As the Florida sun begins to stick around a little longer, the state’s wilder residents are officially on the move. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) released a formal advisory this week, reminding the public that springtime marks a massive uptick in migration, breeding, and nesting across the peninsula.
To keep both people and animals safe, state officials are highlighting specific steps homeowners and travelers should take as the seasons shift.
One of the most urgent deadlines involves Florida’s bat population. Maternity season for bats begins on April 16 and runs through August 14. During this window, it is illegal to block or “exclude” bats from their roosts, as flightless pups can become trapped inside buildings.
Property owners have until April 15 to seal up entry points or install one-way exclusion devices.
“Exclusion during maternity season can trap flightless pups inside structures, causing unnecessary harm to the bats and additional complications for the property owner,” the FWC noted in their release.
On the ground, black bears and their cubs are also venturing out more frequently. Residents are urged to secure “attractants” like garbage cans, bird seed, and pet food to ensure bears don’t learn to scavenge in neighborhoods.
While seeing a bear isn’t a reason to panic, the FWC stresses that giving them space is essential to prevent them from lingering in residential areas.
Similarly, gopher tortoises are currently on the hunt for food and mates. Drivers who see one crossing the road may gently move it in the direction it was already heading, provided it is safe to do so, but the FWC reminds everyone that these are land animals and should never be placed in water.
On the coast, the focus shifts to manatees and sea turtles. Boaters are asked to watch for manatees moving out of winter habitats and to strictly follow seasonal speed zones.
For beachgoers, sea turtle nesting season is underway, meaning it is vital to keep beaches dark. “Artificial lighting can disturb nesting turtles and disorient hatchlings,” the FWC stated, advising residents to close curtains at night and avoid using cellphones or flashlights on the shore.
Filling in sand holes and removing beach gear at the end of the day also helps clear the path for nesting mothers.
The agency also addressed smaller species, noting that native snakes are more active in the heat and should be admired from a distance. For those visiting the shore, staying at least 300 feet away from nesting waterbirds is recommended to avoid agitating them.
If residents encounter young animals like fawns or fledglings that appear alone, the FWC says it is almost always best to leave them be, as parents are usually nearby foraging.
With more animals crossing highways, including panthers and deer, the state is asking drivers to slow down and stay alert. Anyone who suspects a wildlife violation or encounters an animal that is clearly injured can contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
READ: Tiny Eggs, Big Stakes: How Beachgoers Can Save Florida’s Nesting Birds This Season
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