Wildlife

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Living with Wildlife

Port St. Lucie is home to a variety of wildlife that have adapted to living in an urban environment. The majority have adapted their way of life around the fast living lifestyles of our residents and are rarely noticed.

However, there are occasions when wildlife and humans interact, and it is important to know and understand their role in our ecosystem. Port St. Lucie Animal Control can help residents identify local wildlife and provide information to ease concerns or remedy potential problems.

For general questions regarding wildlife in your neighborhood, contact our office at 772-871-5042.

PSL Living: Biologists discuss how residents, wildlife can co-exist in our community

Protected Wildlife

Florida’s imperiled species are fish and wildlife species that meet criteria to be listed as federally endangered, federally threatened, state threatened or Species of Special Concern.

In Florida, the gopher tortoise is listed as Threatened. Both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law. Gopher tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the FWC before capturing and relocating tortoises.

The Florida sandhill crane is protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and as a State-designated Threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.

Learn more about Wildlife Conservation and Wildlife Licenses and Permits.

Nuisance Wildlife

black bear

The State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission defines “nuisance wildlife” as wildlife that causes (or is about to cause) property damage, presents a threat to public safety or causes an annoyance within, under or upon a building. Due to the regulations regarding the trapping and release of “nuisance wildlife” the City of Port St. Lucie Animal Control division cannot provide this service. Any healthy wildlife caught in a trap will be released onto the same property in which it was caught. A resident may contact a licensed wildlife trapper to remove nuisance wildlife. Consult your local telephone directory or www.myfwc.com for contact information.

The Animal Control division can assist a resident with alternatives such as the use of deterrents and repellents. For tips on how to live with wildlife and steps you can take to deter them, download our Nuisance Wildlife Guide(PDF, 524KB) or click on the links below for more info.

MyFWC.com: Nuisance Wildlife

Orphaned Wildlife

If You Care, Leave It There

barred owl

Do not touch or handle baby wildlife. The animal’s mother is usually nearby feeding or caring for other young. If you believe the animal has been abandoned or its mother killed or injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or dial 911 and request an Animal Control Officer.

MyFWC.com: Injured and Orphaned Wildlife

Common Florida Wildlife