Encountered an Animal? Here’s What to Know:

Here at the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital, one of our main missions is to provide rehabilitative care to native Florida wildlife. Our hospital will take in sick, injured, or orphaned native animals and nurse them back to health to the best of our ability. The goal of the wildlife hospital is always to rehabilitate these animals in such a way that they can be released back out into the wild. For some animals, unfortunately, this is not the case. For any animals whose injuries have prevented them from being able to safely protect themselves in the wild, a permanent home is created for them here at the nature center. These animals then become our animal ambassadors!

Each year, the SNC’s Wildlife Hospital receives over 4,000 calls pertaining to animal inquiries, and the rehabilitator will take in about 1,000 animals over the course of the entire year. These animals include everyday critters like raccoons, opossums, and birds, all the way to feathered and scaled friends like herons, hawks, and snakes. The average person may encounter a situation with one of these animals while going about their daily life. Many people will come across raccoons, opossums, or even coyotes in their own yards, and that can be frightening! The SNC is the perfect place to help in this situation. However, there are some important things to know about these animals before giving us a call.

One of the most common calls the hospital receives is regarding raccoons. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are a species native to much of North America and can be found all over Florida. Most people know raccoons as the furry “trash pandas” that spend their days sleeping and nights digging through trashcans. Surprisingly, these are necessary behaviors for the survival of the species! Raccoons are what is known as an opportunistic species. This means that they are highly adaptable to an environment that is rapidly changing or one that may not be ideal for their survival. These species can find food, shelter, and all the other resources they need to survive in a busy urban environment like a city or neighborhood. Because of their abilities, it is common to find raccoons in a neighborhood like your own even in the daytime.

Habitat fragmentation and urban development are some of the main drivers for raccoons, opossums, and coyotes to dwell in neighborhoods. Although these animals do need a place to reside, many people would prefer them not to be in their own yards. Here at the SNC, we like to promote the importance of coexistence with these animals. Although it may not be convenient for them to live next door, they need a home too! Here are a few ways you can deter these animals from getting close to your home:

  1. Raccoons will search for food in opportunistic ways. So, if your garbage is uncovered or unsecure, or if there is cat or dog food left out overnight, that might encourage these furry friends to come digging.

2. Be aware of any fruit trees that may be growing in or dropping fruit in your backyard. This will attract racoons and other animals that might eat these as a tasty snack.

3. There are many resources that can be used to scare off these animals if encountered that are both safe and effective. Some of these include motion sensor sprinklers, cans with rocks or coins in them that can be shaken to scare them away, air hoses, motion sensor floodlights, and many more.

When coming across these animals, it is necessary to keep in mind the ways to deter them from your homes without harming them. Remember, there are laws in Florida relating to the capture, release, and relocation of wild animals. Before interacting with the animal in any way, do your research and contact your local wildlife center!