ORLANDO, Fla. – You’ve probably noticed winter keeps coming back for the last word, but spring is officially here and the Sunshine State is starting to heat up.
If you’re new to Florida let us explain what that means — it’s wildlife time! Creatures all around are getting their groove on for migration, breeding and all that fun stuff.
We all know Floridians don’t have to be on a trail in the woods to have a wild encounter. Wildlife isn’t playing by those rules. Bears crashing porches, coyotes strolling through yards, raccoons treating your trash like a buffet — it’s all part of the Florida wildlife experience. And who could forget gator dating season? Yup, it’s a thing!
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said as the weather warms up, the wildlife will be out even more and there are some things to remember while outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather.
Bat maternity season
Did you know bats have a maternity season? Yeah, it’s a thing and here’s the kicker — it’s illegal to mess with them during this time!
From April 15 to Aug. 15, baby bats are plentiful. Blocking their roosts means trapping flightless bat babies inside. Not cool, folks!
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bats play an essential role in pest control, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Recent studies estimate that bats eat enough pests to save more than $1 billion per year in crop damage and pesticide costs in the United States corn industry alone. Not to mention, a single bat can eat up to 3,000 insects in just one night. Talk about an appetite!
Despise Palmetto bugs that fly at your head? Bats love those. They are the primary predators of night-flying insects.
Gator dating and mating
Picture this — gators looking for love and calories after a winter fast. Courtship starts in April, and by May or June, they’re swiping right and it’s a match made in the swamp. Females build nests, lay eggs, and boom, baby gators! Just watch your step near those nests.
Also, we know baby alligators are cute, but remember if there are babies around the momma is nearby. Even if you can’t see them, they definitely see you and will do anything to protect their young.
Bears and their babies
As temperatures rise, so does bear activity. Mamas are out teaching their cubs survival 101. Let’s not make “garbage diving” part of the syllabus, okay? Keep your yards bear-proof!
Sea turtle spring break
Who doesn’t love a beach getaway? Even sea turtles do! From March through October, they’re nesting. Help them out by keeping beaches dark and obstacle-free at night. No flashlight parties, please!
Manatees
These gentle giants are on the move from their winter shelters often finding themselves in the Intracoastal, so boaters, watch out! Slow down and keep an eye out for our manatee buddies. Nobody wants a collision with these aquatic celebrities.
Nesting waterbirds
Water birds have their own version of nesting season drama. Keep your distance, folks!
Agitated birds mean you’re too close. The disturbance can lead the birds to abandoning their nest leaving their babies exposed to the sun and predators. Let the little guys grow up with that gorgeous water view they deserve.
So there you have it, folks! Stay safe, respect nature, and who knows, you might just have some wild encounters right in your backyard! Just remember to watch from a distance.
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