Wildlife Management

Florida's wildlife and human populations are encountering each other more often than ever before, and the circumstances which create nuisance wildlife situations are as varied as the environment of Florida itself. 

Nonnative species do not belong in Florida. Some do not cause many, if any, problems. Others, however, are invasive, meaning that they negatively impact native fish and wildlife, cause damage that is costly to repair, or pose a threat to human health and safety.

Green Iguanas

Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are an invasive species in Florida and are not native to our state. They can cause considerable damage to infrastructure, including seawalls and sidewalks. This species is not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law. Learn about species and regulatory information regarding the green iguana.

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FAQ's on Green Iguanas

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Coyotes

Coyotes help maintain balanced ecosystems by controlling the populations of rodents and smaller predators, such as foxes, opossums, and raccoons, which naturally occur in higher densities and can quickly overpopulate areas of habitat. Coyotes are native to North America, have been in Florida for many years, and will continue to make their homes around the state.

Removing coyotes for the purpose of eradication is an inefficient and ineffective method to control populations. New coyotes move into areas where others have been removed. Removal activities such as hunting and trapping place pressure on coyote populations, and the species responds by reproducing at a younger age and producing more pups per litter; populations can quickly return to their original size.

For more information on coyotes in Florida, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's page.


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Coyote Informational Presentation