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Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) – Spring is around the corner. That is, Florida wildlife is surrounded by action.
As the season of migration, breeding and nesting enters, these tips from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee help residents of all Florida species live together in harmony.
One way to prepare your home for a warm month is to inspect the property of a roost bat. If you find bats in your home, April 15th can remove them without permission.
Bat maternity season begins on April 16th, and then it will be illegal to stop bats from returning to their nests, even in your attic.
So make sure to do a final sweep of your property before doing so and install a bat exclusion device if you suspect they have created a home inside your home.
It could also increase black bear activity as women use this time to teach cubs how to survive and find food. Make sure your garbage, pet food, or bird species are reserved to protect your property from hungry visitors.
Gopher turtles are becoming more active as they begin to explore their peers. If you see the entrance to one or its half-moon hole, leave it uninterrupted. These turtles are terrestrial animals and cannot swim, so never put them in the water.
Marine life is also strengthening its activity and relies on your consciousness to stay safe. Manatees are beginning to leave their winter homes and may be more frequent spotted around Tampa Bay.
It is important to be aware of these large mammals when enjoying time on the water. Florida boats and other vessels kill an average of 99 manatees per year.
March also marks the beginning of the sea turtle nesting season that continues into October. To ensure that your baby turtles arrive at the ocean after hatching, don’t use bright lights on the beach at night, or leave outdoor lights on if they are close to the coast.
Hatch rings use the moon to guide the path to the water, so artificial light can confuse them.
You can help keep all beach and ocean wildlife safe by bringing it with you and removing debris like fishing line or nets.
Waterbirds also need help protecting their nests and eggs. Beware of camouflaged eggs in the sand as you walk along the beach. Repeated interference can abandon the birds in their nests and abandon the nests, leaving young vulnerabilities.
It is important to avoid interference with wildlife whenever possible and to stick to enjoying them from afar. If you think you’ve seen someone commit a wildlife violation, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).
What should I do if I see an orphan creature? Usually there’s nothing, FWC says. Most of the young animals you find are not abandoned. Their parents are probably looking for food nearby.
If you see an injured animal, you can report it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you, or to your local FWC office.
