FAQ’sCommonly Asked Nature/Wildlife QuestionsGot a question for our naturalist? Email naturalist@conservancy.org and your question may be featured on our website, or in an upcoming newsletter. Q: Is taking live shells illegal in Collier County?
A: There are laws that prohibit live shell collecting throughout Southwest Florida. If you take a living shell, you could be subject to a fine. For more information visit, http://www.shellmuseum.org/sanibel_shells.html Q: I have a pet turtle that is getting really big. Can I let it go in the wild?
A: If it is not a native species, then no, you should not release the turtle. It is illegal to release pets (nonnative species) into the wild. Release of unwanted pets is one of the largest means of introducing non-native animals into southwest Florida’s environment. Learn more about turtles at http://www.nps.gov/ever/naturescience/floridainvaders.htm Q: What are all the birds doing on the beaches in the wintertime?
A: Southwest Florida is a destination or stop-over for many migrating birds during the winter, especially shorebirds. Some of birds congregating on our beaches have travelled thousands of miles and need their rest. Please do not run through their area or disturb them. Florida Birding Trail has lots of information about these seasonal travelers, visit http://floridabirdingtrail.com/. Q: What do I do if I see an injured animal in the wild?
A: The Conservancy Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic treats native wildlife from all over southwest Florida. If you see an injured animal, call the Conservancy Wildlife Rehabilitation Center first at 239-262-0304 and ask for help. They will explain how to bring the animal to our facility or send a volunteer to pick the animal up. Never try and care for a wild animal on your own, they have very specific diets and can be imprinted easily. Also, see Conservancy Wildlife Rehabilitation Center page.
Q: There is a snake in my yard…is it dangerous?
A: Southwest Florida has twenty four species of non-venomous snakes and four species of venomous snakes; the coral snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake and the cottonmouth.
The two rattlesnakes and cottonmouth are pit vipers; easily recognized by their triangle shaped heads and thick bodies. The coral snake is recognizable by the order of its colors, which is mimicked closely by some non-venomous snakes. Just remember a traffic light the red is stop and yellow is caution since those two colors touch on the dangerous coral snake. Killing snakes can have a devastating impact. Snakes are vital to our ecosystem and we would be overrun by rodents without them. Furthermore the many venomous snake bites occur by people trying to kill them and get within a striking distance and are bitten. Remember, biting is the only defense a snake has if it can’t get away. Learn more about snakes here http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/onlineguide.htm, you can also visit our Nature Discovery Center and talk to one of our naturalists about snakes. Q: A bird fell out of its nest. What should I do?
A: If you can locate the nest and safely place the bird back in the nest, please do so. It is a myth that the parents of the chick won’t return to the nest because of your smell. Parents will readily accept birds placed back in the nest.
Many birds learn to fly from the ground, especially birds of prey. If you see a seemingly healthy bird on the ground it may have left the nest a tad bit early and will learn to fly from the ground. If you are unsure or have questions please call our Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic at 239-262-0304. Q: Are alligators dangerous?
A: Alligators are powerful; dominant predators that are very common in southwest Florida. Typically found in freshwater, they inhabit lakes, ponds, swamps and canals. Alligators are typically shy around humans and prefer to be left alone. During nesting season males can be more aggressive and females are very protective of their nests and young hatchlings. Never feed alligators as it can make them more comfortable around people and they begin to lose their natural fear of humans. Feeding alligators is prohibited by law. More about alligators at http://myfwc.com/gators/faq/lwa.htm.
Q: What is an invasive exotic plant or animal?
A: The invasive species advisory council defines an invasive species as “an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Florida has more exotic plants and animals than any other state except Hawaii. The climate in southwest Florida makes survival for many exotics easy and numbers are on the rise.
From 25 foot Burmese pythons, seven foot long lizards, colorful parrots and plants from all over the world, Florida has it all. Many exotics are released as people’s pets, intentionally introduced, or accidently escape by sneaking in on plants, materials and goods or ballast water from ships. Come visit the “Alien Invaders” exhibit in the Discovery Center to learn more, or visit http://sofia.usgs.gov/sfrsf/rooms/species/. Q: When is sea turtle nesting season?
A: Florida is home to five species of sea turtles, with the Loggerhead sea turtle accounting for most of Florida’s nests. Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1 and continues through the end of October. Please keep lights off near the beach during nesting season and do not disturb nesting females, hatchlings or the nests themselves. Doing so can result in jail time and a fine since all of Florida’s sea turtles are protected. The Conservancy Sea Turtle Monitoring Program has been protecting southwest Florida sea turtle nests for over 26 years.
Q: What is red tide?
A: Red tides are caused by a growth and increase of a microscopic alga, primarily dinoflagellates. The most common dinoflagellate responsible for our harmful algal blooms is Karenia brevis. Harmful algal blooms are found all over the world, and pose a human and environmental health issue. Swimming and going to the beach during a red tide event may pose problems for certain individuals, particularly those with respiratory conditions. http://www.start1.com/default.aspx Q: Can you help me identify a spider?
A: Florida is home to many species of spiders. Spiders are amazing animals, building webs that defy gravity and are some of the strongest materials on earth. When outdoors try to avoid spider webs as re-building a web can be very taxing on a spider and requires a lot of nourishment and energy. Florida is home to spiders that can be dangerous to humans such as several widow species and the uncommon brown recluse. More information about spiders can be found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in011 or http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN017.
Q: I am interested in making a butterfly garden. What is the best way to start?
A: Florida boasts over 180 verified species of butterflies, many of which can be attracted to a garden. Planting a butterfly garden isn’t hard, but does require planning and research. Utilize plants native to your area to attract butterflies to their nectar and minimize the need for fertilizers and water. Research the host plants needed for your butterfly species which is vital to a successful reproduction of butterflies in your garden. Start your research at the UF website http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW057, then visit the Conservancy for some inspiration and join one of our guided trail walks for more information.
Q: I thought Florida panthers were black?
A: No black panthers or cougars have ever been recorded in any part of North America. The only black cats are variants of the leopard or jaguar which are called melanistic because of the dark skin pigment called melanin. Florida panthers are an endangered species with numbers approximately ranging from 80-100 panthers in the wild. Numbers have risen since the 1970’s but panthers are threatened in many ways, with habitat loss being having the greatest impact. Visit the Discovery Center for more information on Florida panthers and panther research by Conservancy biologists.
Q: Are there really coyotes in southwest Florida?
A: YES. The coyote is becoming a common sighting in Florida, but these animals aren’t classified as invasive exotics. Coyotes expanded their range, without any human assistance, due to the coyote’s needs for habitat and food. Coyotes can thrive in urban environments as they can adapt to eating a wide variety of foods from rodents, rabbits, carrion, livestock and even vegetation. Coyotes are more active at dawn and dusk, but can be seen most anytime. Be particularly careful leaving small pets outdoors at nighttime or walking your pet at night. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW127
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