Alligators, snakes, and bears, oh my! Florida boasts a wide array of unique, beautiful, and endangered wildlife. While it is wonderful to see and enjoy these creatures, here are some tips to make sure you and your family - as well as the animals - are kept safe.
Alligators
Rarely a threat to humans, it’s best to leave alligators as undisturbed as possible, and eliminate associating you as a food source! Don’t throw food or scraps in any bodies of water, or bring a dog in any swampy area. Most alligators will stay out of humans’ way, but if they don’t, make a lot of noise and give it a wide berth while walking non-threateningly around its tail end. Avoid bodies of water at dawn and dusk, and never swim in any bodies of water unless safely marked or tended by a lifeguard.
Snakes
Florida has four species of poisonous snakes: the cottonmouth, rattlesnake, southern copperhead, and eastern coral snake. They are mostly found in swampy areas. A snake bite shouldn’t be a risk unless you are attempting to handle a snake, or got within its “strike zone.” If you encounter one, simply give it a wide berth.
Bears and Panthers
A full grown Florida black bear is known to quickly move out of humans’ way if it sees or hears you. They are most active at dawn as they forage for berries, and occasionally may raid garbage cans - so it’s a good idea to “bear bag” your food if in bear country. The Florida panther is making a slow comeback in the Everglades area - it would be rare and special sight to spot one! Neither Florida bears or panthers have been reported to hurt or attack a human in modern times.
If given respectful space, wildlife and humans alike will be free to enjoy the beautiful Florida habitats undisturbed and unharmed.