February 2019 Report
In February 2019, Lake & Wetland aquatic technician, Jose and Steve Carbol presented to the community.
Download the entire presentation here
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Shortly after we issued the warning of an Alligator sighting, the Florida Wildlife Fish and Conservation Commission (FWC) captured and removed the threatening creature from the front pool area. This experience should remind us that Alligators are a feature of Florida wildlife and seasoned Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, but the potential for conflict always exists.
Alligators are sighted in Rainberry Lake nearly every year although most are relatively small and only stay for a few days. These creatures are generally in search of food sources or a mate, with the mating season running from March through June. They often lurk near water’s edge, waiting for prey to approach. Residents should keep their dogs on a leash (RBL Rules require that dogs be leashed at all times), and not let children play near the water.
If a gator is sighted, keep your distance and call the FWC Alligator Nuisance Hot Line at 866-392-4286
THE HARLEQUIN CORALSNAKE IS DEADLY POISONESS.
The eastern coral snake is found throughout Florida, including the upper Florida Keys. Although the eastern coral snake is the only recognized species of coral snake in Florida, there is an occasionally recognized subspecies called the south Florida coral snake.
If the snake has a black nose, it’s a Coral Snake. That’s a good hint.
Remember this “Red touches Yellow – Kill a Fellow, Red touches Black, Won’t Kill Jack”.
Green iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species due to their impacts to native wildlife. Like all nonnative reptile species, green iguanas are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law and can be humanely killed on private property with landowner permission. This species can be captured and humanely killed year-round and without a permit or hunting license on 32 public lands in south Florida.
Effective April 29, 2021
Green iguanas were added to Florida’s Prohibited species list. Learn how this impacts pet owners and other entities.
Information Sources: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/green-iguana/
The Cane toad also known as the Bufo, Marine Toad or Giant Toad is a large amphibian that is considered an invasive species to Florida. The body of a Cane Toad is usually 4 to 9 inches in size and is tan, reddish-brown to grayish-brown. It’s back is marked with spots and will have large, triangular parotoid glads on the shoulders. Unlike native Southern Toads, they do not have ridges or crests on top of the head.
How does the Cane Toad toxin affect animals and humans?
The skin-gland secretions from a Cane Toad is called Bufotoxin. It is highly toxic and can be lethal to wildlife and pets that try to consume or bite them. Once bitten or swallowed, the symptoms of poisoning include, but are not limited, to excessive drooling and extremely red gums, head-shaking, crying, loss of coordination, sometimes convulsions and can lead to death. The toxin can also effect humans by irritating your skin and eyes.
How to care for your pet once an encounter has happened?
What you do immediately after the incident is crucial to the outcome of your pet’s safety. Veterinarians recommend to first wiping your pet’s tongue and gums with a cloth. Secondly, wash your pet’s mouth out with water for approximately ten minutes. The goal is to rinse the mouth, tongue and gums without letting your pet swallow the water. If your pet is large, use a hose. If your pet is small, put him in the sink and use the facet or sink sprayer. Lastly, after rinsing your pet’s mouth, take him to the nearest veterinarian.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences outlines the above items in an instructional video. Click here to view this video.
Can I remove Cane Toads from my property? The answer is yes.
Cane Toads are not protected in Florida, except by anti-cruelty laws and can be removed from private property year-round. The Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) encourages the extermination of Cane Toads from private properties. Captured Cane Toads cannot be relocated and released elsewhere. Hired wildlife trappers are available to assist with the removal of these toads, which can be found by searching online. Homeowners may also remove Cane Toads from their property. Click here to find out more about how to humanely euthanasia Cane Toads.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences outlines removing Cane Toads with an instructional video. Click here to view this video.
Information Sources: Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Florida Trend, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
The Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea) and the Eastern chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia reticularia) are two subspecies of chicken turtle that are native to Florida.
They’re named after the taste of their meat.
These turtles are similar in appearance to painted turtles, sliders, and many other pond turtles. However, its striped neck is unusually long, and its shell features a net-like pattern
Information Sources: https://www.boxturtles.com/florida-turtles
The Florida softshell is found throughout the entire state of Florida, and the southern regions of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.
This is the largest softshell turtle species in North America, averaging at 6 to 30 inches and 6 to 15 pounds.
Florida softshell turtles may be differentiated from other Florida-native softshells by their very dark brown or olive green carapace (upper shell).
Information Sources: https://www.boxturtles.com/florida-turtles
As of January 17, 2019, the following wildlife species were incidentally observed and/or
heard in or flying above the project site, using the site’s habitat for cover, feeding, nesting,
breeding or roosting behaviors. All records are from direct observation unless otherwise noted.
Human-introduced exotic species are denoted by an asterisk*. (see attached report)
In February 2019, Lake & Wetland aquatic technician, Jose and Steve Carbol presented to the community.
Download the entire presentation here
Contact Lake Board Vice President
George Jonson to volunteer