South Florida is a diverse ecosystem, home to many different types of animals. Sometimes, these animals leave their natural habitat in search of food and shelter. This is why you will notice some of them roaming your yard or setting up nests on your property.
While South Florida has many different types of native species, there are also invasive animals that are negatively impacting the ecosystem. These invasive species can also harm your home and property while on the hunt for food.
Being aware of the 6 most common and destructive nuisance wildlife animals can help you set up a defense in case they begin to affect your property.
What are the 6 Most Common and Destructive Animals in South Florida?
Most of the destructive animals found in South Florida are also invasive. While some of Florida’s native species can cause damage to your yard or garden, they are more likely to stay in their already determined territory. Invasive species are much more likely to be on the hunt for new food sources or shelter.
With that being said, the 6 most common and destructive animals in South Florida include:
1. Wild Hogs
Wild hogs go by a variety of names, including feral boar, wild pig, and more. These animals are invasive in South Florida, meaning they are not originally from this area of the country. Wild hogs are large animals, often weighing over 150 pounds.
If you spot wild hogs on your property, it is important to keep your distance. These animals can cause great harm to you or your pets, as they tend to be unpredictable and dangerous. Wild hogs might also cause significant damage to your property, yard, or gardens.
2. Armadillos
Armadillos are also a common invasive species in South Florida. While these animals pose little threat to humans, they are known to dig up yards and gardens in search of food.
Even though armadillos are not known to attack people, they can carry diseases like leprosy. Because of this, you should never attempt to remove these animals from your property without professional assistance.
3. Iguanas
While iguanas are native to Central America, they found their way to South Florida in the 1960s. Since then, their population in South Florida has exploded, causing them to be one of the most prevalent invasive species in the area. While iguanas usually do not attack humans, they can cause damage to your yard and garden.
These animals are attracted to a large number of commercial and residential plants, which means they might damage your garden. Additionally, iguanas may create burrows that can erode or collapse sidewalks and even seawalls. Because these reptiles can carry diseases, you should not attempt to handle them on your own.
4. Cane Toads
Cane toads are not native to South Florida, however, they were introduced to control pests that affected sugarcane crops in the 1930s. Unfortunately, introducing these animals has done more harm than good in the long run.
Cane toads are a dog owner’s worst nightmare. These toads secrete a toxin that can significantly harm or even kill an animal that bites them. Additionally, this toxin can harm you if you attempt to handle it while removing it from your property.
5. Raccoons
While raccoons are native to Florida, they can be an extreme nuisance to homeowners. These animals will do whatever it takes to reach a food source that they are tracking. This means you might find overturned trash cans, dug-up gardens, or leave piles of sod scattered across your lawn.
If you are dealing with raccoons, you should never attempt to remove the animals yourself. Raccoons can carry rabies, which is deadly to humans and animals. Additionally, it is illegal to relocate a native species without a wildlife trapper license in Florida.
Instead of trying to deal with the problem on your own, consider contacting a professional wildlife removal company.
6. Alligators
If you have a body of water on your property or even a swimming pool, you might wake up one morning to find an alligator has moved in. While alligators are not going to attack you for no reason, they will retaliate if they feel threatened or cannot find a food source. This can be dangerous, especially if you have small animals or young children.
While alligators are federally protected, there are ways to remove them from your property legally. You must contact a professional wildlife removal company that is licensed to handle alligators in South Florida.
Contact a Nuisance Wildlife Ranger Today
If your home or property is being affected by a nuisance animal, it’s time to seek help. At Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, we can provide you with removal, trapping, and relocating services that keep you and the animals safe at the same time.
Nuisance Wildlife Rangers is a full-time wildlife and animal removal company that extends its services to both commercial and residential clients. We have a great team of animal trappers who will work tirelessly to ensure that your home is free of any nuisance critters. We do not use any harmful products and we will focus on humane methods to exterminate the animals.
To learn more about how we can help, contact Nuisance Wildlife Rangers today.