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BACKYARD CORRIDORS "Greenway Super Highway" FOR WILDLIFE
SHARE YOUR YARD WITH THE WILDLIFE -- PLANT A NATIVE HABITAT. Use native species only and help provide our wildlife with the diet they need.
Do Not use pesticides or herbicides in your yard. These poisons kill birds and other animals that live in your yard. They also poison your pets and children who play on the treated soil. Flush the yard with a low phosphate soap-and-water mixture to get rid of the bugs.
Plant as many trees as possible -- create your own micro-forest. Planting more trees today means cleaner air and more wildlife habitat for the future.
Put up bat houses to control mosquitoes. Use Skin-So-Soft to repel mosquitoes for humans and pets.
Plant your own square-foot garden. Use yard debris and food scraps to make your own compost.
To keep bugs out of the garden, put flour in a paper bag with holes in the bottom and sprinkle garden daily. Also use plants which are natural insect repellents (Chrysanthemums, Golden Seal, etc.).
Put up bird houses, squirrel boxes and feeders for your backyard wildlife community.
Feed wildlife seeds and fruits, never bread. Bread impacts in the crops and stomachs, causing the animal's intestines to become blocked. This can lead to serious problems and even death.
Support and protect urban "Greenways" in the city. These patches of trees, fields, alleys, etc. serve as mini wildlife habitats that offer protection and nesting sites.
Do Not cut trees or shrubs in the spring -- doing so may bring down a nest. Do it during late winter, before "Baby Season", which typically begins in March.
If you have opossums in your neighborhood, you are very lucky. These animals are our only native marsupial (mama carries the babies in a pouch) and are immune to the poisons of our native snakes. They eat rodents, snakes and bugs. They are very afraid of people, and when cornered, will put on a vicious act before playing dead. Because of their incredibly efficient immune systems, this animal does not carry rabies.
If you live near water or are just visiting a lake or river, pick up any trash or discarded fish line. Animals become entangled and will drown, or can starve to death hanging from a tree. Sometimes they mistake a flashy piece of trash for a fish and will become very sick if they ingest it.
Oil, antifreeze and other toxic substances are deadly to animals if ingested. If there is an accidental spill, use sand to absorb it, then dispose of properly.
SHARE YOUR YARD WITH THE WILDLIFE -- PLANT A NATIVE HABITAT.
Use native species only and help provide our wildlife with the diet they need.
Do Not use pesticides or herbicides in your yard. These poisons kill birds and other animals that live in your yard. They also poison your pets and children who play on the treated soil. Flush the yard with a low phosphate soap-and-water mixture to get rid of the bugs.
Plant as many trees as possible -- create your own micro-forest. Planting more trees today means cleaner air and more wildlife habitat for the future.
Put up bat houses to control mosquitoes. Use Skin-So-Soft to repel mosquitoes for humans and pets.
Plant your own square-foot garden. Use yard debris and food scraps to make your own compost.
To keep bugs out of the garden, put flour in a paper bag with holes in the bottom and sprinkle garden daily. Also use plants which are natural insect repellents (Chrysanthemums, Golden Seal, etc.).
Put up bird houses, squirrel boxes and feeders for your backyard wildlife community.
Feed wildlife seeds and fruits, never bread. Bread impacts in the crops and stomachs, causing the animal's intestines to become blocked. This can lead to serious problems and even death.
Support and protect urban "Greenways" in the city. These patches of trees, fields, alleys, etc. serve as mini wildlife habitats that offer protection and nesting sites.
Do Not cut trees or shrubs in the spring -- doing so may bring down a nest. Do it during late winter, before "Baby Season", which typically begins in March.
If you have opossums in your neighborhood, you are very lucky. These animals are our only native marsupial (mama carries the babies in a pouch) and are immune to the poisons of our native snakes. They eat rodents, snakes and bugs. They are very afraid of people, and when cornered, will put on a vicious act before playing dead. Because of their incredibly efficient immune systems, this animal does not carry rabies.
If you live near water or are just visiting a lake or river, pick up any trash or discarded fish line. Animals become entangled and will drown, or can starve to death hanging from a tree. Sometimes they mistake a flashy piece of trash for a fish and will become very sick if they ingest it.
Oil, antifreeze and other toxic substances are deadly to animals if ingested. If there is an accidental spill, use sand to absorb it, then dispose of properly.
WILDLIFE & THE GREAT OPEN ROAD
Deer, raccoons and other animals are nocturnal and often forage for food along the roadways at night. This often puts them in danger of being hit. If there is no oncoming traffic, set your headlights on high to increase roadside visibility.
At night, watch for red or gold reflective orbs alongside the roadways -- they may be animal eyes. Be aware that if one animal is sighted, others may be near. This is especially important during the summer months, when baby animals are following their mothers.
Be very cautions in undeveloped urban areas. For animals, this is all the safe habitat they have left in which to hide, forage for food and live.
Pay attention to the orange and black "Wildlife Crossing" signs -- these are known "Wildlife Corridors".
If you know of an unmarked wildlife crossing area, please contact the Department of Transportation and take responsibility to have a sign placed.
If you see an animal along the road ahead, slow your vehicle, flash your headlights and tap the horn. Be aware that a frightened animal may panic, turn in circles, run towards your car or in the opposite direction than expected.
When you see an animal dead on or alongside the road, slow down and look around carefully. Other animals feed on roadside carrion, or it could be a mother with young near.
If you wish to help save wild lives, carry a box, old towels and blanket with you in the trunk of your car. This emergency kit will help you rescue injured animals to take to the nearest rehabilitator or vet.
If an animal is hit unavoidably, stop to see if the animal is still alive. If so, and it can be done safely, place the animal in a box and call the Game and Fish Commission for a rehabilitator's phone number. When traveling away from home, most veterinarians work with or know rehabbers, so look for a Animal Clinic.
There is a new product on the market that attaches to your vehicle bumper. We don't know how effective it is or the statistics on it, but anything to save wild lives is worth trying. This device emits a high-pitched whistle only heard by animals when the vehicle is moving.
AMAZING FLORIDA WILDLIFE FACTS
Florida has the third-largest population of wild birds in the U.S.
The southern tip of Florida is our nation's only tropical hardwood forest, and can also be considered a "Jungle".
The Everglades is the largest freshwater marsh in the U.S. 65% of the original area of the Everglades has been drained.
Florida is losing 19 acres of natural habitat per hour. Since 1950, developers have drained 54% of Florida's wetlands.
87% of Florida's Longleaf Pine forest has been destroyed. In Central Florida, 80% of the ancient Scrub Forest has been eliminated.
Only 10% of Florida's sandy beaches are still pristine.
Florida has 760 species of wildlife that exist nowhere else in the world.
In Florida, 548 species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction.
Florida's percentages of decline in wildlife population: 60% of mammals; 54% of birds; 48% of reptiles; 28% of fish; 19% of amphibians.
The Florida Panther is the third most Endangered Animal in the world.
The Panther is our state animal and we have less than 50 left in the wild. Approximately 1,250 Florida Black Bears still survive in the state. The estimated number of manatees is 2,000+; there may be less than 300 adult American Crocodiles, and only 200-300 Key Deer still survive.
Florida has the largest population of Bald Eagles in the Continental U.S.
50% of Florida's wildlife species are declining because of habitat loss. This is the number-one cause of extinction today.
From 900-1,000 people move to Florida each day. For each new resident, an estimated one-half acre of wildlife habitat is cleared and destroyed.
Globally, three species a day become extinct -- and the number is increasing.
In 1989, the Dusky Seaside Sparrow became extinct. The last male died a lonely death. Extinction means Forever.
Due to the large amount of agricultural and industrial chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) used in the State of Florida, the wildlife food chain is horribly contaminated. This factor reduces the wildlife life span by as much as 50% (Agent Orange was used on Florida waterways during the 1960s and 1970s).
Do Not use pesticides or herbicides in your yard. These poisons kill birds and other animals that live in your yard. They also poison your pets and children who play on the treated soil. Flush the yard with a low phosphate soap-and-water mixture to get rid of the bugs.
Plant as many trees as possible -- create your own micro-forest. Planting more trees today means cleaner air and more wildlife habitat for the future.
Put up bat houses to control mosquitoes. Use Skin-So-Soft to repel mosquitoes for humans and pets.
Plant your own square-foot garden. Use yard debris and food scraps to make your own compost.
To keep bugs out of the garden, put flour in a paper bag with holes in the bottom and sprinkle garden daily. Also use plants which are natural insect repellents (Chrysanthemums, Golden Seal, etc.).
Put up bird houses, squirrel boxes and feeders for your backyard wildlife community.
Feed wildlife seeds and fruits, never bread. Bread impacts in the crops and stomachs, causing the animal's intestines to become blocked. This can lead to serious problems and even death.
Support and protect urban "Greenways" in the city. These patches of trees, fields, alleys, etc. serve as mini wildlife habitats that offer protection and nesting sites.
Do Not cut trees or shrubs in the spring -- doing so may bring down a nest. Do it during late winter, before "Baby Season", which typically begins in March.
If you have opossums in your neighborhood, you are very lucky. These animals are our only native marsupial (mama carries the babies in a pouch) and are immune to the poisons of our native snakes. They eat rodents, snakes and bugs. They are very afraid of people, and when cornered, will put on a vicious act before playing dead. Because of their incredibly efficient immune systems, this animal does not carry rabies.
If you live near water or are just visiting a lake or river, pick up any trash or discarded fish line. Animals become entangled and will drown, or can starve to death hanging from a tree. Sometimes they mistake a flashy piece of trash for a fish and will become very sick if they ingest it.
Oil, antifreeze and other toxic substances are deadly to animals if ingested. If there is an accidental spill, use sand to absorb it, then dispose of properly.
SHARE YOUR YARD WITH THE WILDLIFE -- PLANT A NATIVE HABITAT.
Use native species only and help provide our wildlife with the diet they need.
Do Not use pesticides or herbicides in your yard. These poisons kill birds and other animals that live in your yard. They also poison your pets and children who play on the treated soil. Flush the yard with a low phosphate soap-and-water mixture to get rid of the bugs.
Plant as many trees as possible -- create your own micro-forest. Planting more trees today means cleaner air and more wildlife habitat for the future.
Put up bat houses to control mosquitoes. Use Skin-So-Soft to repel mosquitoes for humans and pets.
Plant your own square-foot garden. Use yard debris and food scraps to make your own compost.
To keep bugs out of the garden, put flour in a paper bag with holes in the bottom and sprinkle garden daily. Also use plants which are natural insect repellents (Chrysanthemums, Golden Seal, etc.).
Put up bird houses, squirrel boxes and feeders for your backyard wildlife community.
Feed wildlife seeds and fruits, never bread. Bread impacts in the crops and stomachs, causing the animal's intestines to become blocked. This can lead to serious problems and even death.
Support and protect urban "Greenways" in the city. These patches of trees, fields, alleys, etc. serve as mini wildlife habitats that offer protection and nesting sites.
Do Not cut trees or shrubs in the spring -- doing so may bring down a nest. Do it during late winter, before "Baby Season", which typically begins in March.
If you have opossums in your neighborhood, you are very lucky. These animals are our only native marsupial (mama carries the babies in a pouch) and are immune to the poisons of our native snakes. They eat rodents, snakes and bugs. They are very afraid of people, and when cornered, will put on a vicious act before playing dead. Because of their incredibly efficient immune systems, this animal does not carry rabies.
If you live near water or are just visiting a lake or river, pick up any trash or discarded fish line. Animals become entangled and will drown, or can starve to death hanging from a tree. Sometimes they mistake a flashy piece of trash for a fish and will become very sick if they ingest it.
Oil, antifreeze and other toxic substances are deadly to animals if ingested. If there is an accidental spill, use sand to absorb it, then dispose of properly.
WILDLIFE & THE GREAT OPEN ROAD
Deer, raccoons and other animals are nocturnal and often forage for food along the roadways at night. This often puts them in danger of being hit. If there is no oncoming traffic, set your headlights on high to increase roadside visibility.
At night, watch for red or gold reflective orbs alongside the roadways -- they may be animal eyes. Be aware that if one animal is sighted, others may be near. This is especially important during the summer months, when baby animals are following their mothers.
Be very cautions in undeveloped urban areas. For animals, this is all the safe habitat they have left in which to hide, forage for food and live.
Pay attention to the orange and black "Wildlife Crossing" signs -- these are known "Wildlife Corridors".
If you know of an unmarked wildlife crossing area, please contact the Department of Transportation and take responsibility to have a sign placed.
If you see an animal along the road ahead, slow your vehicle, flash your headlights and tap the horn. Be aware that a frightened animal may panic, turn in circles, run towards your car or in the opposite direction than expected.
When you see an animal dead on or alongside the road, slow down and look around carefully. Other animals feed on roadside carrion, or it could be a mother with young near.
If you wish to help save wild lives, carry a box, old towels and blanket with you in the trunk of your car. This emergency kit will help you rescue injured animals to take to the nearest rehabilitator or vet.
If an animal is hit unavoidably, stop to see if the animal is still alive. If so, and it can be done safely, place the animal in a box and call the Game and Fish Commission for a rehabilitator's phone number. When traveling away from home, most veterinarians work with or know rehabbers, so look for a Animal Clinic.
There is a new product on the market that attaches to your vehicle bumper. We don't know how effective it is or the statistics on it, but anything to save wild lives is worth trying. This device emits a high-pitched whistle only heard by animals when the vehicle is moving.
AMAZING FLORIDA WILDLIFE FACTS
Florida has the third-largest population of wild birds in the U.S.
The southern tip of Florida is our nation's only tropical hardwood forest, and can also be considered a "Jungle".
The Everglades is the largest freshwater marsh in the U.S. 65% of the original area of the Everglades has been drained.
Florida is losing 19 acres of natural habitat per hour. Since 1950, developers have drained 54% of Florida's wetlands.
87% of Florida's Longleaf Pine forest has been destroyed. In Central Florida, 80% of the ancient Scrub Forest has been eliminated.
Only 10% of Florida's sandy beaches are still pristine.
Florida has 760 species of wildlife that exist nowhere else in the world.
In Florida, 548 species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction.
Florida's percentages of decline in wildlife population: 60% of mammals; 54% of birds; 48% of reptiles; 28% of fish; 19% of amphibians.
The Florida Panther is the third most Endangered Animal in the world.
The Panther is our state animal and we have less than 50 left in the wild. Approximately 1,250 Florida Black Bears still survive in the state. The estimated number of manatees is 2,000+; there may be less than 300 adult American Crocodiles, and only 200-300 Key Deer still survive.
Florida has the largest population of Bald Eagles in the Continental U.S.
50% of Florida's wildlife species are declining because of habitat loss. This is the number-one cause of extinction today.
From 900-1,000 people move to Florida each day. For each new resident, an estimated one-half acre of wildlife habitat is cleared and destroyed.
Globally, three species a day become extinct -- and the number is increasing.
In 1989, the Dusky Seaside Sparrow became extinct. The last male died a lonely death. Extinction means Forever.
Due to the large amount of agricultural and industrial chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) used in the State of Florida, the wildlife food chain is horribly contaminated. This factor reduces the wildlife life span by as much as 50% (Agent Orange was used on Florida waterways during the 1960s and 1970s).