Whether you are new to Flagler County, or you are a long time resident, you may or may not be aware of the abundant species of wildlife that call this area home.
From Black Bears to Alligators, Wild Hogs to Armadillos, we share our neighborhoods with so many beautiful creatures.
Below, you will find a short list of just some of these animals along with a little bit of information about each.
This list IS NOT complete. There are so many more…
Alligators
Alligators can be found all throughout Florida. Flagler County is no exception. While most Floridians have learned to co-exist with these ancient creatures, there are a few key pieces of information to keep in mind.
Where there is fresh water, there can and most likely, will be, alligators. This goes for canals, natural ponds, water-retention ponds, the intercoastal (brackish water) and at times, even in your swimming pool!
Alligators are typically most active and aggressive from April to June. This is their mating season.
DO NOT, under any circumstances, FEED alligators. Admire them from a distance and leave them alone.
ALWAYS keep an eye on your pets and small children.
SNAKES
Flagler County is home to many species of snake. Both venomous and non-venomous.
The most common non-venomous species are… Burmese Python, Common King Snake, Banded Water Snake, Black Pine Snake, Black Racer, Blue Stripe Garter Snake, Eastern Coachwhip, Black Rat Snake, Florida Rough Snake, Florida Water Snake, Indigo Snake, and Eastern Corn Snake.
The four most common venomous snakes are… Pygmy Rattlesnake, Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouth / Water Moccasins, and Coral Snakes.
BOBCATS
The Florida Bobcat ranges from approximately 2-4 feet in length and weighs roughly 15-25 pounds. (nearly twice the size of an average house cat)
Bobcats are typically opportunistic carnivores and will eat whatever they can catch. This includes, but is not limited to, rabbits, rodents, small reptiles, birds, small cats and dogs, eggs, and the occasional deer.
These beautiful felines are excellent climbers and jumpers. Often times, when threatened, they will climb the nearest tree or fence.
DEER
White Tailed Deer are a common sight throughout the county. If you spot one slowly coming out of the treeline, it’s safe to assume that the rest of the family is close behind.
BEARS
Florida Black Bears are not usually aggressive. But they are quite large, strong and can react if provoked.
HOGS
Feral Hogs can quickly become quite the nuisance. Their rooting behavior causes extensive damage to property. They can run up to 30 mph and jump over fences up to 3 feet in height.
These animals tend to be more nocturnal during the summer months.
TURKEYS
Wild Turkeys can be found foraging for leaves, grasses, insects, snails, worms, frogs, even small reptiles. They can become aggressive during mating season, and will often chase and harass small children.
ARMADILLOS
The only species of armadillo found in Florida is the nine-banded armadillo. They eat mostly bugs, beetles, grubs, worms and termites.
Their burrows can reach 5 feet deep and 4-24 feet wide. Armadillo digging can cause extensive structural damage in near foundations or driveways.
MOLES
Eastern Moles are also quite common in our neighborhoods. These little critters will dig and tunnel throughout your yard in search for food. Signs you may have moles include: areas of your yard feeling “squishy”, raised mounds of dirt, raised ridges crisscrossing your yard, areas of discolored / dead grass that follows a specific path.
CUBAN TREE FROGS
This INVASIVE species showed its face in Florida in the 1920’s. They are predators of many of our native frogs and are cannibalistic. Lizards and even small snakes are also on the menu for these pests.
Their skin emits an extremely toxic substance that is harmful to humans and our beloved pets.
Cuban Tree Frogs and the American Green Tree Frog are often mistaken for each other. Pay close attention to their toe-pads! Cuban Tree Frogs have larger toe-pads.
RACCOONS / OPOSSUMS
Both raccoons and opossums can be found all throughout Flagler County.
GOPHER TORTOISE
The Florida Gopher Tortoise is listed threatened and is PROTECTED UNDER STATE LAW! This also goes for their burrows.
You MAY NOT touch a Gopher Tortoise or its Burrow unless specifically permitted to do so by the director of the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Gopher Tortoises CAN NOT SWIM and will drown easily.
These are just a few examples of the original inhabitants of Flagler County.
