Living with Wildlife in Tamarac

Living with Wildlife in Tamarac

Florida's Wildlife

Florida's wildlife and human population are encountering each other more often than ever before. As humans develop more open space and wildlife habitat is reduced and fragmented, encounters between humans and wildlife become more common. For most people, observing wildlife is a thrilling experience, but when an animal causes damage or attempts to share your living space, that thrill can turn to irritation or fear.

Human activities can attract certain wildlife species looking for an easy high-calorie meal or shelter under a convenient structure. Unfortunately this can bring them into conflict with the interests of people, and the wildlife can be considered to be a nuisance. Most wildlife/human conflicts can be resolved by removing the attractant. Trapping a nuisance animal should be a matter of last resort.

Occasionally wild animals and humans come into conflict. Whether that situation involves a raccoon that routinely gets into your garbage or an armadillo burrowing under your house, often the conflict can be resolved by removing the attractant. If removing the attractant is not feasible or has been tried and is not working, other measures to remove nuisance wild animals can be taken.

What to do about nuisance animals.

Wildlife Assistance

If the animal is a domestic or feral animal, such as dog, cat, horse, etc. - it is best to contact the Broward County Animal Control Office or the Humane Society.

If the situation involves a wild animal, such as a raccoon, opossum or snake - the Commission allows landowners to take nuisance wildlife under certain conditions. You also may give permission to another individual to take nuisance animals for you. Consult the FWC's list of Nuisance Wildlife Trappers that Operate in Your County. Most trappers will charge a fee for their services.

To report a nuisance alligator, call 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

Many laws protect Florida's wildlife. You can help the Commission - and remain anonymous - by calling 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report wildlife law violators.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has additional information about federal laws.

The FWC does not remove nuisance animals, with the exception of imperiled species in limited situations. FWC regional staff can answer specific questions about human/wildlife conflict. To reach a Wildlife Assistance Biologist, please contact the regional office. Florida Fish and Wildlife South Region

Wildlife in Tamarac