by Rick O'Connor | Apr 10, 2015
The American Alligator is an icon in the state of Florida. Viewed on the program “Swamp People” and as the mascot of the University of Florida, most visitors to our state view this animal more on television than in the wild; but they are certainly there. In need of mates and calories from the lack of eating over the winter, alligators and other reptiles become more active this time of year. Visitors and residents alike should be a little more cautious.
Alligator basking on the Escambia River; photo: Molly O’Connor
Like most predators, alligators seek food that will provide them energy. Generally predators will target prey that will cost them very little energy to capture and kill. Obviously small alligators will feed on small prey but adult alligators feed on smaller prey than many think. Fish, turtles, snakes, small mammals and birds make up the bulk of their diet. If the opportunity presents itself, and they do not have to expend too much energy, alligators will certainly take larger mammals and birds.
For humans the bigger problem has been the loss of pets and livestock. Small dogs are certainly easier prey than a human, and with the loss of habitat encounters with humans and their pets have increased. Since 1948 FWC has estimated about 300 alligator attacks on humans directly, less than 10% of these were fatal. As more alligators are forced into suburban areas more encounters have occurred. In the last 10 years 16,000 nuisance alligator calls have been reported to the FWC. As with other wildlife, like coyotes, many of these animals are living in ditches and other watering holes where they seek fish and turtles. However if we visit such places, particularly with our pets, these animals may certainly make an attempt to grab them. If you feel an alligator is a nuisance and could be a potential problem you can call FWC at (866) FWC-GATOR; (866) 392-4286). Folks should be aware that FWC does not relocate nuisance alligators, they will be destroyed. Currently FWC issues about 7000 permits for alligator control across the state.
A couple of safety notes if you live near waterways with alligators.
- Do not swim in these locations at night; alligators are more active hunters between dusk and dawn
- Try to discard fish remains after cleaning in another location besides the water; if these locations have a few alligators they will certainly learn this habitat and hang around the boat ramp more.
- DO NOT FEED alligators; help us let visiting tourists know this and that it is illegal in our state. Alligators fed by humans will eventually lose their natural fear of us and this could bring on problems.
These are awesome animals. We should better understand their natural history so that we can exist with them. For more information on alligators in your area contact your county extension office.
by Rick O'Connor | Apr 10, 2015
These curious ancient animals have been roaming the waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico for over 450 million years. Though they appear dangerous they are quite harmless and are actually more closely related to spiders and scorpions than crabs. Horseshoe crabs are not as common in Pensacola as they are in Panama City and Port St. Joe areas, but once were once found here and occasionally still are. Many coastal states have been concerned by the decline in their numbers. In the Chesapeake area where they were once very common, horseshoe crabs are harvested for their copper-based blood and also as bait for eel fishermen. The copper-based blood contains lysate which has been used to detect bacterial contamination in many drugs, as well as use for the diagnosis for some diseases.
The ancient horseshoe crab. Photo UF/IFAS Communications
Though there is a fishery for them in Florida, the issue with most locals is just the loss of a really neat animal that has been around longer than the dinosaurs,. This time of year, near the full moon, horseshoe crabs begin to gather near nesting beaches to mate and lay eggs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking locals and tourists who find a horseshoe crab to report it. They are interested in sightings of both adults and juveniles (less than 4” in length), the date seen, the time, the location, and type of habitat if possible. To report you can visit their website (www.MyFWC.com), email at FWRI@horseshoe@fwc.state.fl.us , or call 1-866-252-9326
If you have any questions contact your county Sea Grant Agent for more information.
by Rick O'Connor | Mar 21, 2015
What many have been waiting for… spring is here! HAPPY EQUINOX EVERYONE!
Today’s photoperiod will be 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness – equinox. Many cultures around the world celebrate this and many ancient cultures built great structures to celebrate the event. It is also a time that many forms of plants and wildlife on our barrier islands begin to awaken and become more active.
The spring equinox sunrise over Santa Rosa Island, March 21
Fog rolling over the Gulf of Mexico in the early morning.
You might remember in our January edition of this series we showed the low angle of the sun over the Gulf on a January morning. Here we see the sunrise is slightly higher. The equinox is a special time of year for many. Moving form the cooler winter temperatures to the milder spring we typically will find water vapor condensing near the earth’s surface forming fog. This first morning of spring was no different. As the day warmed quickly the fog “burned off” producing a fabulous sunny warm day for all.
The spread toes of the opossum make identifying this track easier.
Armadillo digs are evidence of night time insect raid by this animal.
We did not see any live mammals moving across the dune fields but we did see plenty of tracks of the presence. We could identify at least 4 different types of creatures moving across the dune faces with all sorts of crossing patterns indicating these longer warner days have them moving. After lying dormant during the colder months it is time to find food, and for some, mates. Many of the mammals on the barrier islands are nocturnal in habit but may be spotted in the early mornings or late afternoons.
Tracks of an ATV moving across a dune face near the sound side of the island.
The mysterious unknown drag.
We were not sure whether this ATV track was from an official vehicle checking on something or from a local who did not want to walk all the way to the sound, but we would remind everyone that vehicles such as these are not allowed on the dunes and can cause much damage. I have been hiking this area for years and this is the first vehicle track I have seen in a long time. If you are interested in fishing the sound and can not access by boat, there are other locations on the island where the walk is much closer. Please consider walking there.
We once again we found the “mysterious drag” mark. Each month since I began this series we have found these drag marks near one of the salt marshes. Each time it appears that something has either crawled or has been dragged from the water to the top of a small sand ridge and then… abruptly stops. Not sure… have not been able to find claw marks, tail drags, etc. Just what you see in the photo above. We are going to find out though!
The bloom of a black berry.
The scarring of seagrass but a propeller.
For early spring we did not see many blooming plants. Last month the beach heather (Conradina) began to bloom, and much of it was in full bloom this month, but the only other bloom we found was that of the dewberry, called blackberry by many locals. This plant will eventually produce sweet berries which is enjoyed by many animals on the barrier islands… including hikers.
Prop scars are a common site during the summer months and the fact that we saw several today indicate that many are “itching” to get their boats out and enjoy our bay. Prop scars are problem though. Seagrasses are an important ecosystem in our local estuaries. They provide food and shelter for a great variety of marine creatures including commercial important ones. In general seagrasses have declined in our state over the last few decades. Causes include increased turbidity, decrease in salinity, increase in sedimentation (all caused by increase runoff), and damage such as prop scarring. Many of lawn grasses can grow after being mowed too low but they are, at times stressed and take time to recover. This is the case with some species of seagrass. Turtle grass, one of the more common found in our sound, can take several years to recover from severe scarring. We know that boaters want to “bring her up on the beach” for a day in the sand and sun, but avoiding seagrass beds when doing so benefits the local marine life.
The burrows of fiddler crabs.
The crown conch.
On this early spring morning we did not find a lot of wildlife moving in and near the salt marshes. Gone were the cannonball jellies we had seen in the winter and there were no dead fish from cold stress on the beach. We did find the burrows of the common fiddler crab. These small crustacean digs burrows down to the water table where they end in a chamber. These chambers are half filled with water and keep their gill chambers moist. During high tide the fiddler crab will block the entrance of the burrow with sand and wait it out down in the chamber. When low tide arrives they emerge to feed on organic material within the sand, forming round pellets that resemble coco-puffs, and socialize. Fiddler crabs are very social and form large groups which remind one of the great herds of buffalo on the plains of the 19th century. The males have one claw (cheliped) larger than another. They use this to “wave” at the females and rub their legs to generate sounds to attract her. They use their small cheliped for feeding. They are popular prey item for creatures like shorebirds, fish (if they venture into the water), raccoons, and terrapins.
The Crown Conch is a common predator of our bays and bayous. This snail prefers higher salinities of 20 – 30 parts per thousand, which keeps them in the lower parts of our estuary, but there they are quite common. This time of year they begin moving along the shallow waters of grassbeds and salt marshes searching for other mollusk to feed on, they will also scavenge dead organisms. There are separate males and females in this snail who produce a linear string of egg capsules which they attach to seagrass, roots, rocks, or some other structure. They have their own predators, such as horse conch, who lurk in the deeper waters of the sound. Their scientific name, Melongena corona, describes their “crown” they appear to have. These can reach lengths of 8″ but most are much smaller. The larger ones are known to be cannibals.
Evidence of dogs on the beach.
The last thing we found on this first day of spring was evidence of dogs running the beach. Many people are dog lovers, including me, and there are areas on the island where dogs can enjoy the sand and surf. However they are not allowed on all beaches. There are several problems with dogs on the beach. One their feces, like all feces, harbors bacteria and piles such as this can easily be washed into the water. Increase in fecal coliform bacteria in the water column can be a health concern. Dogs outside of the areas where they are allowed can kill island wildlife. This time of year many species of shorebirds begin nesting on the sands of these beaches. Dogs in the area can cause the parents to fly off the nest leaving the eggs (or hatchlings) exposed to predators and extreme temperature changes. Many of our island shorebirds are protected species and need our help to assure as many young as possible survive. Finally, there will be other families following you… who wish to set up chairs and towels and have their kids play in the water and sand… they really do not want to encounter this. So please let you pet enjoy the beach but in areas where they allow it.
We will see what April brings to the beach.
by Les Harrison | Mar 20, 2015
The preying mantis is well equipped to thin the population of destructive insects.
The last two years have been kind to the insect population in north Florida, and 2015 appears to be continuing the trend. The weather has provided enough rain for those bugs which depend on the generous supply of foliage and the temperatures are returning to an agreeable range for population growth.
Stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs, grasshoppers, all sizes of caterpillars and many more are hatching bent on enjoying the lush and plentiful dining selections. Homeowners and gardeners may soon be plagued by the sudden appearance of hordes of hungry pest which are eyeing the menu choices at a residence’s landscape.
Fortunately, nature has a way of equalizing all situations when left to its own devices. With the increase of the plant eaters comes those insects which restrain their population explosions.
One of the most easily recognized predator insects is the praying mantis. This beneficial insect is actually a family with multiple members, some of which have been introduced to Florida.
While there are over 2400 mantis members worldwide, Florida is home to eleven natives. Two of those have been introduced from other regions, but are not considered invasive.
Mantises are thought to have evolved during the Cretaceous period about 100 million years ago, possibly from a predatory cockroach with similar front legs. Their closest surviving insect relatives are cockroaches and termites, both of which they will consume if given the opportunity.
Like many insects, the mantis is equipped with a tough, durable exoskeleton which provides a basis for successful close quarter combat and meal procurement. These hunters have three other advantages which create a severe vulnerability in their prey’s defense and potential for surviving a mantis encounter.
The mantis is an ambush predator which will lay in wait for the victim/meal to deliver itself. The mantis has the instinctive ability to identify and hide in areas with high amounts of prey traffic.
This insect is a master at stealth and camouflage. The creature’s coloration and linear shape allow it to blend into the many natural settings.
To complement this facility to conceal itself in plain sight, the mantis can hold perfectly still and patiently wait for the oblivious animal to bumble into sticking range. At that precise moment, the mantis is a blur of lethal motion.
The mantis’ forelimbs are a set of deadly spiked vices used to immobilize and secure its target. It extends these spiny levers forward in a raised position which appears as though it is in prayer, hence its name.
The intended kill technique is to impale and restrain the victim with a single stroke of the forelimbs while holding the victim securely to the mantis’ body. On occasion the attempt fails and the mantis has to apply a more direct approach.
This insect’s beak is designed for slicing and tearing its victims flesh. The jaws provide the power to effectively employ this means to its meal’s head.
Depending on its stage of life, the mantis will eat a wide variety of creatures. Early stage mantises will eat little flies and other tiny insect (including its siblings), but at maturity they will take on small reptiles and amphibians along with a variety of destructive insects.
Despite its vicious nature, the praying mantis is the soon-to-emerge answer to many gardeners’ prayers.
by Les Harrison | Mar 13, 2015
Resurrection ferns are found in many mature hardwood trees in north Florida. This fern is an air plant which prospers on skimpy amounts of water and plant nutrients.
One of the wonderful features of spring is the return of green to the branches of many trees in north Florida. Cypress, poplar, cherry and many others have been defoliated by the cool season which is now retreating.
Buds are breaking everywhere deciduous trees reside and changing the complexion of the landscape. Every day the browns and grays are giving way to intensifying shades of green.
Aside from the pines, magnolias and live oaks, there has been green in the branches of some hardwood trees which went through the winter. Resurrection ferns have remained green in their sheltered perches as the seasons change.
Pleopeltis polypodioides, the scientific name for this native fern, has easily flourished through the recent winter with sufficient moisture. This creeping, coarse textured fern is commonly found in the southeastern United State, but also in some African locations.
It has been commonly identified as a resurrection fern because it has the capacity to survive long periods of drought. During dry times the leaves brown and wither, but the roots and leaves survive by stingily conserving water.
When rains return this fern quickly regenerates by promptly circulating water to the leaves through the plants highly efficient vascular system. To the casual observer, it appears to return from the dead in about a day.
The resurrection fern is an air plant, or epiphyte, which attaches itself to other plants. It receives the necessary plant nutrients for growth from several sources.
Bacterial activity on the outer surface of its plant host’s bark is a major contributor. The outer bark layer of many plants and trees is in the process of being shed and is an ideal location for this fern to grow.
Other tiny particles of nutrients are delivered through rain water and on the breezes. Though meager in life sustaining supplies, the resurrection fern flourishes in this harsh environment where most plants would quickly die.
Though usually located on tree branches, resurrection ferns are sometime seen growing on rocks, bricks or deadfall logs. It is not rare to see this fern growing with another native epiphytic plant, Spanish moss.
This plant’s root system are tiny and shallow, as could be expected of a fern which grows on the outer layer of bark. It uses an intricate mesh of rhizomes which meander just beneath the bark’s surface.
These rhizomes are part of the ferns ability spread along the branches and colonizes new sites on the tree or plant. Periodically the roots will emerge on the bark’s surface and sprout leaves.
The other method of propagation and species preservation is through spores which are produced on the underside of the leaves. Most leaf tips have a mechanism to generate a high volume of tiny wind delivered spores.
During summer and early autumn, the spores ripen and are scattered on the prevailing breezes. While only a tiny fraction make it to a hospitable site, the ones which do quickly establish themselves.
So if 2015 produces a dry or wet summer, resurrection ferns will be here. If only other plants were as easy to tend.
by Rick O'Connor | Mar 6, 2015
This exotic snake was caught in a garage on Bayou Chico (Pensacola) – it did not belong to the homeowner. Photo courtesy of: Escambia County Animal Control
Now that we have completed National Invasive Species Awareness Week many readers have learned what NOT to do with their unwanted exotic pets… but what DO you do with them? Here are six simple suggestions for you to consider. Many professional herpetologists suggest similar options.
- Keep it This may sound a bit strange but it is actually an option. Many who purchase an exotic pet do so without the understanding of how large they may get, or expensive they are to maintain. However if the owner does a little homework you may be able to design, or purchase, a enclosure for your pet that will make them more comfortable, easier for you to handle, and less expensive to maintain.
- Find a new home This is the most popular option. Listing the animal on the internet or in the local paper may yield a person very interested in having and properly maintaining it… a win-win for all. Other options can include nature centers and schools where education on invasive species may find a place that needs and wants the animal. There are rescue groups for specific species which can be found on the internet.
- Return to the pet store Many pet stores will take pets they have sold back for resale. This is certainly a better option than releasing it but pet owners should understand that they will probably will not get their money back.
- Contact your local animal control office Our local animal control will not take exotic pets but some may, and most can, provide good advice as to local locations that may be interested in it.
- Contact your local state wildlife agency Most state wildlife agencies are very familiar with non-profits, nature centers, and other locations that will accept exotic animals. In Florida the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offer Amnesty Days where residents can bring their unwanted exotic pets to a central locations; FWC will then try to find them a new home. To find the nearest Amnesty Day to your home visit the FWC website at MyFWC.com.
- Euthanize Though for most pet homeowners this is not an option, for some it may be their only option. If you do plan to euthanize your pet you should do so only with a certified veterinarian.
Whichever option the pet owner chooses, releasing them into the wild is NOT a good option. In addition to being against the law it could be lethal for your pet or, if they do survive, economically or environmentally catastrophic for your community.
These ideas and suggestions were provided by Dr. Steve Johnson, University of Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology, and the Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. For more information on what to do with unwanted exotic pets please visit their websites.
Fight Panhandle invasive species by visiting our action articles.
An unwanted green iguana now resides at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center where others can learn about the issues of exotic pets. Photo: Molly O’Connor
