With Spring in full bloom, wild animals are being born and beginning to explore their surroundings. Whether it be in your backyard, a lake, a zoo, or even our Florida air boat rides, it is important to know what to do if you see an animal in the wild. While in its natural habitat, the wildlife experts say that if you see it there, leave it there.
For some, especially children, when they see a wild animal they want to help it or take it home with them. It is essential to their health that parents teach their children why it’s not okay to handle wild animals. More often than not, if you come across a wild animal and it happens to be alone, the natural thought is that the animal must have been abandoned. However, it is typical for the mother to leave its young while in search of food. Wildlife Experts say to give it at least 12-24 hours to see if the mother returns in that time period.
If the mother does not return to the wild animal, it is encouraged that the parent call FWC officials. Wildlife Experts strongly encourage that the animal never be handled or even touched by an untrained individual. The scent of the human on a wild animal can actually prevent the mother from ever wanting to return to its young. The mother tends to fear the animal because she may feel it is now tainted and will actually abandon it completely.
Coyotes happen to be one of those wild animals that seem to terrify us humans and we wouldn’t want to handle them anyway. However, if you were ever to come across one, experts say to be loud and obnoxious. The coyote is more than likely only following or watching you because their den is nearby, so be extra vocal to scare them off. They are one of the top wild animals that experts say to stay away from.
If you or your child is a wild animal lover, it is best to visit them in safe areas. Here at Wild Florida, we have our own Wildlife Park and Florida air boat rides which allows for maximum safety and excitement. Wild Florida’s Wildlife Park gives its guests the ability to watch, touch, and even feed some of Florida’s land-dwelling animals, as well as tropical birds. Our Wildlife Park is home to over 500 exotic species, and tickets are only $18.00 for adults and just $15.00 for children. Join in on the entertainment, visit Wild Florida today! Call 407-901-2563 for more information.
