ICYMI: Florida Springtime Dangers

LAND O' LAKES, FL – Tampa Bay area residents aren’t the only ones who have noticed the recent climb in outdoor temperatures and the arrival of wetter weather. Many of the Sunshine State’s critters are taking the turn in conditions as a sign it’s time to get out and start stretching their legs.

“As the weather gets wetter toward summer, snakes, noisy tree frogs and other critters may also begin showing up in residential areas,” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Gary Morse told Patch. While many of those visitors serve as a welcomed sign that spring has truly arrived, not every roaming critter makes a good neighborhood guest.

Here are a few of the creatures folks might want to be mindful to avoid as temperatures rise:

Alligators

These cold-blooded critters are known to take advantage of warmer weather by getting out and exploring their surroundings. Gator activity tends to rise right along with the temperatures.

“All reptiles are more active in the warmer months,” Morse said. “That’s just the cold-blooded creatures’ (way). Their metabolism increases and they do become active.”

That increase in activity can lead to an increase in encounters with humans as gators take advantage of this time of year to stretch their legs and see if the grass is greener on the other side of the pond.

With that in mind, the state warns residents to appreciate roaming gators from a distance.

For those who like swimming in Florida’s freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers, Morse suggested avoiding heavily vegetated areas. He also warned: “No swimming between dusk and dawn when alligators tend to be active.”

For residents who encounter nuisance alligators, such as those that show up on front door steps, Morse said it’s a good idea to call the state’s hotline. That number is 1-866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

He also recommends people who live in or visit Florida brush up on their alligator knowledge.

“It’s imperative that people do their homework, go to our website and learn how to handle (sightings),” he said.

To help out, the state offers a downloadable brochure with the ABCs of cohabitating with these reptiles. “A Guide to Living with Alligators” can be accessed from the state’s website.

Giant Toads

These critters are also known to come out to play when the weather turns warmer. The problem is these large, nonnative toads, also known as cane, bufo or marine toads, do pose a threat to pets and people thanks to their large paratoid glands that release a toxic substance.

“When pets try to lick or pick up the toads in their mouths, the toads secrete the poison in defense,” FWC spokeswoman Lisa Thompson told Patch in an earlier interview. “The skin-gland secretions are highly toxic and can sicken or even kill animals that bite or feed on the toads, including dogs, cats and native mammals, birds and snakes.”

Pet owners are advised to take precautions when their animals are outside and to take action if exposure is suspected.

“If you suspect your pet has been exposed to one of these nonnative toads, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian right away, as the poison from these toads is highly toxic to dogs and cats,” Thompson said. “To prevent encounters between these invasive toads and pets, it is recommended that you monitor pets when outside and minimize attractants around your home. The toads are attracted to pet food and water bowls left outside, as well as outside lights.”

To learn more about this invasive species, visit FWC onlineor the University of Florida Wildlife Extension.

Puss Caterpillars

These rather unusual and quite fuzzy creatures have two seasons in Florida – spring and fall. These critters are known to drop from trees and can cause a rather painful irritation.

“Under the soft hairs are stiff spines that are attached to poison glands,” the University of Florida explained in a report about the state’s stinging and venomous caterpillars. “When touched, these poisonous spines break off in the skin and cause severe pain.”

Known to thrive in citrus and oak trees and other broadleaf shrubs and trees, these caterpillars can cause severe reactions in some people, the Florida Poison Information Center – Tampa, warns.

Aside from the distinct furry, flat, beige appearance of these creatures, officials say those who run into them are likely to notice right way courtesy of the pain the venom-filled spines produce.

Puss caterpillars eventually become southern flannel moths, which have a range that spans as far north as New Jersey and west into Texas, according to the University of Florida.

To find out more about Florida’s wildlife, visit FWC online.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the University of Florida