Peter Ponders… Wild Life!

Each year, three of Florida’s most dangerous animals – the coyote, the black bear and the alligator – come closer to people and where we live. Or, more accurately, we keep coming closer to them.

Most at risk are little children and pets. But we can help prevent dangerous encounters.

Here are some tips for peaceful coexistence from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):

Coyote sightings in Lake Mary and throughout Seminole County are on the rise. Roughly 100 coyotes have been sighted since 2023. They are found in all of Florida’s 67 counties.

The problem is these nocturnal prowlers are expanding into residential areas and targeting our dogs and cats.

People are advised to keep pets on short leashes when walking them. And it’s a good idea to keep pets locked inside at night.

If coyotes get close to you, spray them with a garden hose or bang pots and pans to scare them off.

Whatever you do, don’t feed them! It makes them lose their fear of humans (a recurring theme, as you’re about to see).

Black bears in Florida don’t go into true hibernation.

They enter a state of reduced activity called torpor from late December through March.

If you encounter a black bear, don’t run from it. That only triggers a chase response. If the bear comes toward you, wave your arms and yell to make yourself look tall and scare it off.

Keep garbage cans secured, bring pet food inside, and clean grills to avoid attracting bears.

Black bear sightings are frequent in Seminole County, particularly in Lake Mary and Sanford. Although bears are rarely aggressive, people who have homes in the Urban Bear Management Area should always secure trash. Bears will forage year-round, but especially in the fall.

And whatever you do, don’t feed them. Like coyotes, it makes them lose their fear of humans, too!

The most alligator-infested lake in Central Florida is Lake Jesup. Between 10,000 and 15,000 gators live there.

While alligator attacks are rare, they do occur, particularly during breeding season, which is spring through September.

To be safe, don’t swim in lakes, especially at night, and keep pets on a short leash and away from the water’s edge.

Recently, a three-legged, 7-foot long alligator was spotted in an Astor Farms backyard.

If you encounter a gator, maintain a safe distance.

And of course, don’t feed them! Feeding alligators is illegal and makes them lose their fear of humans.

We’ll be okay as long as we don’t lose our own healthy fear of wildlife.

Peter Reilly lives in Lake Mary with his wife and son. He can be reached at Peter@LakeMaryLife.com.