Port St. Lucie is home to a variety of wildlife that have adapted to living in an urban environment. The majority have adapted their way of life around the fast living lifestyles of our residents and are rarely noticed.
However, there are occasions when wildlife and humans interact, and it is important to know and understand their role in our ecosystem. Port St. Lucie Animal Control can help residents identify local wildlife and provide information to ease concerns or remedy potential problems.
For general questions regarding wildlife in your neighborhood, contact our office at 772-871-5042.
Florida’s imperiled species are fish and wildlife species that meet criteria to be listed as federally endangered, federally threatened, state threatened or Species of Special Concern.
In Florida, the gopher tortoise is listed as Threatened. Both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law. Gopher tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the FWC before capturing and relocating tortoises.
The Florida sandhill crane is protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and as a State-designated Threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.
Learn more about Wildlife Conservation and Wildlife Licenses and Permits.
The State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission defines “nuisance wildlife” as wildlife that causes (or is about to cause) property damage, presents a threat to public safety or causes an annoyance within, under or upon a building. Due to the regulations regarding the trapping and release of “nuisance wildlife” the City of Port St. Lucie Animal Control division cannot provide this service. Any healthy wildlife caught in a trap will be released onto the same property in which it was caught. A resident may contact a licensed wildlife trapper to remove nuisance wildlife. Consult your local telephone directory or www.myfwc.com for contact information.
The Animal Control division can assist a resident with alternatives such as the use of deterrents and repellents. For tips on how to live with wildlife and steps you can take to deter them, download our Nuisance Wildlife Guide(PDF, 524KB) or click on the links below for more info.
Do not touch or handle baby wildlife. The animal’s mother is usually nearby feeding or caring for other young. If you believe the animal has been abandoned or its mother killed or injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or dial 911 and request an Animal Control Officer.
Alligators
A trap cannot be used to capture alligators. For alligators longer than four feet, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission should be contacted at 1-866-392-4286.
Bats
In Florida, there are 13 resident bat species. Many Florida bat species roost in colonies ranging from a few bats to many thousands, but some roost individually. Some important natural roost sites for Florida’s bats are trees with cavities or peeling bark, palm trees, Spanish moss, and caves.
Bobcats
Along with the panther, the wild bobcat is one of two predatory big cats native to the Florida region. Bobcats are found throughout the state from the deepest swamps to suburban backyards. The bobcat is one of several wild creatures that still call Florida home. The adult bobcat can grow to about 50 inches in length and stand 21 inches tall and weigh 35 pounds. The Florida bobcat is seen in all types of habitats including suburban yards, and even city streets from time to time. Bobcats typically do not approach humans but will do so if fed or taught to associate people with access to food. Bobcats can swim and climb trees with ease, two factors that prevent them from falling prey to natural enemies besides human hunters.
Coyotes
Coyotes are found in every Florida County. Sighting of Coyotes do not necessarily mean that they are more abundant where sighted. Coyotes are wherever there is suitable habit, regardless of whether or not they are seen. A sighting only confirms that coyotes are present. A Coyote can cover a distance of about 2.5 miles in a night while searching for a meal. Adult males’ range between 18 to 44 pounds and adult females range between 15 to 40 pounds.
If you would like more information on coyotes and how to live with them, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife webpage and/or review the below documents.
Protecting pets from coyotes:
- Do not allow pets to roam freely.
- Walk small dogs on a short leash less than 6 feet, especially at night, dusk or dawn.
- Be careful if you walk your pet in wooded areas or areas that have heavy foliage, where coyotes may rest.
- Remove attractants from outside of your home like pet food and unsecured garbage.
- If pets are in a fenced yard, it must be at least 6 feet to deter coyotes from jumping over it.
How to haze a coyote:
- Wave your arms and yell.
- "Coyote shakers' made from coins inside an empty bottle can be effective noisemaker.
- Throwing small sticks or stones toward (but not at) the coyote usually causes the animal to leave.
- Vary your methods so the coyote doesn't become desensitized.
Foxes
The gray fox is one of Florida’s most commonly seen carnivores. A gray fox weights 7-11 lbs. Gray foxes are adaptable, opportunistic carnivores, flexible in their feeding habits, and quite tolerant of people. They feed on small animals, fruit, and insects, but they will also eat out of garbage cans and scavenge road-killed animals. Gray foxes prey heavily on rabbits, but they also eat rodents, birds, insects, acorns and fruit. They are active at night and usually hunt alone. They move at a rapid trot, eyes, ears and nose alert for signs of prey. Gray foxes are most abundant in hardwood forests, pine-oak woodlands and brushy fields.
Gopher Tortoises
Gopher Tortoises are a state threatened species and are protected under the Florida Administrative Code 68A-27. If their burrows will be impacted by construction or clearing it is important to follow proper permitting procedures to prevent harm to these tortoises.
Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Cranes are notorious for leg injuries. Cranes with broken legs typically can still fly - thus their capture is virtually impossible. On the fortunate side, we know of many cranes with leg impairments that are living successful lives without treatment.
Snakes
Port St. Lucie Animal Control officers cannot catch and remove venomous and non-venomous snakes.