LIVING IN A WILDLIFE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY may bring all kinds of new experiences.  Know that most of the time, Nature has a plan to take care of itself. 

At the bottom of this tab you will find A SERIES OF DOCUMENTS for all kinds of different animals you may encounter. Always remember that wildlife is just that -WILD!  To avoid injury you should educate yourself on the proper steps to take to be a good neighbor.

Normally, the best rule is to leave the creature (incuding babies) alone if it does not appear injured. Particularly fawns -because the mom may leave the baby for a few days, before returning to provide care.  The best thing to do is simply keep your pets (and yourself) away from the animal.

ALLIGATORS are some of the most magnificant, and dangerous animals, you will find here in Solivita. Be advised: If where a body of water exists there is typically an alligator. Do not allow children or pets alone next to any body of water.  They may mistake you them for a small mammal of prey, with tragic results.  Otherwise alligators do not present any danger when swimming in or lying on the side of a pond. They really are more afraid of you than you are of them and even large gators will quickly retreat at the sight of a human.  This behavior can change, particularly if the alligator has been fed by humans.

DO NOT FEED AN ALLIGATOR - EVER. State law and Solivita regulations prohibit feeding.  Feeding an alligator endangers every resident. Leave them alone, and they will diligently avoid contact with you.  If you see baby gators you have likely come across a nesting area.  There is real danger there. Momma will be nearby, and female alligators are very protective. STAY AWAY. Keep your pets and children away from the banks of any body of water, even small ones.

Most people don't know that alligators are nocturnal and communte between water areas at night.  Be cautions when walking or jogging after dark or before dawn.  You could be surprised by a gator in the grass, on a sidewalk or street. If you find an alligator on your doorstep, or your driveway or lawn... be patient.  It is not trying to break in or attack you.  The alligator has lost its way to the pond.  Given some time it will regain its bearings and disappear. 

BELOW is some contact information if you find an injured animal:

WILDLIFE EMERGENCY

Florida Wildife Commission

Statement on Reporting Sick or Injured Animals

         Click on link above

 

 St Charles Veterinary Hospital

Davenport, Polk County

863-438-6600

 Swamp Girl Adventures Reptile Rehab

Kissimmee, Osceola County

321-624-2502

 Woodland Wonders Wildlife

Rehab Center

Auburndale, Polk County

863-968-6790

 Genesis Zoological Center

Auburndale, Polk County

863-965-8706

 Wildlife Rehabilitator

St. Cloud, Osceola County

407-791-5613

 Critter Creek Wildlife Rescue

Lakeland, Polk County

863-934-2745

 Back To Nature Wildlife Rescue

Orlando, Orange County

407-568-5138

 Central Florida Wildlife Center

Orlando, Orange County

321-297-9617