Florida info: 'Florida' is a Spanish adjective which means 'flowery.' The peninsula was discovered and settled by Juan Ponce de León on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1513. Archaeological finds indicate that Florida had been inhabited for many thousands of years prior to any European settlements. Until the mid-twentieth century, Florida was the least populous Southern state. Today, Florida is the fourth most populous state in the Union and second most populous in the South. Florida is mostly flat and subropical in climate. The dry season runs from October-April, and the summer is very rainy. Florida is nicknamed the 'Sunshine State', but in the summer, those thunderstorms are enough to make one think twice about this name. Worse than the thunderstorms are the many hurricanes that have made landfall in Florida recently, such as Hurricanes Charley (August 13 2004), Frances (September 4-5 2004), Ivan (September 16 2004), and Jeanne (September 25-26 2004) In 2005, Hurricane Dennis (July 10) became the fifth storm to strike Florida within 11 months. Later, Hurricane Katrina (August 25) passed through South Florida and Hurricane Rita (September 20) swept through the Florida Keys. Hurricane Wilma hit on October 24th 2005. These storms seemed to affect local squirrel populations quite a bit, as young squirrels were blown out of trees, but most other animals were unharmed. Florida is loaded with wildlife, especially raccoons, opossums, and snakes. There's also a lot of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats. Florida is one of the few states filled with the burrowing armadillo. The state bird is the Mockingbird, state Flower: Orange blossom - (Citrus sinensis), Insect: Zebra Longwinged Butterfly, Tree: Sabal Palm, Reptile: American Alligator, Animal: The Florida Panther, Saltwater Mammal: The Manatee, Saltwater Fish: The Sailfish, and the state Freshwater Fish: Florida Largemouth Bass. It is of course joked that the state bird is the mosquito.
If you need assistance with a domestic animal, such as a dog or a cat, you need to call your local Florida county animal services or SPCA for assistance. They can help you out with issues such as stray dogs, stray cats, dangerous animal complaints, pet adoption, bite reports, deceased pets, lost pets, and other issues. We have those numbers listed here for your convenience. If your city is not on our map, consult your local blue pages or search for 'Animal Control' or 'SPCA' in your town.

Florida is a warm, southern state with everything from orange trees to a large, central swamp known as The Everglades. As you might imagine, this makes for a variety of interesting creatures both land-loving and aquatic. In fact, Florida is so appealing to animals, species not native to the state have been able to move in and thrive. The perfect examples of this are the Burmese Python and the red-tail boa constrictors. These snakes are not native to North America, but so many were released of escape into the Florida wild that a breeding population was spotted in The Everglades. This is not necessarily a good thing, as many native creatures—raccoons and small mammals in particular—have begun to vanish from that region of the state. Not even a smaller alligator can always withstand an attack from the Burmese Python.
Alligators are used to being at the top of the food chain, and because of this the large reptiles are often nuisances around homes, where people fear attacks on themselves and pets. Particularly dangerous are alligators over 8 feet, during the mating season in May. Florida's suburbs are often surrounded by water, and alligators make good use of the man-made channels and canals around the region. Another problematic reptile is the iguana, which is significantly smaller than the alligator but large enough in its own right.
The warm climate in this state means reptiles and amphibians are plentiful. Florida has four venomous species of snakes, all of which can sneak into a yard at any moment. However, they are relatively rare. They include the Eastern Diamondback, the Pigmy Rattler, the Eastern Coral Snake, and the Cottonmouth, or Water Moccasin. Cottonmouth snakes are drawn to water—something most homes have in Florida. Thankfully, most snakes will move out of a lawn after a day or so. Some of these snakes like to live in the water, adding to the list of semi-aquatic animals that can become problematic. Other water-loving pests include beavers, otters, and muskrats. Nutria, another semi-aquatic rodent, are another example of a non-native species moving in and making itself at home.
One animal people don't think much about when they think of Florida is the armadillo. This little creature is not just a problem for the south central states. Florida has armadillos, too, probably more per area than any other state, because they thrive in FL's sandy soil, and they will cause just as much damage in Florida as any other state. They keep several burrows, and dig up lawns as they search for worms and grubs.
Due to the variety of landscapes in this state, Florida also has some large land predators. The Florida panther, an endangered species, is not usually a nuisance animal. It is rarely spotted. What the panther lacks in pest-ability, the black bear makes up for. The surge of tourists into the state has made black bears bold about raiding garbage cans and invading campgrounds. However, black bear attacks on people are rare.

Florida's landscape and climate make it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Unfortunately, this can also lead to problems for homeowners as animals seek shelter and food in residential areas.

As the human population continues to expand, encounters with wildlife are becoming increasingly common across the United States. One of the most frustrating and sometimes dangerous issues for homeowners is when animals find their way inside.

One of the most common culprits is the raccoon. These intelligent and adaptable creatures are skilled at finding ways into homes through small openings in roofs, chimneys, or vents. Once inside, they can cause damage to insulation, wiring, and furniture.

The specific types of wildlife that may invade homes vary depending on the region, but some common culprits in Florida include:

• Opossums: These nocturnal marsupials can squeeze through surprisingly small holes.
• Squirrels: Both ground squirrels and tree squirrels can cause damage to homes and gardens.
• Bats: Bats may enter through small gaps in the roof or walls, potentially carrying diseases.
• Rodents: Rats and mice can squeeze through tiny openings and contaminate food.

To prevent wildlife from entering your home, consider the following:

• Seal up entry points: Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks in the exterior and seal them with caulk or metal flashing.
• Install screens: Use screens on windows and vents to deter flying animals.
• Remove attractants: Keep garbage, pet food, and bird feeders away from your home to avoid attracting wildlife.

If you have a wildlife infestation, it's important to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the experience and equipment to safely and humanely remove animals from your home and prevent future infestations.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your home and property from wildlife damage while also ensuring the safety of both humans and animals