Wildlife is part of daily life in Central Florida, and Dr. Phillips is no exception. Ponds, canals, lakes and green space draw alligators, snakes and other animals, so it helps to know what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises and who handles which kind of call. For wider preparedness information, see the Dr. Phillips prepare page.
Alligators: staying safe near the water
FWC offers two plain pieces of advice for staying safe around alligators. Both are about how people and pets behave near water.
Keep pets leashed and away from the water
FWC advises people to "keep pets on a leash and away from the water." Water's edge is where alligators may be present, and a pet that wanders there can be at risk. A leash keeps a dog close and out of the shallows.
Swim only in designated areas, in daylight
FWC advises swimming only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. In its words: "Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours." In practice, that means skipping swims in ponds, canals or lake edges that are not set aside for swimming, and staying out of the water after dark.
Reporting an alligator concern
FWC directs people with concerns about an alligator to its toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. The agency says: "People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286."
After a call to the hotline, FWC dispatches a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation. Residents do not need to find a trapper themselves for an alligator concern: the hotline is the starting point.
Snakes: leave them alone
FWC takes a calm approach to snakes. Two of its statements are worth remembering.
- FWC says: "There is no good reason to kill a snake except in the unlikely situation of a venomous snake" posing immediate danger.
- FWC states: "Snakes usually bite people only if they are molested; it's their only means of self-defense."
The takeaway is simple. A snake that is left alone is far less likely to bite, and killing one is not something FWC encourages. Giving a snake room to move on is the safer choice for people, pets and the animal.
Other nuisance wildlife
Not every wildlife problem is an alligator. For other nuisance animals, Orange County Animal Services is clear that it does not trap them: "We do not trap nuisance wildlife." Residents with a wildlife nuisance are referred to a private trapper.
If an animal is hurt, Orange County Animal Services asks residents to call 3-1-1 to report an injured animal. Its wording is: "Should you wish to report an injured animal, please call 3-1-1."
Quick checklist
- Keep pets on a leash and away from the water where alligators may be present.
- Swim only in designated swimming areas, and only during daylight hours.
- Call the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286 with an alligator concern.
- Leave snakes alone. They usually bite only if they are molested.
- Call 3-1-1 to report an injured animal.
- Expect to use a private trapper for a nuisance wildlife problem, since the county does not trap nuisance wildlife.
Who to contact
- Alligator concern: the FWC toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline, 866-392-4286. FWC then dispatches a contracted nuisance alligator trapper. Details are on the FWC alligator page.
- Injured animal: Orange County Animal Services asks residents to call 3-1-1.
- Nuisance wildlife other than alligators: Orange County Animal Services does not trap, and refers residents to a private trapper. See the Orange County Animal Services FAQ.
- Snake behavior and safety advice: see the FWC snakes page.
Sources
Compiled from the official sources below.