The State of Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
is responsible for regulating indigenous wild animals and wild
and/or exotic animals kept in captivity. You can contact the
FWCC at 561.625.5122.
Boynton Beach Animal Control provides field response services
for sick, injured, orphaned or diseased wildlife only. Residents
must contact a private trapper for removal of healthy nuisance
species. All individuals who trap, relocate or transport any
indigenous wild animal must possess a current permit obtained
from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The most common species of mammals that you may encounter in
this area are raccoons, opossums, fox, skunks, and on rare
occasions, bobcats. It is possible to live in harmony with
wildlife if you understand the habits of these animals and use
proper control methods to avoid potential conflicts. Never touch
or feed wild animals!
To minimize residential encounters with wildlife, be sure to
practice the following control methods:
-
Secure all trash in proper receptacles
with tight fitting lids; keep receptacles inside, if
possible, until pick-up day.
-
Do not feed pets outdoors.
-
Maintain landscape foliage and trim
all plant overgrowth.
-
Trim tree limbs away from your
dwelling-overhanging limbs allow wildlife direct access to
your roof and all attached structures!
-
Do not approach or feed wild
animals-it is a violation of the law to intentionally feed
many species of wildlife, with the exception of birds.
The
mere sighting of a wild animal is not cause for alarm.
South Florida has a large, diverse wildlife population. You are
encouraged to educate yourself about our native species and
enjoy our wonderful tropical environment along with its
indigenous inhabitants.
The rabies virus is a fatal disease that
can affect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. All
personal pets must be vaccinated for rabies and should be kept
indoors at night. Promptly report any wild animal that is acting
suspicious or aggressive and do not delay in reporting
animal-to-human bites.
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