April 10 - Celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day in Florida

Please do your part to keep our Palmetto Bay community a Gopher Tortoise friendly habitat. Palmetto Bay residents are fortunate have the opportunity to coexist with these torts in their natural habitat. There are several areas where you may encounter one while biking or out on your walk. It is up to us to protect their habitat.

To learn more about #GopherTortoiseDay and other ways to celebrate please visit: gophertortoisedayfl.com/

Included in the link above: 

Gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species because they dig burrows that provide shelter for 360 other species of wildlife, called “commensals.” These commensal species include the gopher frog, Florida mouse, eastern indigo snake, and hundreds of invertebrates like beetles and crickets. Without the gopher tortoise, many of these species would not exist.

You can help celebrate Florida’s only native tortoise by hosting an event in your community, asking your local City or County Commission to officially adopt April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day, and by educating others on the importance of protecting gopher tortoises.

Use the menu above to access resources, including the resolution template, ideas for hosting your own event along with hands-on activities, and educational materials that can be printed and distributed to friends and neighbors in your community.

Learn more about the gopher tortoise by visiting:  MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise or GopherTortoiseCouncil.org.

Photo credit - MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife

Introducing the Caecilians, a newly discovered non-native species to our South Florida environment.

Yet another non-native appears to be settling into South Florida ecosystem. There are reports of a very strange, ‘noodle-shaped amphibian’ known as “caecilians”  (pronounced “Sicilians”) having been found in the Tamiami Canal. South Florida appears to be the area in the United States where this animal has been documented, according to a new report from the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville and as reported in the Miami Herald. It was reported by the Miami Herald that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers recently came upon this specimen about a mile south of Miami International Airport.  According to the Herald, The aquatic, limbless, worm-like animals belong to an ancient order of amphibians that has been around since even before the dinosaurs.

Information below is taken from Florida Museum online, Weird, noodle-shaped amphibians known as caecilians found in South Florida canal, by Natalie van Hoose, July 28, 2021:

Caecilians have arrived in Miami. Florida Fish and Wildlife biologists captured one of the obscure legless amphibians in the Tamiami Canal, the first example of an introduced caecilian in the U.S.

Florida Museum of Natural History scientists used DNA testing to identify the specimen as the Rio Cauca caecilian, Typhlonectes natans, a native of Colombia and Venezuela. While caecilians – pronounced like “Sicilians” – hunt and scavenge various kinds of small animals, museum experts say it’s too early to predict their potential impact on the local ecosystem.

“Very little is known about these animals in the wild, but there’s nothing particularly dangerous about them, and they don’t appear to be serious predators,” said Coleman Sheehy, Florida Museum’s herpetology collection manager. “They’ll probably eat small animals and get eaten by larger ones. This could be just another non-native species in the South Florida mix.”

Editor's comment: Regardless of its impact, I am sure it is another non-native that we can do without. 

I invite you to read the entire article. Links provided above and below.

The Miami Herald has also covered this discovery, article available to Miami Herald subscribers (paywall): Welcome to Miami? A weird-looking, noodle-shaped animal was just found in a canal, by Madeleine Marr, JULY 28, 2021 

Photo credit – photo from the Florida Museum article only, original credit, “photo courtesy of Noah Mueller”

From SFWMD News, News Release: SFWMD, FWC Hunters Remove Record Breaking Invasive Python from the Everglades

 

CLICK HERE to view the SFWMD release online .

Python removal agents working for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) recently broke the record for the longest Burmese python eliminated in Florida. Working together as part of the joint python elimination program under the direction of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Ryan Ausburn and Kevin Pavlidis removed the 18 foot, 9 inch snake on Oct. 2 along the L-28 Tieback Canal about 35 miles west of Miami. This beats the state's previous record of 18 feet, 8 inches from 2013. So far, hunters for the expanded program run by the two agencies have removed more than 5,000 invasive pythons from South Florida’s Everglades ecosystem. “Under Governor DeSantis, the South Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission expanded our python removal efforts. Today's record breaking capture shows that our increased efforts are working to get harmful pythons out of the precious Everglades ecosystem,” said SFWMD Governing Board Member “Alligator Ron” Bergeron. "Together with our partners and the public's help, we can restore the Everglades and combat the harmful pythons that hurt Florida’s native wildlife." “The removal of this behemoth Burmese python is a triumph for our native wildlife and habitats,” said FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto. “It’s a great example of the partnership between the FWC and the South Florida Water Management District, working under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis, toward our goal of removing these nonnative predators.” The public can help control nonnative invasive wildlife by reporting sightings to the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 888-IveGot1 (888-483-4681), online at IveGot1.org or by using the free smartphone app IVEGOT1. If possible, take a picture and note the exact location of the sighting. Python Action Team and Python Elimination Program members respond to reports of large constrictors and other priority species to remove these harmful invaders from the wild. Burmese pythons became established in Florida as a result of escaped or released pets. It is illegal to release nonnative species into the wild and can negatively impact Florida’s native wildlife and habitat. Don’t let it loose! The FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program allows pet owners to surrender nonnative or exotic pets without penalty. Visit MyFWC.com/PetAmnesty for more information. To learn more about the FWC’s Python Action Team and the SFWMD’s Python Elimination Program, visit MyFWC.com/Python and SFWMD.gov/Python.

PRIOR RELATED POSTS - CLICK HERE to view prior SDU posts related to invasive snakes, both in Palmetto Bay as well as Miami-Dade County in general. 

 

Environmental post - FWC info on Gopher Tortoises

Gopher tortoises are long-lived reptiles that occupy upland habitat throughout Florida including forests, pastures, and yards. They dig deep burrows for shelter and forage on low-growing plants. Gopher tortoises share their burrows with more than 350 other species, and are therefore referred to as a keystone species. 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. 

I posted this as I was fortunate to receive an inquiry from someone who encountered a gopher tortoise in their yard and wondered whether it was a pet or if they could adopt it. They asked as to the type of tortoise it was. They cannot as it is a protect species in Florida. It is a very lucky person who has a gopher tortoise and a burrow in their yard, but you may not domesticate it.  

I am sure this example happens at other times, hence I post the FWC information as a guide. Make your homes native animal friendly.

Red-Tailed Boa encounter at Deering Preserve. Attempt made to catch and remove in order to protect our native habitat. Video and links to more information

I have been provided a video taken on Sunday, February 23, 2020, of area residents making a great attempt to remove an invasive red tail boa from the Deering Estate Preserve.

My first comment for those involved: "Great eyes!" You can see from the video just how effective this snake is at camouflage. They were really observant.

Video credit goes to Jeff Frette who both took the video (great work) as well as allowing me to share here on this blog. He advised that Rich McAlpin spotted the snake and called FWC. Jeff called someone who then called a professional snake catcher.  

The snake catcher called turned out to be Kristian Hernandez who won the Python catching tournament.  (See CBS4, January 26, 2020, Winners Of 2020 Python Bowl Showered In Prizes - hhttps://miami.cbslocal.com/2020/01/26/2020-python-bowl-winners/ ) 

Unfortunately for native wildlife, Kristian was 10 minutes too late. This was one lucky Red-Tailed Boa who got away to hunt native wildlife another day. May it not be so lucky next time. Eyes are out there, looking out for our native wildlife and engaged in the effort against invasive species.



MORE INFORMATION: I am posting a link to the official FWC Site relating to this invasive species. See: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Red-tailed Boa

Red-Tailed Boas do represent a significant threat to natives as they feed on lizards, birds, and mammals both on the ground and in trees. Established populations could potentially impact local populations of some vertebrate species. Anyone seen a spotted skunk in the area lately?

This is my 32nd blog post relating to Invasive Species. For similar encounters, see the prior post of December 27, 2015, Send me your python experiences - I am looking to uncover the extent of the population - and REPORT any sightings.

Thank you to Jeff Frette and Rich McAlpin for stepping in, making the call, seeing this through and most of all, watching out for our local nature.

Reports of removal of invasive species - in this case Iguanas. How should it be done? Link to a video and the FWC guidelines on removing the invasive iguana

Another in my opinion series. What are your thoughts? The reason I raise this issue relates to sudden reports here in Palmetto Bay residents who have witnessed various animals being caught, killed and removed here in Palmetto Bay. Are any Village Officials monitoring this? Is Village leadership even aware of these 'hunts' and, if so, what is the plan? Or is this one of those 'fail to see, fail to act' situations?

I have embedded a video that the photographer asserts to be of people on the canal killing iguanas. The videographer acknowledges that Iguanas are considered to be a nuisance, but thinks they should be killed humanely, and questions if the method in the video is humane. These guys are snagging the iguanas with a snare, and then shooting them with a pellet gun.  In this video, you can see at least 3 shots to one iguana.  I doubt it is dead at this point. 

The allegation is that these hunters are being paid $50 per iguana from the gated community to the south of the videographer.  (I am withholding the location of the HOA at least at this time).

The Videographer has issues imagining this would be considered humane. Don't get me wrong, these Iguanas are invasive. They are damaging our native areas. The issue is proper methods, humane methods and using licensed removers. Are they? I don't know. That is why I am putting this out there to stimulate debate and awareness.  As stated by FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto: "...(They - FWC) are asking the public to just go out there and shoot them up. This is not what we are about; this is not the ‘wild west.’ If you are not capable of safely removing iguanas from your property, please seek assistance from professionals who do this for a living..."

What is your opinion of this method of Iguana removal?



Note – It is legal to kill Iguanas - Property owners are free to humanely kill the iguanas, or trap them and bring them in to a veterinarian or humane society for euthanasia. It is illegal to poison the creatures. Iguanas, like all nonnative, invasive species, are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law.

CLICK HERE to view the official FWC site relating to the Invasive Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)  Information below taken verbatim from the FWC Website:

Frequently Asked Questions Can I remove iguanas from my property? Green iguanas are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty laws and can be humanely killed on private property year-round with landowner permission. The FWC encourages removal of green iguanas from private properties by landowners. Members of the public may also remove and kill iguanas from 22 FWC managed public lands without a license or permit under Executive Order 17-11. Captured iguanas cannot be relocated and released at other locations in Florida. Homeowners that trap iguanas on their property may be able to obtain euthanasia services from local exotic veterinarians, humane societies or animal control offices depending on the location and availability of services. If you are not capable of safely removing iguanas from your property, please seek assistance from a professional nuisance wildlife trapper.

CLICK HERE to view prior related posts of Invasive Species in our community. This is my 30th post relating to invasive species.

HOWEVER! Read the FWC statement (CLICK HERE):

Green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida and are not native to our state. They can cause considerable damage to infrastructure, including seawalls and sidewalks. Iguanas, like all nonnative, invasive species, are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law. While they cannot be relocated, they can be removed from private property with landowner permission.

“Unfortunately, the message has been conveyed that we are asking the public to just go out there and shoot them up. This is not what we are about; this is not the ‘wild west.’ If you are not capable of safely removing iguanas from your property, please seek assistance from professionals who do this for a living,” said FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto.

POD - more Everglades nature calling Palmetto Bay home - look at what is also found in these photos; with what the Anhinga is sharing the canal bank.

Photos of the Day.  Another example of local wildlife making a go of it here in Palmetto Bay.  Photos taken Sunday, August 11, 2019 - an Anhinga, an iconic bird of the Florida Everglades - seen drying its wings at the C100 canal in Palmetto Bay near Coral Reef Park.

Now one unfortunate fact that I have highlighted in the photos.   ... a tale of two species: 

The native Anhinga is sharing the canal bank with the non-native / invasive green iguana. CLICK HERE to read the FWC page on the invasive green iguana.

"Green iguanas can cause damage to residential and commercial landscape vegetation, and are often considered a nuisance by property owners," the FWC wrote. "Some green iguanas cause damage to infrastructure by digging burrows that erode and collapse sidewalks, foundations, seawalls, berms and canal banks." CLICK HERE 

More information about the Anhinga can be found on the National Park Service website - Anhinga: Species Profile.

Photo credit - copyright 2019, Craig Merwitzer, Palmetto Bay, FL, USA

CLICK HERE to view prior blog posts relating to local wildlife.

Photo credit - copyright 2019, Craig Merwitzer, Palmetto Bay, FL, USA

Palmetto Bay resident Mike Estevez and his fellow cyclist - first reported the bear sighting.

The Bear sightings have increased and some are worried. Palmetto Bay resident Mike Estevez and his fellow cyclists broke the bear sighting Sunday, June 30, 2019, see my post of same date: Why I bike - local nature seen via cycling South Miami-Dade County. Bears, tortoises, fish and Iguanas

In the meantime, please take precautions to avoid enticing bears into your neighborhood, where it becomes at risk for an encounter with humans. Some bear advocates recommend the following:

• Properly store garbage and recycling.
• Properly maintain bird feeders
• Avoid smelly compost, and other enticing non-natural attractants

It is mango season, so please, 

• Pick ripe fruit from your trees

More information is available about The Florida Black Bear on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website (CLICK HERE).

Please, please - do not molest or entice the bear. Hopefully it will go back into obscurity at its earliest opportunity never to be heard from again. 

FWC- Warm spring weather means it’s time to brush up on tips for living with alligators - important read

It is that time of year again. Palmetto Bay is blessed to have native wildlife thriving in our suburban environment, but this is not without risk.  

Related Post: June 16, 2016, Local Gator? Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program - SNAP. FWC Alligator Management Program

This posting was in response to questions I have been receiving involving our local alligator population. We have numerous alligators and even crocodiles traversing our local canals here in Palmetto Bay.  There are some hard and fast rules regarding these reptiles which were posted

But before you read below, I post an important note to those who may mistakenly believe they are making everyone happy by having a gator "relocated". Read the blog post. The story of relocation is as much of a myth as sending your aged pet to live out its life on “a farm”: see - Sorry, but Florida alligators are almost never 'relocated', by Colin Wolf  April 20, 2017. This post involves a true story:

A Florida woman was surprised and saddened to discover that an alligator she asked to be relocated, but not before putting bunny ears on it for a photo, is now most certainly dead.  

Last weekend, a Royal Palm Beach resident called a local trapper after a 5-foot-long gator was getting too close to her property during an Easter egg hunt, reports the Palm Beach Post.

Before the trapper could "relocate" the gator, the woman put a pair of bunny ears on the the doomed reptile and snapped a cute photo. Happy Easter! The only problem is, the woman wasn't aware that here in Florida the word "relocate" actually means "super dead," at least when it comes to gators.

"Meanwhile, back at the ranch..." (pun intended) The FWC sent out a reminder on 3/26/2019 regarding the American Alligators: Warm spring weather means it’s time to brush up on tips for living with alligators

CLICK HERE to view the complete FWC communication online.

The American alligator, Florida’s state reptile, is an important part of Florida’s wetland habitats. This large reptile is found throughout the state in fresh water lakes, ponds, swamps and slow-moving rivers.

During spring, alligators become more active and visible. When temperatures rise, their metabolism increases and they begin seeking prey. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water.

Because alligators control their body temperature by basking in the sun, they can be easily observed. If you see an alligator, keep your distance. Also, never feed alligators because it is dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.

Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. To reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators, swim only during daylight hours and in designated swimming areas.

The FWC also recommends pet owners keep their animals on a leash and away from the water because pets can resemble an alligator’s natural prey.

The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and urges people who believe an alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property to call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, the FWC will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation. The FWC also works diligently to keep Floridians and visitors informed, including providing advice about living with alligators.

The American alligator is a conservation success story. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. Learn more about alligators at MyFWC.com/Alligator. 

__________________

Stay safe.  Enjoy our local wildlife - from a safe distance - for the safety of all involved, you, your family, pets/domestic animals and the Alligators.

Manatee and its two calves have been spotted and photographed within Palmetto Bay. Is this sufficient to trigger manatee protection rules by the FWC?

A new development. A manatee and its two calves have been spotted and photographed within Palmetto Bay.

Manatees have  now been documented (2-23-2019) in the C100 Canal that runs through Palmetto Bay. This may trigger FWC protection. And note - FWC is key.  FWC has the authority to place "Idle Speed / No Wake" rule. Local governments can as well, but these rules require FWC approval.  More information listed below, but first, enjoy a short video, courtesy of Craig Merwitzer, whose family lives in one of the many homes that lies adjacent to the C100.


          Manatee Protection Zones

What are Manatee Protection Rules?

Manatee protection rules are rules that are established by FWC to restrict the speed and operation of vessels where necessary to protect manatees from harmful collisions with vessels and from harassment. In areas that are especially important to manatees, the rules can prohibit or limit entry into an area as well as restrict what activities can be performed in the area. FWC is authorized to adopt these rules by the Manatee Sanctuary Act, 379.2431(2), Florida Statutes (FS). The rules appear in Chapter 68C-22 of the Florida Administrative Code (FAC). Click here for maps of these areas.

Local Government OrdinanceLocal governments can also establish manatee protection zones through the adoption of a local ordinance. These zones must be approved by FWC before they can take effect, as required by 379.2431(2)(p),FS. Local manatee protection zones cannot include waters within the main marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway or waters within 100 feet thereof.

Rationale for Reducing Vessel SpeedsThe rationale for reducing vessels speeds to reduce risks to manatees

(Underline and bold emphasis added) (SDU Editor note - please review the complete web page for all details and specifics on the FWC Manatee protection rules)

Nothing is simple. There are rules and procedures. Please review the complete FWC web page for complete (and detailed) details regarding Manatee Protection Zones, Creation of Manatee Protection Rules (CLICK HERE).

I leave you with an additional manatee video while we discuss and debate - enjoy:

This meeting may be important for residents, especially those who reside along canals. FWC holding public meetings to gather input on aquatic plant management

FWC holding public meetings to gather input on aquatic plant management. There is no local meeting listed for South Florida - And note that this is Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC), NOT the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). The SFWMD is the owner/operator of the C100 canals that run through Palmetto Bay.  FWC is Statewide and the information here may be of interest, of impact, to SFWMD as well as our Palmetto Bay community.

This e-mail notice does clearly state that "These meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to provide feedback about management activities on Florida water bodies during the past 12 months." without regard to whether these are FWC or ALL "Florida water bodies". Policy set here may affect all other State agencies, such as the SFWMD.

Anyone, especially those who live on a canal may want to monitor this information.

ALL information below provided through an official FWC Email and is provided verbatim below. Information below is the responsibility of the source.

FWC holding public meetings to gather input on aquatic plant management

FWC holding public meetings to gather input on aquatic plant management

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 01/31/2019 09:41 AM EST

Jan. 31, 2019

Suggested Tweet: Public meetings held by @MyFWC to gather input on Aquatic #herbicide treatment program https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/22c1483 #Invasiveplants #news

FWC holding public meetings to gather input on aquatic plant management  

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding several public meetings to gather community input about the agency’s aquatic plant herbicide treatment program.

These meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to provide feedback about management activities on Florida water bodies during the past 12 months.

The meetings will be held at the following times and locations (all meetings are from 5:30-8:30 p.m. local time):

• Feb. 6 – Kissimmee: County Commission Chambers, fourth-floor Osceola County Administration Building, 1 Courthouse Square
• Feb. 7 – Okeechobee: Okeechobee County Civic Center, 1750 U.S. Highway 98 N.
• Feb. 13 – Sebring: Bert J. Harris, Jr. Agri-Civic Center, 4509 George Blvd.
• Feb. 26 – Eustis: Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Dr. 

There will be a Gainesville area meeting scheduled with the date and time to be determined. For updated information on meeting times and locations go to MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats and click on “Invasive Plants.”

Comments may also be sent to Invasiveplants@MyFWC.com. 

Invasive plants degrade and diminish Florida's waterways by displacing native plant communities. Some invasive aquatic plants pose a significant threat to human welfare and cause economic problems by impeding flood control and affecting recreational use of waterways.

Bobcat caught eating invasive iguana in Boynton Beach

Will nature step forward and provide a solution for Palmetto Bay's invasive Iguana problem?

Reported in the Miami Herald, online: Bobcat caught eating invasive iguana in Boynton Beach, by Monique O. Madan, complete article:

A visitor on a wildlife refuge tram tour captured a photo of a bobcat with its prey in its mouth Friday afternoon.

In a photo posted by the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach, a giant, non-native green iguana is seen hanging from the bobcat’s mouth.

“Green iguanas are not native to South Florida, so this bobcat is doing good by preying on a non-native species,” the wildlife refuge posted on Facebook.

Read more here:
Bobcat caught eating invasive iguana in Boynton Beach, by Monique O. Madan

CLICK HERE to view the FWC website and information regarding nonnative reptiles

1,000 fewer pythons in the Everglades. Miami Herald Reports. I was part of one out of the 1,000.

There are snakes, pythons no less, here in Palmetto Bay.  CLICK HERE to view past posts, with photos, of past python encounters in our Village).  

These encounters and captures unfortunately did not count toward the python eradication stats kept by the FWC (CLICK HERE for other posts involving FWC, including our Coyote situation).

The python control has now broken 1,000 pythons.  See the Wednesday, May 23, 2018, article in the Miami Herald  (or online 5/22/2018) Florida's Everglades now have 1,000 fewer pythons, by Jenny Staletovich. 

Pythons are invasive and are devastating our local animal population. I'd like to think that I have been doing my small part, both in education through this blog as well as actually participating in a python "hunt" - I was on a python hunt on Feb 19, 2018 (with a licensed FWC guide/hunter) where we bagged this lil guy - 7 feet, 4 inch python. 

In the interest of full disclosure, this python capture took place on February 18, 2018.  The snake was not harmed as part of the capture. The licensed python hunter took the snake the next day to the FWC location where it was measured, logged and then harvested.  

Coyote FWC Workshop is confirmed for this Tuesday, Feb 20 - Recent coverage on Coyotes in Palmetto Bay

I am set to host the FWC Workshop relating to Coyotes in Palmetto Bay.  Please see the Official notice on the Village website (CLICK HERE).

(CLICK HERE) to View Miami Herald online, January 10, 2018, Coyotes are on the prowl in this neighborhood. So residents will be taught to 'co-exist', by Howard Cohen



NBC 6 has also covered the Coyote story: Jan 10, 2018 - Palmetto Bay Holding Workshop on Living With Coyotes

The above is all updated information from the prior post of January 8, 2018, FWC / Coyote workshop scheduled for Tuesday, 2/20/18, 6 - 8 PM, Have you seen coyotes in your neighborhood? Join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for an informative workshop about coyote biology and ways to co-exist with coyotes. 

FWC / Coyote workshop scheduled for Tuesday, 2/20/18, 6 - 8 PM

Have you seen coyotes in your neighborhood?

Join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for an informative workshop about coyote biology and ways to co-exist with coyotes.

I invite everyone to attend and participate in this workshop which has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 20^th, 2018, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM –at the Palmetto Bay Municipal Center.

More information to follow as to the specifics of this meeting. 

Please see my related posts on Coyote sightings in Palmetto Bay (CLICK HERE) or: October 17, 2017, Coyote update - meeting held with officials from FWC - here is authoritative information regarding co-existing with Coyotes in Florida.

CLICK HERE to view the Official Palmetto Bay Public Meeting Calendar for 
Coyote Workshop hosted by Mayor Flinn and FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - February 20, 2018, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM @ Village of Palmetto Bay Village Hall (CLICK HERE for notice as posted online)


10:00 PM update: Newly released photos of Coyotes in Palmetto Bay:

Photo Credit: Juan Alayo, posted to "Around Palmetto Bay" Facebook page on 
January 8, 2018. Original caption - "Just spotted this coyote on Ludlam (SW 67th Ave)
across from CCC (Christ Congregational Church). Beats frozen iguanas" 

Coyote update - meeting held with officials from FWC - here is authoritative information regarding co-existing with Coyotes in Florida.

Photo of a coyote in Palmetto Bay

Palmetto Bay is a paradise that we humans share with many native and non-native animals. CLICK HERE to view some of my past posts regarding the many species of animals we can find here in Palmetto Bay; crocodiles, alligators, eagles, marsh rabbits, owls. There is a long list of animals that call Palmetto Bay home. We do note that there are some animals that we do want to keep close eye on - including those designated as "invasive species".  

Reports continue in regard to coyotes in our Palmetto Bay community as well as in nearby Kings Bay, actually located in Coral Gables. A conference call was held with FWC officials, myself and with members of our community (I was joined on the call by residents/animal activists Cindy Hewitt and Lloyd Brown) on the topic of coyotes. Palmetto Bay went to the source to find out the issues, as well as status, potential issues and management strategies (if any).  We look forward to working with Greg from the Wildlife Assistance Program Coordinator for the FWC, on a future “Living with Wildlife” workshop or presentation.

Information regarding Coyotes in Florida  posted on the official FWC website: 

Coyotes are found throughout Florida and have been documented in all 67 counties. This medium-sized canid is extremely adaptable and can be found in rural, suburban and even urban landscapes. They are typically shy and elusive but encounters between people and coyotes in Florida are occurring more often. Coyotes help maintain balanced ecosystems by controlling the populations of rodents and small predators, such as foxes, opossums and raccoons. They are native to North America, have been in Florida for many years, and will continue to make their homes around the state.

The mission of the FWC program is to mitigate human-wildlife conflict through education, outreach and technical assistance. The members of FWC work with individual citizens, neighborhood groups, local government agencies and other stakeholders on nuisance wildlife issues and human-wildlife conflict resolution strategies. 

We look forward to developing a strong relationship between Palmetto Bay and FWC to monitor and manage these issues.

Please view the FWC website for information on Coyotes – and everyone I have spoken to is quite surprised to hear that Coyotes have been found in ALL 67 counties in Florida. 
See FWC's "Living with Coyotes". http://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/coyotes/ There is also a link on this site for the Urban Coyote Brochure .

Important: If you are experiencing coyote problems, please contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or your nearest FWC regional office: West Palm: 561-625-5122

Prior blog posts on this topic:
August 18, 2017, Update on Coyotes in our area – updated/better photos – have you seen any?
June 4, 2017, Guest Post - Coyotes in Palmetto Bay? What have you seen?
CLICK HERE to view prior posts relating to FWC.

Addressed on the official FWC website:

What should I do if I see a coyote?

Coyotes are not large animals and rarely pose a threat to people, especially adults. They can be curious but are also timid and generally run away if challenged. If a coyote approaches too closely, there are methods you can use to deter it and frighten it away. Hazing the animal by making loud noises and acting aggressively will typically cause a coyote to leave an area, but you may need to increase and continue hazing efforts until the coyote is effectively deterred and leaves the area for good. There are several methods of hazing that are effective with coyotes.  (please go to the website for complete information on this topic)

How can I protect my pets from coyotes?

Coyotes can and do prey on domestic cats and small dogs. Most coyote attacks on pets occur either at night or in the early evening or morning hours (dusk and dawn). To protect your pets, do not allow them to roam freely.  (Again, please go to the FWC website for complete information on this topic)

Why can’t coyotes be relocated or completely eliminated from my neighborhood?

• Removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective method to control populations. New coyotes move into areas where others have been removed. When there is pressure (such as trapping) placed on coyote populations, the species can actually produce more pups per litter in response and populations can quickly return to original size.  
• Coyotes are found throughout the entire state of Florida as part of natural range expansion from western states and now live in every state but Hawaii. 
• Coyotes fill an important role in the ecosystem by keeping rodent and small predator (fox, raccoon, opossum, etc.) populations under control
  

Invasives continue to turn up in strange places - please report them if and when you spot them

Pythons swimming in Florida Bay?!  There appears to be no place safe if South Florida environment to encroachment from invasive species. 

I recently received a report of a 5 foot alligator approaching kayakers in the canal that runs along 84^th Street here in Palmetto Bay (a NATIVE Florida species).  They were referred to the South Florida Water Management District where they made the report.  At least that is a native species that we need find a way to live with in peace.  For local gator issues - information on how to live with/report them - see my 6/16/16 posting: "Local Gator? Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program - SNAP. FWC Alligator Management Program".

This post is about the continuing travels of invasive species and how I continue to run into more and more of them in and near Palmetto Bay.  This is my 24^th posting under the “Invasive Species” label.

Christmas 2015 involved two python sightings (both dead).  No such sightings in 2016. No reports of python road kill or being pulled from swimming pools in Palmetto Bay. 

I am posting an article posted online on December 27, 2016 – Miami Herald  - Think sharks are scary? There’s a new critter swimming in Biscayne Bay, By Jenny Staletovich.

We cannot ignore the fact that we have our shares of Python captures in Palmetto Bay.  A prior post from three years earlier (Dec 12, 2012), noted that two large pythons had been removed from Palmetto Bay in 2012.  CBS 4 reported on November 26, 2012, that a “very large” python who made its home on a Palmetto Bay lawn was removed by the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Venom Unit near 180 Street and SW 77 avenue.

But I have not yet received a report of a python swimming in the canal.

The invasive were smaller in 2016.  I posted on my personal Facebook page: "Happy Holidays from the non-native invasive basilisk lizard now making its home in Palmetto Bay" - a Brown Basilisk lizard.  This sighting was at my mother-in-law's near Sadowski.  I had first noticed them at Perrine Wayside back when we were first developing that park into our Dog Park. 

Please report what you see – download the app from the FWC – “IVeGot1” Go to - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and link over to "Wildlife & Habitats"

See something?  Report it – and please keep me up to date on what you see and report.