Living in Bear country & other wildlife

NatureWalk at Seagrove is surrounded by a State Forest that is home to various wildlife, including deer and black bears, which also roam through our neighborhood. Other species living in and around NatureWalk include armadillos, bobcats, otters, raccoons, ducks, turtles, frogs, lizards, and even feral cats.

Also, venomous snakes, including rattlesnakes, water moccasins (cottonmouths), and copperheads, can be seen along walkways and around the ponds, so beware! We’ve even had an alligator in our ponds in the past.

Needless to say, make sure your family & guests stay out of the various retention ponds in NatureWalk.  No fishing!

Wildlife Tips for Owners & Guests

Excerpt below from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
https://myfwc.com/

“Florida’s weather and abundant natural resources make it a popular travel destination for vacationers and seasonal residents. When visiting, whether for a short vacation or an entire season, it is important to be aware of and safely coexist with Florida’s native wildlife. By taking a few simple actions, people can significantly reduce the chances of having negative encounters with wildlife and help in the long-term conservation of the state’s native species.

PROTECT YOUR PETS

  • Keep pets inside, secured on short (6-foot or less), nonretractable leashes, or attended even in fenced yards. Free-ranging pets can both harm wildlife and be harmed by wildlife.
  • Pets should not swim in open bodies of fresh water. Prevent interactions between pets and alligators and crocodiles, snakes, otters, and other wildlife by walking pets in areas away from the water’s edge.
  • If feeding pets outside, remain present while pets eat and clean up food, dishes, and bowls when your pet is finished.
  • If your pet is bitten or injured by a wild animal, contact your veterinarian for follow-up care.

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

  • Do not store food or scented items in vehicles, screened enclosures, carports, or unsecured structures. Wildlife may attempt to access any unsecured food or scented items.
  • When grilling outdoors, do not leave grills unattended; clean thoroughly afterward, and store grills in a sturdy shed or garage if possible.
  • When leaving or returning to your seasonal residence:
    • Inspect potential entry points into the structure (soffits, attics, crawl spaces, etc.) If there is no evidence of wildlife in the structure, make any needed repairs so that wildlife does not enter the structure.
    • When away for an extended period, secure vehicles in garages or cover your vehicle to prevent wildlife from residence, nesting, or potentially damaging the vehicle.

PROTECT WILDLIFE

  • Give wildlife space – view wild animals through binoculars or from an adequate distance so wildlife doesn’t feel threatened or become habituated to people.
  • Never intentionally or unintentionally feed wildlife; secure food and waste in wildlife-resistant containers. Feeding wild animals can reduce their natural fear of humans, which may result in aggression and the need for the animal to be removed or humanely killed to protect public safety. Please note that feeding several species of wildlife in Florida is illegal.  
  • Let the professionals care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.”

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