Climate Change is Pushing Florida’s Wildlife Into Your Backyard – Here’s What Every Homeowner Should Know

Florida homeowners are encountering wild visitors more frequently than ever before. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said they have experienced a more than 30% increase in human-animal encounter calls just in the last few years. This surge isn’t coincidental – it’s a direct result of climate change reshaping Florida’s landscape and forcing wildlife to seek new homes, often right in our neighborhoods.

How Climate Change is Displacing Florida Wildlife

Climate change is fundamentally altering Florida’s ecosystems in ways that push animals closer to human settlements. There are three main climate change threats in Florida: More intense rain events, which leads to greater flooding; more coastal flooding — both from storm surge and high tides; and more heat and wildfire risk. These environmental pressures are creating a perfect storm that drives wildlife into residential areas.

Some wildlife species will need to move north to escape higher heat and saltwater intrusion into South Florida’s Everglades. For example, the Florida black bear is being forced to move north to escape higher temperatures caused by climate change. However, habitat fragmentation blocks these migratory escape routes.

The situation is compounded by Florida’s explosive population growth. As the state’s population continues to surge by 1,000 new residents a day, it is projected to lose 3.5 million acres of land to development by 2070, threatening Florida’s future ability to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services. This development pattern creates what experts call “unplanned development that lacks rural buffers between wildlife-rich areas and suburban homes.”

Which Animals Are Moving Into Neighborhoods

Florida homeowners are encountering a diverse array of wildlife species seeking refuge from climate pressures. More homeowners are coming face-to-face with animals in Florida – like bears, coyotes, raccoons and alligators – among many other wild species on land and in the water.

The most commonly reported encounters include:

• Florida black bears searching for food sources
• Alligators moving into residential water features
• Raccoons and opossums adapting to suburban environments
• Sandhill cranes nesting in neighborhoods
• Various bird species seeking new habitat

Sandhill cranes, alligators and other species, such as raccoons, opossums and deer can adapt to and even thrive very close to our residences – if we allow them. However, many Floridians, especially new residents, are inexperienced with wild animal neighbors or are scared by their presence.

The Human Factor: Why Development Patterns Matter

Experts said it is likely from over development in rural areas as the population grows, and from non-natives moving into Florida and not knowing how to co-exist with our wildlife. “As we see more poorly planned development sprawl out into wild places, that not only means the destruction of habitat for species, but it also means more interactions between people and wildlife,” said Elise Bennett, the Florida director of the Center for Biological Diversity.

The problem is expected to worsen significantly. The Florida 2060 report projects that within the next 50 years, Florida’s human population will more than double. Without any changes in our land-use policies, the additional acreage converted to urban use also will more than double. This means not only loss of habitat and wildlife, but more encounters with wildlife that we don’t choose in this increasingly crowded world.

What Homeowners Can Do

Understanding that climate-driven wildlife encounters are becoming the new normal, homeowners need to take proactive steps to manage these interactions safely and humanely. The key is prevention and proper response when encounters do occur.

Loss of habitat, combined with unsecured trash or an easy meal, can attract wildlife into neighborhoods. Simple preventive measures include:

• Securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids
• Removing bird feeders and pet food from outdoor areas
• Eliminating water sources like leaky hoses or standing water
• Trimming vegetation that provides cover near homes
• Installing proper fencing around gardens and pools

When to Call Professional Wildlife Removal Services

While some wildlife encounters can be managed through prevention, others require professional intervention. For residents in areas like Morningside, professional wildlife removal in Morningside services become essential when animals take up residence in attics, under porches, or pose safety risks to families and pets.

Professional wildlife removal services, like those offered by ProControl Management Services in St. Lucie County, provide humane solutions that address both immediate concerns and long-term prevention. At ProControl Management Services we pride ourselves in providing fast, affordable and reliable pest control services. Since 2006 we have been providing Treasure Coast residents and local businesses with dependable pest control solutions. Our goal is to keep your home and business pest free.

The company specializes in comprehensive range of services, including rodent control, termite management, wildlife removal, and treatment for other common pests using safe, eco-friendly methods to treat termites, rodents, and more.

Looking Ahead: Adapting to Florida’s Changing Wildlife Landscape

As climate change continues to reshape Florida’s ecosystems, the interaction between humans and wildlife will only intensify. The report offers hope that there are actions public and private partners can take to keep Florida’s lands, waters and communities safe from the worst impacts of climate change. Protecting the FLWC not only shields wildlife from climate change and development, but also supports jobs, economies and ecosystem services such as drinking water and flood protection for people living both inside and outside the corridor.

For homeowners, the message is clear: climate-driven wildlife encounters are not a temporary phenomenon but a new reality requiring adaptation, understanding, and professional assistance when needed. By taking proactive measures and working with experienced wildlife management professionals, Florida residents can coexist safely with their wild neighbors while protecting both their homes and the state’s precious wildlife heritage.

The key to successful coexistence lies in education, prevention, and knowing when to seek professional help. As Florida continues to grow and climate change intensifies, having reliable wildlife removal services becomes not just convenient, but essential for maintaining safe, comfortable homes in the Sunshine State.