent may be nearby searching for food or observing its young. Instead, report wildlife you think may be injured or orphaned to the nearest FWC Regional Office.
Chances of close encounters between manatees and boaters increase in the spring, as manatees leave their winter use areas and travel the intracoastal waterways along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and other inland waters. Look out for manatees when boating.
Bat maternity season begins on April 15. Maternity season is the time during which bats gather to give birth and raise their young, and it is illegal to exclude them during this time. Now is the best time to inspect your home for any small cracks or holes that might allow bats to get inside.
Birds of prey, also called raptors, can become more aggressive during this time of year while they are nesting and raising their young. Raptors will dive or swoop at people and pets who come too close to their nest, within about 150 feet, because they view people and pets as threats to their young.
Keep your distance from birds on the beach and birds gathering on tree islands. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. Disturbance can cause birds to abandon their nesting sites, which exposes their eggs and chicks to predators, sun exposure and other harm. Shorebirds and seabirds lay their eggs in well-camouflaged shallow scrapes in the sand. Eggs and newly hatched chicks blend in with sand and shells and are vulnerable to being stepped on unless people look out for them. Wading birds, such as herons and egrets, and pelicans also are nesting now on mangroves and tree islands.
These large marine reptiles begin nesting in the spring. You can help by keeping beaches dark at night and free of obstacles during their March through October nesting season. Artificial lighting can disturb nesting sea turtles and disorient hatchlings, so avoid using flashlights or cellphones on the beach at night. Turn out lights or close curtains and shades in buildings along the beach after dark to ensure nesting turtles aren’t disturbed. Clear away boats and beach furniture at the end of the day and fill in holes in the sand that could trap turtles.
Snakes are most active in the spring and fall. What should you do if you see a snake in your yard or while hiking? Just stand back and observe it. Snakes don't purposefully position themselves to frighten people. They'd much rather avoid encounters and usually will flee.
Waterfowl like geese can become more aggressive during Spring as they are nesting and raising their young. Be sure to keep a safe distance while viewing these species.