Wildlife

Wildlife

Trapping and removing an opossum or raccoon from your yard will only temporarily solve your "nuisance wildlife" problem. With the increase of development in Southwest Florida, another opossum or raccoon will move in to fill the niche you’ve made for it. It is often referred to as "the vacuum." The new animal is often times more of a nuisance.

Many people report an increase of opossums and raccoons at certain times of the year and during daylight hours. This behavior is viewed by many as being unusual and suspect; however, it is generally because the animals are having young and searching for food both during the day and at night. After the babies leave the nest, the animals return to their nocturnal habits.

OPOSSUMS

No matter where you live in Southwest Florida, the opossum is bound to be there. Despite its rat-like appearance, it is not a rodent as many think. The opossum is a non-aggressive marsupial. It has survived since the time of dinosaurs and is adaptable to almost any condition. The more common den locations are under wood piles, decks, and mobile homes.

The adult opossum is gray to black in color and is about the size of a cat. It has a pink nose, feet, rat-like tail and pointed snout. The opossum’s life span is only about two years in the wild. It has the most teeth of any land mammal, does not chew wood, but does tend to drool. The drooling of the opossum sometimes gives the perception that it may have rabies; however, there has not been a case of rabies in South Florida since rabies statistics have been taken. Generally, an opossum presents a far lower health risk to humans than do dogs and cats, as the opossum has a high level of immunity to most diseases.

The opossum is very beneficial. It eats all types of dead animals, a variety of fruit--preferably over-ripe fruit, cockroaches, crickets, beetles, slugs, mice, rats, lizards, and other pesty creatures. An opossum will hiss or growl and show its teeth if frightened.

It is not necessary to relocate an opossum that you see in your yard. The opossum is not dangerous to you or your pets if left alone. Do not feed or attempt to play with an opossum.

RACCOONS

Raccoons are found in all types of habitats. They generally prefer riparian or wetland regions. However, the increasing development of Southwest Florida has resulted in raccoons that have become quite comfortable living near human communities. These raccoons do not fear people like most wildlife.

Raccoons usually have one litter a year and mating season generally falls between March and May; however, the season can be prolonged through July. Raccoons are active at night in search of insects, fruits, vegetables, fish, and small mammals. They prefer fish, crayfish, and small mammals.

The raccoon is easily distinguished by its black masked face and ringed tail. It has a strong build and weighs between 15 and 40 pounds. The raccoon has earned its name, "Bandit." Urbanization and land development have taken the majority of the raccoon’s natural habitat away, but rather than diminish, they have adapted to the new urbanized environment and have flourished. As a result, our trashcans get toppled and the raccoon fishes in our pond.

PREVENTIVE TIPS

Use artificial owls, hawks, or snakes to discourage small birds and mammals from going into your fruit trees.

Sprinkle cayenne pepper around gardens and ornamental plants to keep wildlife from digging them up.

Secure lids of your garbage cans by running a rope or chain over the lid and securing at each handle. A trashcan rack will also keep the trashcans from being toppled over.

Take all cat and dog food inside before dark every night so that you are not providing a food supply to wildlife.

Seal off all routes of entry into the home: screen open windows, cover chimneys with mesh or screening, and seal off pet doors to the outside.

If you live in a trailer, seal the open space from the bottom of the trailer to the ground with a wire cloth, cement block or wood lattice.

Spray fox scent to deter raccoons from your property.

The best means of controlling nuisance wildlife problems in your area is to wildlife-proof your home. Trapping and removing wildlife should be a last resort, as other wildlife generally moves in within a few months and often within weeks.

Animal Services Home Page